COLUMBUS, Ohio-Doctors are reporting a significant increase in cannabis exposure among young children in Ohio this year. Data from Nationwide Children’s Hospital indicates a 49% rise in such cases compared to last year, even before recreational marijuana was legally sold in dispensaries. From January to July 2024, poison control centers reported 204 cases of cannabis edible exposure among children under 6, nearing the total of 234 cases from the entire previous year. Symptoms of exposure include drowsiness, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures or respiratory failure. The increase is attributed to greater accessibility and the appealing appearance of cannabis edibles, which often resemble common foods. To prevent such incidents, experts recommend storing marijuana products in locked, out-of-reach containers. If a child is suspected of cannabis exposure, parents should contact poison control for guidance.
