CDC reports more children are visiting the emergency room related to marijuana use
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new data uncovering a concerning trend of emergency room visits related to marijuana use among individuals under the age of 25.
Accidental ingestion of cannabis can cause mild symptoms like slurring or slowed speech, slower movements, paranoia, heightened anxiety, and in more severe cases, seizures and coma, reports the Columbia University Irving Health Center.
Because children are smaller, they are more susceptible to adverse effects and their symptoms may be more severe than adults, the college reports, so it's important to ensure individuals of legal age are the only ones consuming the products.
According to the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information, there were 49 reported cases of accidental marijuana consumption among children 0 to 5 years old from 2010 through 2018.
After medical marijuana was legalized in Oklahoma in 2018, the trend continued in 2019 with 55 cases and soaring to 140 cases in 2020. The center said in 2021, that there were 196 accidental consumption cases in that age group, and that last year, the trend was still on the rise with 269 cases.
More: Marijuana businesses sue to block new fees that will cost the industry millions of dollars
How many kids in the US go to the hospital for marijuana-related emergencies?
The study found that children between the ages of 11 and 14 accounted for an average of 184 weekly emergency room visits across the nation due to cannabis-related issues. Additionally, children under the age of 10 made an average of 57 weekly visits in 2022.
Among individuals ages 11-14 years, the average weekly visits during the pandemic ranged from 69.8 to 209.3, compared to 90.5 to 138.5 during the pre-pandemic period.
One of the likely causes of young children ingesting marijuana is the similarity between edibles and food or candy, leading to accidental consumption. The CDC emphasizes the importance of safe cannabis storage practices in households to prevent unintentional ingestions.
More: Oklahoma producing 64 times more marijuana than licensed users consume, report shows
Marijuana-related emergency room issues rose during COVID-19 pandemic
The report also reveals that cannabis-involved emergency department visits among young people were higher during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2019. Notably, there were significant increases in emergency visit rates among children younger than 10 years old and individuals ages 11-14 years, with higher rates among females in the latter group.
CDC encourages adults to store cannabis safely out of reach
To address this growing issue and protect youths from the risks associated with cannabis consumption, the CDC suggests several public health practices.
For younger children, the CDC promotes storing cannabis out of reach or purchasing cannabis in child-proof packaging. With older youths in the home, the CDC recommends implementing evidence-based programs focused on coping with stressors for youth and young adults.
If you suspect a child has eaten a cannabis gummy, what should you do?
If your child ate something containing THC, call your doctor or the American Association of Poison Control helpline: 1-800-222-1222.
If the child is having difficulty breathing, is unconscious or showing other signs of serious distress, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Try to figure out how much the child consumed. Look at the container for dosage details.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: CDC reports more children visiting emergency room after marijuana use
