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Ahead of National Poison Prevention Week March 16-22, NC Poison Control is issuing an alert about the increase in exposures of cannabis containing products like gummies, other edibles and cannabis vape products among children 12 and under.
In 2024, NC Poison Control managed 1,122 exposures to cannabis products — 42% of those cases involved a child under 13. In 2020, NC Poison Control managed 518 cannabis exposures with 27% involving children under 13.
Cannabis containing products, like edibles, can be dangerous to children because their smaller body weight makes them more likely to experience adverse effects. Signs of cannabis poisoning can include: severe tiredness, weakness, slurred speech, confusion, nausea, vomiting and trouble breathing. Cannabis edibles can also contain high levels of THC making the dose dangerous for children.
“We are concerned about the increase in cannabis cases among children over time that we’re seeing,” said Dr. Michael Beuhler, Medical Director of NC Poison Control. “Parents should know that a child can become sick after eating only one gummy.”
Consumers should also be aware that the exact amount of drug in a cannabis product may not always be indicated on the label. Additionally, safe storage can prevent childhood exposures.
“Cannabis containing products should be stored securely away from children, just like medications,” said Alexa Steverson, manager of communications & content development. “Children can be enticed by appealing packaging and can easily mistake edible products for familiar foods and snacks.”
If a child is exposed to a cannabis product, call NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate, confidential help.
NC Poison Control is the statewide poison control center serving North Carolina. NC Poison Control provides fast phone or chat assistance to the public and healthcare providers concerned about a suspected poisoning or who have a question about potential poisons.
Reach North Carolina Poison Control by calling 1-800-222-1222 or by chatting via www.NCPoisonControl.org. Nurses, pharmacists and doctors manage the calls and chats. In many cases, this help prevents unneeded Emergency Room visits. Help is provided free of charge around the clock. NC Poison Control is one of 54 poison control centers serving the U.S. and is certified by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.