Accidental Marijuana Exposures in Ohio Kids Surge, Alarming Experts

A worrying trend is unfolding in Ohio as data reveals a steady increase in accidental marijuana exposures among children aged 12 and under. The Central Ohio Poison Center reports that these incidents have been climbing since medical marijuana was legalized in 2019. With recreational marijuana now legalized, health professionals anticipate the numbers will rise even more, raising concerns about the safety of young children in homes where cannabis products are present.

Kids Mistaking Edibles for Candy: A Growing Hazard

It’s becoming clear that edible marijuana products are posing a significant risk to young children.

“We’ve seen more than a fivefold increase in accidental exposures in kids five and under compared to five years ago,” says Natalie Rine, director of the Central Ohio Poison Center.

Children are often attracted to edibles because:

  • They resemble regular candies or snacks.
  • Packaging can be confusing and appealing to kids.
  • Lack of awareness among parents about proper storage.

Rine points out that these products can be easily mistaken for harmless treats by little ones who don’t know any better.

Symptoms to Watch For After Possible Exposure

If you suspect your child has ingested marijuana, there are specific signs to look out for.

Symptoms may include:

Symptom Description
Drowsiness Unusual sleepiness or difficulty staying awake
Fast Heart Rate Noticeably rapid heartbeat
Nausea and Vomiting Unexplained sickness or throwing up
Lethargy Lack of energy or unusual sluggishness

Rine warns that symptoms might not appear immediately. “It can sometimes take several hours after ingestion before signs show up, making it tricky to identify the cause,” she explains.

Legal Measures and Parental Responsibility

Ohio has strict rules to prevent accidental ingestion by children.

According to the Division of Cannabis Control:

  • Packaging must not be attractive to children.
  • No images of cartoon characters or candy-like appearances are allowed.
  • Edibles cannot resemble commercial candies or cartoons.

Despite these regulations, accidents are still happening. Rine emphasizes the importance of parents keeping marijuana products out of reach. “Storing them securely is crucial to prevent these scary situations,” she advises.

Anticipated Impact of Recreational Legalization

With the legalization of recreational marijuana this year, experts are bracing for a potential spike in exposures.

Rine notes, “We expected an increase with medical marijuana, and now with recreational use legalized, we’re preparing for even higher numbers.”

The concern is that more households will have marijuana products, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion by children.

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