COLUMBUS, Ohio-Data from the Central Ohio Poison Center indicates a significant increase in accidental marijuana exposures among children 12 and under since medical marijuana was legalized in 2019. In 2024, exposures in children under 5 are over five times higher than five years ago, and this trend is expected to rise with the recent legalization of recreational marijuana. Nearly 600 cases of accidental exposure have been reported this year, with three-fourths involving children under 5, primarily due to edible products like gummies that resemble candy. Natalie Rine, director of the Central Ohio Poison Center, emphasized that these products can be confusing for young children, leading them to mistakenly consume them.
