What to Do If Kids Accidentally Eat Cannabis
Immediate action is crucial if kids accidentally ingest cannabis. This guide outlines steps to take and provides essential information for parents and caregivers.
If a child ate an edible, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Do not wait for symptoms. Keep the child where you can see them. Note the time and, if possible, how much they ate. Call 911 if the child is unresponsive, having a seizure, or struggling to breathe.
What to Do If Kids Accidentally Eat Cannabis
Option 1: Call Poison Control
Poison Control is a free, 24/7 service staffed by nurses, pharmacists, and toxicologists. They handle pediatric cannabis exposures often and can tell you whether to watch at home or go to the hospital.
Pros
- Free and confidential.
- Available 24 hours a day, every day.
- Expert guidance specific to the child's age, weight, and symptoms.
- Can help you avoid an unnecessary emergency room visit.
- Follow-up calls to check on the child.
Cons
- You may be placed on hold during busy times.
- They cannot examine the child in person.
- They may still recommend going to the ER.
Use this option when the child is awake, breathing normally, and not having a seizure or severe vomiting.
Pediatric Cannabis Toxicity Case Studies
Option 2: Go to the Emergency Room or Call 911
Some cannabis edible exposures in children cause serious symptoms. Emergency care can provide oxygen, IV fluids, monitoring, and treatment for seizures or breathing problems.
symptoms of child ingesting cannabis
Pros
- Immediate medical evaluation and monitoring.
- Treatment for severe symptoms like seizures or breathing trouble.
- Blood tests and imaging if needed.
- Staff can watch the child for hours while the drug wears off.
Cons
- Emergency room visits can be expensive.
- Long wait times are possible.
- Possible exposure to other illnesses in the waiting room.
Use this option if the child is unresponsive, having a seizure, struggling to breathe, or if Poison Control advises it. Call 911 if you cannot safely transport the child.
What Not to Do
- Do not induce vomiting. It can cause choking and is not recommended for cannabis edibles.
- Do not give food or drink if the child is drowsy or having trouble swallowing.
- Do not leave the child alone.
- Do not wait for symptoms to get worse before calling for help.
- Do not give other drugs or home remedies to counteract the edible.
What to Expect
Symptoms from cannabis edibles often start within 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating. They can include sleepiness, unsteadiness, vomiting, agitation, fast heart rate, and confusion. Severe cases can involve seizures, slowed breathing, or coma. Symptoms can last many hours because the body processes edibles slowly.
At the hospital, staff may monitor the child for 4 to 12 hours or longer. Treatment is supportive. Most children recover fully with time and care. Some need IV fluids or oxygen. There is no antidote for THC, so the body must clear it on its own.
Preventing Future Edible Accidents
- Store edibles in a locked container, out of sight and reach of children.
- Keep them in the original child-resistant packaging.
- Never leave edibles on counters, in purses, or in nightstands.
- Treat edibles like any medication and use a lockbox.
- Tell guests and babysitters about the risk and where edibles are stored.
- Dispose of leftover edibles safely so children cannot find them in the trash.