Medical experts are raising alarms about a troubling rise in cannabis gummy poisonings among children, with severe health repercussions such as lethargy, seizures, and cardiac arrest. Reports from America’s Poison Centers reveal that the number of cannabis poisoning incidents involving minors has grown dramatically, increasing from 930 cases in 2009 to over 22,000 in 2024, with 75% of these cases involving children. This dramatic increase has sparked concerns about the safety of THC-containing products and the need for greater awareness and preventive measures.
Cannabis gummies have gained popularity in recent years as a convenient and tasty option for adults seeking relief from pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleep issues. However, their appeal extends to children due to their candy-like appearance, making them particularly hazardous. Melissa Johnson, a licensed clinical social worker and the senior clinical director at Victory Starts Now in Los Angeles, expressed concern over the rising number of gummy cannabis poisonings, noting that companies often market these products in a way that could be enticing to children. Dr. Darria Long, an emergency physician and member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board, confirmed that multiple children require medical treatment for such issues each week, emphasizing the danger of gummies due to their potential for large-scale ingestion by young children.
Long explained that the severe health risks stem from the fact that children often consume an entire bag of gummies—approximately 10 adult servings—leading to potentially life-threatening situations. Symptoms can include lethargy, difficulty breathing, seizures, and even cardiac arrest. The treatment for such overdoses varies depending on the severity of the case, ranging from the use of respiratory machines and electrical pacing for heart rate issues to IV medication, including epinephrine to prevent cardiac arrest or drugs to cease seizure activity. In severe cases, cannabis gummy poisoning can result in coma, death, or long-term complications such as memory, attention, and problem-solving difficulties, according to experts.
Dr. Margret Chang, a pediatrician at UMass Memorial Health’s Tri-River Family Health Center, emphasized that while one exposure is unlikely to cause severe effects if appropriate medical care is received, the risk escalates significantly if the gummies contain illicit substances like fentanyl or cocaine, which are often added to enhance the product’s appeal. THC remains in a child’s system longer than in adults, with some cases requiring up to 24 to 36 hours for stability. Parents are urged to be vigilant and familiar with the signs of THC ingestion, such as sedation, difficulty breathing, and confusion, to ensure timely medical attention.
Experts advise that it is best to avoid keeping THC-containing products at home, and if they are stored, they should be treated like any prescription medication, using baby-proof containers and keeping them out of reach and sight. Additionally, they recommend using products from registered dispensaries to avoid contamination with illicit substances. Riana Durrett, director of the Cannabis Policy Institute, noted that while the increase in child poisonings is concerning, the data suggests youth use is decreasing in states with cannabis legalization. She called for more details on the source of the products and how children accessed them to develop more effective responses or policy changes.