If a child eats cannabis, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away, even if the child looks fine. Do not wait for symptoms and do not try to make the child vomit. Edible effects usually begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion and can last 6 to 12 hours or longer in a small body.
How common is accidental cannabis exposure in children?
Pediatric cannabis exposures reported to US poison centers rose sharply after edible products became widely legal. Children under 6 account for most cases, and edibles such as gummies, chocolates, and baked goods are the leading source. These products look and taste like candy, so a child may eat several servings before an adult notices.
what to do if kids ingest cannabis
What are the signs a child ate cannabis?
Young children are far more sensitive to THC than adults because of their lower body weight. Symptoms can appear mild at first and then progress.
accidental cannabis ingestion by children
- Sleepiness, dizziness, or trouble staying awake
- Unsteady walking, clumsiness, or slurred speech
- Vomiting, nausea, or stomach pain
- Fast heart rate, flushed face, or dilated pupils
- Agitation, confusion, or a blank stare
- In severe cases: slow or shallow breathing, seizures, or unresponsiveness
What should you do right away?
- Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Specialists give free, confidential guidance 24 hours a day.
- Save the package, label, and any leftover product so the dose and THC content can be estimated.
- Keep the child calm and monitor breathing, alertness, and heart rate.
- Do not induce vomiting or give food, drink, or caffeine unless a medical professional tells you to.
- Call 911 if the child is hard to wake, breathing slowly, having a seizure, or turning blue.
When is it an emergency?
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for trouble breathing, seizures, a heart rate that seems very fast or very slow, or a child who cannot be roused. Bring the product packaging with you. Emergency care for pediatric cannabis exposure is supportive, meaning clinicians monitor breathing and vital signs while the drug clears.
How do you prevent accidental exposure?
Store every cannabis and hemp product the same way you store medication: locked, out of sight, and out of reach. Keep items in their original child-resistant packaging instead of moving them into snack bags or unlabeled containers. Avoid calling edibles candy or treats in front of children, and check guest bags and purses after visitors leave.
- Use a locking box for edibles, tinctures, vapes, and concentrates
- Store CBD and hemp products with the same caution as THC products
- Read labels for THC content, since some hemp-derived products contain detectable THC
- Discard leftover edibles safely when they are no longer needed
Should children use CBD or THC products?
Children should not use cannabis or CBD unless a physician recommends it for a specific medical condition. CBD can interact with prescription medications, and unregulated products may contain THC or contaminants. Always talk to a pediatrician before giving any cannabinoid product to a minor.