COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Doctors say more young children are getting their hands on marijuana this year, even before pharmacies began selling it for recreational use.
According to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, data from poison control centers in Columbus and Cincinnati indicate that cannabis use in the state is expected to increase 49 percent compared to last year.
“As access increases, so does the burden,” said Dr. Hannah Hays, chief toxicologist at Nationwide Children’s.
Dr. Hays said that in Ohio, at least one child under the age of 6 is exposed to cannabis every day, and that the NCH sees several cases each week.
The most common symptoms include dizziness, drowsiness and rapid heartbeat. In severe cases, seizures, coma and even respiratory arrest may occur, requiring ventilation.
So far in 2024, at least 838 cases have been reported, more than half of which involved edible products. The largest number of cases, 353, involved children aged 0 to 5 years.
This total is rapidly approaching the 2023 total of 1,070, with 410 cases in the 0-5 age group. The youngest age group has already exceeded the 2022 total.
As in 2024, edibles accounted for a large proportion of cases in previous years.
“I am most concerned about young children’s contact with food, as the products often look like food, candy or chips. And the packaging can contain very large doses,” said Dr. Hays.
Safe storage is key to preventing children from becoming infected. Dr. Hays recommends storing marijuana products in sealed containers high up, out of sight and out of reach of children.
If you think a child has been exposed to cannabis, you can contact the Poison Control Center for advice.
“If parents, caregivers or family members believe they or a loved one has been exposed to a poison or medication, they can call the Poison Center 24 hours a day at 1-800-222-1222 for free and confidential poisoning advice.”
