A disturbing trend is emerging in emergency departments across Ohio, where cannabis ingestion children cases have increased thirteen-fold since 2018. Medical professionals are sounding the alarm as youngsters, particularly those under five years old, accidentally consume marijuana-infused products that closely resemble ordinary confectionery.

The findings, detailed in a comprehensive study by Akron Children’s Hospital, reveal that cannabis ingestion children incidents have skyrocketed from just 47 cases in 2018 to 612 cases in 2024 amongst those under six years of age. The total number of exposures across all age groups jumped from 313 to 1,417 during the same period.

The Dangerous Disguise of Cannabis Products

Dr Eric Ligotski, who led the research team at Akron Children’s Hospital, emphasises the severity of the situation. The primary culprits behind accidental child marijuana consumption are cannabis-infused gummies, cookies, brownies, and drinks that bear striking resemblance to familiar treats.

“We’ve had patients admitted here to the general floor due to ingesting so much that they were vomiting,” Dr Ligotski explained. The Emergency Department has treated numerous children who accessed edibles belonging to parents, siblings, or other household members.

The study, titled “Temporal Association Between Cannabis Legalization and Intoxications in Ohio: A Statewide Poison Control Database Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis,” will be presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics national convention in Denver. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis of statewide poison control data spanning seven years, from January 2018 through December 2024.

Staggering Statistics Paint Worrying Picture

The research uncovered 5,387 cannabis exposures during the study period, with 34.8% occurring in children under six years of age. This represents a more than 1,200% increase in cannabis ingestion children cases amongst the youngest and most vulnerable demographic.

Ohio Poison Centers reported that over 800 children aged 12 and younger were exposed to cannabis in 2024 alone—a 52% increase from the previous year. Nearly all incidents involved marijuana edibles disguised as everyday sweets and baked goods.

The problem extends far beyond Ohio. Nationwide, America’s Poison Centers documented more than 18,000 cases of paediatric poisoning from marijuana edibles over the past two years, highlighting a growing public health concern tied to the expanding legalisation of cannabis across the United States.

Medical Consequences Can Be Severe

Whilst many assume accidental child marijuana consumption results in minor effects, the medical reality can be far more serious. Dr Ligotski notes there is no specific medication to treat cannabis ingestion—medical staff must rely on awareness of what the child consumed and preparedness for potential complications.

“If they ingest a really significant amount, then yes, there can be long-term damages,” he warned. Potential consequences include aspiration pneumonia from vomiting, severely decreased respiratory drive, and seizures—all of which can have detrimental outcomes.

Other symptoms observed in cannabis ingestion children cases include central nervous system depression, rapid heart rates, ataxia (impaired coordination), agitation, and respiratory distress. Young children are particularly vulnerable because they cannot distinguish between regular sweets and cannabis-infused products, nor can they regulate their consumption once they begin eating what they believe to be ordinary treats.

A Call for Preventive Action

Dr Ligotski advocates for incorporating marijuana safety discussions into routine paediatric wellness checks, alongside traditional topics such as dental hygiene, sleep schedules, and weapon storage.

“We do something that’s called ‘anticipatory guidance,’ just going over some things with the family about safety,” he said. “I think we need to start incorporating marijuana” into these conversations.

The doctor jumped at the opportunity to participate in the research because he recognised its relevance to modern paediatric practice. “It was something that can provide some groundbreaking numbers,” he noted.

His recommendations include implementing warnings on cannabis product packaging and integrating safety protocols into daily medical practice. Such measures could help prevent accidental child marijuana consumption before it occurs, rather than treating the consequences in emergency departments.

When Accidents Happen

Michele Mizda, manager of social work at Akron Children’s, clarified that not all cases of cannabis ingestion children incidents result in automatic referrals to authorities or child protective services.

“We believe accidents do happen and there are opportunities for education,” she said. The hospital takes an educational approach in most instances, recognising that proper storage and awareness can prevent future occurrences.

However, certain circumstances do warrant referrals, including findings of abuse or neglect, inconsistent accounts of how the ingestion occurred, history of prior ingestions, severe symptoms requiring intensive care admission, or existing child protective services involvement.

The Legalisation Factor

Ohio launched medical cannabis sales in 2019, and voters approved adult-use recreational cannabis in 2023, with sales commencing last year. The timeline correlates directly with the dramatic increase in accidental exposures amongst children.

Cannabis contains over 100 psychoactive compounds, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). It can be consumed through smoking, vaping, or eating, serving both recreational and medicinal purposes. However, the plant’s expansion into edible formats—particularly those resembling children’s sweets—has created an unforeseen risk.

The research team behind the study includes pharmacists Michelle Bestic and Sheila Goertemoeller, nurses Alysha Currie and Jonathan Colvin, and doctors Shan Yin, Hannah Hays, Danielle Maholtz, Michael T. Bigham, Sarah Z. Rush, Michael L. Forbes, and Jonathan H. Pelletier.

Protecting the Youngest Members of Society

The surge in cannabis ingestion children cases serves as a stark reminder that legalisation brings responsibilities extending beyond adult consumers. When products designed for adult use closely mimic items marketed to children, the potential for tragic accidents multiplies exponentially.

Parents, guardians, and anyone storing cannabis products in homes with children must treat these items with the same caution as prescription medications or household chemicals. Proper storage—in locked containers, out of reach and sight of children—is essential.

As more jurisdictions move towards cannabis legalisation, the Ohio experience offers valuable lessons. Without robust packaging requirements, clear labelling, and public education campaigns, vulnerable children will continue arriving at emergency departments after accidental child marijuana consumption.

The question facing policymakers, manufacturers, and families alike is whether adequate safeguards can be implemented before more children suffer preventable harm. Dr Ligotski’s research suggests the time for action is now, before the numbers climb even higher.

Source: CantonRep.com