As cannabis legalization expands, unintentional pediatric cannabis ingestions are rising, with children potentially experiencing encephalopathy, coma, and respiratory depression from cannabis-containing products.
Parents, pediatricians, emergency physicians, and policymakers.
Cannabis can cause coma and respiratory depression in children
What the researchers found
Unintentional cannabis ingestions in children can cause significant toxicity including encephalopathy, coma, and respiratory depression. ED visits and poison control calls for pediatric cannabis exposure are rising in states with liberalized cannabis laws. Cannabis-containing products (edibles) are a particular risk for young children.
Why it matters
Pediatric clinicians in legalized states need to recognize cannabis toxicity quickly, as the presentation (altered mental status, respiratory depression) can mimic more serious conditions.
The numbers in context
No specific pooled statistics. Review synthesized trends in pediatric cannabis exposure data from multiple sources.
How the study worked
Narrative review of pediatric acute cannabis toxicity, covering recognition, evaluation, management, and counseling approaches.
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative review. Does not provide specific prevalence or incidence data. Focused on acute toxicity, not long-term effects.
How to read the evidence
Narrative review providing clinical guidance based on accumulated case data and expert opinion.
When this study was published
2019 review.
The bigger picture
The shift toward edible cannabis products creates particular risk for young children, who may mistake cannabis gummies, chocolates, or baked goods for regular food.
Questions still open
- Are current child-resistant packaging requirements adequate? Should cannabis edibles be required to look distinct from regular food products?
Common questions
What happens if a child accidentally eats cannabis edibles?
Are pediatric cannabis exposures increasing?
Read the original research
Acute Cannabis Toxicity.
Pediatric emergency care, 35(11), 799-804
Citation
Wong, Kei U; Baum, Carl R. (2019). Acute Cannabis Toxicity.. Pediatric emergency care, 35(11), 799-804. https://doi.org/10.1097/PEC.0000000000001970
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