Avoid accidental poisoning: Keep kids safe around THC edibles this Halloween
Shown are THC products that are available in Hillsboro. These examples show how similar they can look to regular snack foods. It isn’t hard to imagine a child accidentally eating a product packaged like this.
By Jared Warner, MEM, REHS
Highland County Health Commissioner
Hello, Highland County.
As Halloween approaches, I wanted to talk about something important. With legal cannabis/marijuana edibles being relatively new to Ohio, official statistics are scarce. However, Cincinnati Drug and Poison Control informed our health department staff that they receive approximately 2-3 daily calls regarding accidental THC poisonings involving children consuming edibles.
THC, the active ingredient in cannabis/marijuana products, causes drowsiness, impaired mobility, coma, and respiratory distress in children.
With Halloween around the corner, many homes will be filled with candy – and sometimes THC products can look just like the treats our kids love. This makes it easy for our kids to grab something they shouldn't while searching for snacks.
Many THC edibles are designed to be eaten slowly and in small doses. A package of THC gummies might instruct adults to consume two gummies. Children, however, may consume the entire package, leading to significant health effects.
To prevent accidents with THC products, please be extra cautious. Store any THC products out of reach, and ideally in a locked cabinet. This is going to be especially important during Halloween, where lots of unfamiliar candy and food might end up in your house.
If your child accidentally consumes THC, call the Cincinnati Drug and Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the child is having seizures or is unconscious, call 911 immediately. More information is available at the Drug and Poison Control Center: https://www.ohiopoisoncenters.org/product/marijuana-thc-edibles-toddler…;
For tips on installing locked cabinets or drawers in your house, check out: https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/kids-and-babies/Chi…;
This is new territory for our health department, so as we learn more about this topic, we will update and share these guidelines. We are actively talking to our state legislature about better rules for packaging so the risk of accidental child poisoning is reduced.
Please lock up your recreational and medical edible THC products. Stay safe this Halloween.