Cannabis-related poisonings are on the rise in the United States, with children and teenagers making up more than 75% of reported cases to poison control centers last year. As marijuana legalization and commercialization have expanded, cannabis edibles — often packaged like candy or snacks — have become more widely available. This has led to accidental ingestions, sometimes with severe consequences, including seizures, hallucinations, breathing problems, and even the need for ventilators. Reported incidents have skyrocketed from about 930 in 2009 to over 22,000 in 2023, with more than 13,000 causing documented negative effects. Although most exposures are not life-threatening, doctors warn that even small amounts of THC can cause serious health issues in children.

Several high-profile cases illustrate the risks. In Ohio, a group of fourth graders was hospitalized after eating gummies containing 50 milligrams of THC each, while in Florida, a 3-year-old experienced hallucinations after consuming a mislabeled cake pop containing 100 milligrams of THC. Children are especially vulnerable because of their smaller size, lower tolerance, and the higher potency of modern cannabis products compared to decades past. Physicians also note a concerning rise in ER visits among older adults after cannabis legalization in Canada, driven by slowed metabolisms, medication interactions, and unexpectedly strong products.

Experts say that clearer packaging, lower potency limits, and stronger public education are critical to preventing accidental cannabis poisonings. Some states have implemented THC caps for edibles, but in many places the limits remain high — often up to 100 or even 200 milligrams per package — and marketing can still appeal to children. While most patients recover within days, the symptoms can be frightening and traumatic. Public health officials caution that as cannabis products continue to proliferate, so too will the need for safeguards to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.

This summary is based on reporting by the New York Times: “Cannabis Poisonings Are Rising, Mostly Among Kids” by By Danielle IvoryJulie Tate and Megan Twohey, August 10, 2025. The original article can be accessed here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/10/health/cannabis-poisoning-children.html?smid=url-share