Colorado poison center marijuana exposure reports increased steadily from 2000 to 2014, stabilized after recreational legalization, but continued rising in children ages 0-8, particularly from edibles.
Public health officials in legalized states, pediatricians, parents in cannabis-legal jurisdictions, and policymakers designing product safety regulations.
Pediatric marijuana exposures (ages 0-8) continued rising after legalization
What the researchers found
Total marijuana exposures increased by 11.2 cases per year overall (p<0.0001) but remained stable from 2014-2017 (p=0.22), with a 19.4% increase in 2018 vs. 2017. Since 2014, the largest increase was in children ages 0-8 (p<0.0001). Edible exposures increased by 9.6 per year from 2015-2018 (p=0.04).
Why it matters
While overall marijuana exposures stabilized after legalization, the continued rise in pediatric exposures, especially from edibles, signals an ongoing child safety concern that regulatory efforts have not fully addressed.
The numbers in context
2,221 total exposures from 2000-2018. 11.2 cases/year increase overall. Stable 2014-2017. 19.4% increase in 2018 vs. 2017. Children 0-8: significant continued increase (p<0.0001). Edibles: +9.6 exposures/year 2015-2018 (p=0.04).
How the study worked
Analysis of 2,221 marijuana exposure cases reported to the Colorado Regional Poison Center from January 2000 through December 2018 using generic marijuana exposure codes. Trend analysis by age group and product type.
What this study cannot tell us
Poison center data captures only reported exposures, likely underestimating total incidents. Cannot determine severity from exposure counts alone. Single-state data may not generalize to other jurisdictions with different regulations.
How to read the evidence
Comprehensive poison center data spanning 18 years with clear trend analysis, but captures only reported exposures.
When this study was published
2020 study using data through 2018. Colorado regulations have continued evolving since this data was collected.
The bigger picture
Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis and serves as a bellwether for other jurisdictions. The pediatric edibles trend is a warning that child-resistant packaging and product regulations need ongoing attention.
Questions still open
- Have child-resistant packaging regulations since 2018 reduced pediatric exposures? How do Colorado's pediatric exposure rates compare to other legalized states? What types of edibles pose the greatest risk to young children?
Common questions
Did marijuana legalization cause more poison center calls?
Why are edibles a particular concern for children?
Read the original research
Marijuana exposures in Colorado, reported to regional poison centre, 2000-2018.
Injury prevention : journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention, 26(2), 184-186
Citation
Wang, George Sam; Banerji, Shireen; Contreras, Alexandra Elyse; Hall, Katelyn E. (2020). Marijuana exposures in Colorado, reported to regional poison centre, 2000-2018.. Injury prevention : journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention, 26(2), 184-186. https://doi.org/10.1136/injuryprev-2019-043360
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