THE GROWING RISK OF EDIBLE MARIJUANA PRODUCTS
In recent years, the cannabis industry has seen significant growth and diversification, particularly with the advent of edible products. Further, the amount of THC in marijuana has also been steadily increasing over the past few decades. NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) has indicated that this increases a greater chance for harmful reactions. The legalization of marijuana has brought marijuana products into more communities and homes, without proper education about the dangers to our children for families. 24 states plus the District of Columbia currently have legalized the recreational use of marijuana as of February 2024, with another 14 states allowing the drug for medical use only.
Deceptive Packaging Resembles Popular Candy Brands
Marijuana-infused sweet treats like brownies, cookies, lollipops and gummies – as well as attractive products that mimic the appearance of well-known candy brands such as Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, Jolly Ranchers and Swedish Fish – have become increasingly popular. However, this trend poses serious risks, especially to children and adolescents who may mistake these potent products for ordinary sweets.
One of the main issues with marijuana -laced products is their deceptive packaging, which often very closely resembles the branding and coloring of popular candies. This not only appeals to adults who enjoy nostalgic treats but dangerously blurs the lines for younger individuals. The familiar look and taste make it difficult for children to discern these from their non-THC counterparts, leading to a significant risk of accidental ingestion.
Symptoms can range from dizziness and vomiting to more severe reactions such as anxiety attacks, hallucinations, and other distressing psychological effects. The potency of THC in these edibles is vastly higher than what would be found in natural cannabis, compounding the potential for adverse effects.
Alarming Increase in Poison Control Center Intervention
Emergency rooms have reported a significant increase in cases where children have ingested these high-THC treats, often resulting in severe intoxication or poisoning. The most significant increases were found in children younger than 11. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) raised an alert in 2021 about a staggering increase in pediatric edible cannabis exposures resulting in poison control center involvement: 207 cases n 2017 increased to 3053 cases in 2021. That’s an increase of 1375%! The AAP reported that roughly 97% of the children who encounter accidental digest of cannabis edibles require poison control center care.
Increased Burden on Community
This issue also presents a challenge for schools and legal authorities. Schools must now educate students and parents about the dangers of these products, which adds another layer to drug education programs. Legally, there’s a gray area concerning the marketing and packaging of these edibles, which in some regions might not strictly regulate the resemblance to non-cannabis products.
To combat these risks, stricter regulations are needed concerning the marketing and packaging of edible cannabis products. Packaging that clearly differentiates these products from regular candy and includes prominent THC content warnings could help mitigate accidental ingestions. Moreover, parents must be vigilant and educate their children about the dangers of unknown sweets, especially in environments where cannabis products are legal and might be found within the home.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, it’s imperative that safety regulations keep pace, particularly regarding products that could easily be mistaken by children for ordinary treats and candy. The increasing number of emergency room visits related to marijuana gummy ingestion is a clear signal that this issue needs immediate and decisive action. Education, regulation, and parental oversight are essential components in safeguarding our children from the hidden dangers posed by these seemingly harmless treats.
Learn more about what parents can do to help increase the safety of their children when marijuana products are in the home. Join NACoA and help raise awareness about these dangers threatening children in your community.
