The recent increase in accidental marijuana exposures among young children in Ohio is alarming, with cases in children aged five and under soaring to more than five times the numbers from five years ago. This troubling trend follows the legalization of medical marijuana in 2019 and the more recent approval of recreational marijuana.

Nicole Eisenberg, a research scientist with the University of Washington’s Social Development Research Group, notes that “most parents agree that marijuana should be off-limits to children and teenagers, but they want information and advice from trustworthy sources.”

Understanding the Risks

While marijuana products might pose limited risks to older children and adults, they can be significantly harmful to very young children. The majority of these cases involve edible products such as gummies, which often resemble sweets. This resemblance can easily confuse children into thinking they are consuming regular snacks, leading to unintentional ingestion.

The Need for Vigilance

Despite regulations that prohibit child-attractive packaging, these incidents continue to rise. Children can exhibit symptoms such as increased heart rates, nausea, vomiting, and severe drowsiness after exposure. It is crucial for parents and guardians to store these products securely out of children’s reach to prevent such occurrences.

Taking Action

To combat this preventable issue, increased awareness and proactive measures are essential. Guardians should remain vigilant and ensure that any potentially harmful substances are inaccessible to children. In the event of suspected exposure, contacting the 24/7 poison emergency hotline can provide crucial guidance from medical professionals.

With marijuana now easier to get, it’s important to think about the risks it might bring to young children. Keeping these products safely out of reach and staying aware can make all the difference in preventing accidents.

Source: 10tv