COLUMBUS, Ohio — Data from the Central Ohio Poison Center shows the number of accidental marijuana exposures in Ohio has steadily increased in children 12-years-old and under.
“Even since 2019 when medical marijuana was legalized, we started to see an uptick in these exposures,” Natalie Rine, director of the Central Ohio Poison Center, said.
So far in 2024, accidental marijuana exposures in children 5-years-old and under are more than five times what they were five years ago, according to the Ohio Poison Centers. Rine said they also expected an increase in these numbers with the legalization of recreational marijuana this year.
“By and large for older children, for adults, these products really aren’t that harmful. But when you start getting into the really little kids, they can cause some harm,” Rine said.
As of Oct. 10 of this year, there’s been nearly 600 accidental exposures of marijuana to children 12-years-old and under in Ohio. 75% of those cases involved children under the age of five.
Rine said its most likely edible marijuana products like gummies that children are getting into.
“These products are kind of confusing, they look like other candies and things that younger children especially are used to having, so it’s easier for them to mistakenly think it’s one of their usual snacks or candy when, in fact, it’s actually not,” Rine said.
According to the Division of Cannabis Control, Ohio’s rules strictly prohibit packaging that could be attractive to children, including images of cartoon characters or resembling candy. The edible itself also cannot resemble cartoon characters or commercial candy.
If you think your child may have been exposed, there are some symptoms Rine said to look out for.
“More often than not, you’re gonna see fast heart rates, they could be nauseated, vomiting, but they might be very, very drowsy, sleepy, much more than you would expect and harder to wake,” Rine said.
Rine added it can sometimes take several hours after a child ingests the products before symptoms appear, making it difficult for some to pinpoint what could be causing them. She added it’s important for anyone with these products in their home to keep them stored in a place where kids can’t access them.
“This is definitely a preventable issue and trying to take some of those measures would be very helpful,” Rine said.
Rine said if you’re ever unsure what to do if you think your child may have been exposed to marijuana, you can contact the 24/7 poison emergency hotline and speak with nurses and pharmacists who can advise you on the best course of action. The number is 1-800-222-1222.