Accidental Cannabis Ingestions in Young Children Have Surged 3,300%

Accidental ingestions of recreational drugs have increased by more than 3,300% among children younger than six years old over the last 25 years. What do the statistics say about this threat? Read on.

Accidental Cannabis Ingestions in Young Children Skyrocket

A new study published in the journal BMC Public Health is raising alarm about the dangers of accidental cannabis ingestion in young kids. Public health experts say that the problem is largely rooted in the increasing use of edibles, a form of the drug that looks more like candy or another sweet treat. The growing number of states that are legalizing edibles means that kids are more likely to find them in their homes.

Researchers looked at U.S. poison reports between 2000 and 2024 that were connected to accidental ingestions of recreational drugs in children under the age of six. The data noted over 41,000 ingestions during these 25 years, equating to an increase of more than 3,300%.

Nearly 85% of the accidental ingestions were traced back to cannabinoids. Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine accounted for roughly 8% of the ingestions. Psychedelics came in at 3.5%, opioids such as heroin and fentanyl accounted for 3%, and dissociative drugs were less than 1%.

Products with cannabis accounted for 77% of the ingestions. Of that number, roughly half were from edibles. While edibles are deemed to be safe for most adults in safe dosages, children have a much more difficult time processing this drug. Approximately 32% of the children had to be hospitalized after the ingestion. This figure includes 12% who were critically ill.  Six children died as a result of the accidental ingestion.

There is no doubt that the increased availability of the drug has contributed to the steep increase in ingestions by the youngest Americans. Over 20 states have legalized recreational marijuana use for adults, with most of the rest of the states allowing it for medical purposes. A 2024 survey found that nearly 25% of Americans used marijuana.

The physical similarities between edibles and candy make the product particularly attractive to young children. It is not unusual for kids to mistake the gummies, chocolates, cookies, brownies, and other cannabis-infused products for a sweet treat that is appropriate for them.

Almost half of the accidental ingestions happened in those two and under. This is not surprising, as curious toddlers are known for exploring their surroundings by putting objects in their mouths.

The study also found that the overwhelming majority of the ingestions happened in familiar settings. For example, 96% of these instances were reported at home.

How Cannabis Impacts Children

What happens to a young child's body when they ingest cannabis? Health care experts detail that the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis products can cause sleepiness, loss of coordination, confusion, vomiting, and changes in heart rate when ingested by small bodies. The most severe cases can lead to seizures, slowed breathing, unconsciousness, and coma.

It is easy to see how young children might ingest deadly amounts of THC. Most edible packages contain several pieces. A child who believes the edible is candy could potentially eat several pieces at one time.

As with adults, it takes time for the THC to pass through the digestive system and take effect. This means that the obvious symptoms are typically delayed for an hour or more, making it more challenging for an adult to connect the dots about what may be making the child ill.

Although cannabinoid ingestions are not as dangerous as other types of drugs in young children, accidental use is far more common. In other words, it is more likely that a child may pick up a few gummy edibles than ingest an opioid or heroin.

For instance, opioids were responsible for less than 3% of the ingestions in this study. However, over 27% of these accidental ingestions led to major negative impacts, with almost 30% resulting in admission to a critical care unit.

The synthetic opioid fentanyl was marked as being especially dangerous. Children who inadvertently ingested fentanyl were more than seven times likely to experience a major effect, and more than three times as likely to land in a critical care unit.

Public health experts are also warning parents about the worrisome increase in psychedelic ingestions. The growing popularity of psychedelics such as psilocybin and other types of mushroom products is driving the increase in these incidents. Like cannabis, some mushroom products are sold and marketed as chocolates and gummies.

What to Do if You Suspect a Child Has Swallowed an Edible or Another Drug

Caregivers should call poison control at 800-222-1222 the minute that they suspect an accidental drug ingestion. The 24-hour number will guide how to assess if the child needs to be evaluated by a medical professional.

Having the package on hand will assist the poison control helpline in determining the likely severity of the ingestion. Call 911 if the child loses consciousness or is in a deep sleep. You should also call 911 if the child is having a seizure or breathing difficulties.

Parents should store edibles and other drugs in the same manner as they would alcohol and medication. These substances need to be locked or completely out of reach so that children cannot access them. Never leave edibles or other substances in purses, nightstands, or in other places that children can access.

Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what's next.