Accidental ingestion of cannabis candy by U.S. children has surged nearly 15-fold in recent years as more states legalize recreational marijuana use, according to a scientific study released Tuesday. became clear.
In 2017, health officials tallied more than 200 cases of cannabis-infused food ingested by children under the age of five, compared with more than 3,050 in 2021, according to the medical journal Pediatrics.
Often sold in the form of candies, chocolates and biscuits, it looks appealing to children, but can cause serious harm due to the low weight of the patient.
During the five-year study period, about 7,000 children were accidentally ingested without death, but about 8% required admission to the intensive care unit and about 15% were hospitalized.
The average age of the affected children was 3 years old.
The children’s symptoms included central nervous system depression, including falling into a coma, tachycardia, and vomiting. Intravenous therapy was given.
At the time of the survey starting in 2017, recreational cannabis was legalized only in 8 states + Washington in the United States, but by the end of May 2022, it was legalized in 18 states.
“These increases are likely related to more states allowing adult and recreational use of cannabis,” the study authors wrote.
With more than 90% of ingestion occurring in the home, researchers called for educating caregivers about the need to keep cannabis products in locked containers out of reach of children. rice field.
“Cannabis products should be in opaque containers and clearly labeled, not just in children’s containers,” the authors write. “In addition, products should have clear warning labels warning of overdose.”
While some U.S. states, such as California, have already taken such steps, there are no national laws on how cannabis products should be packaged.
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