What to Do If Your Child Eats Cannabis Edibles?

Keeping cannabis edibles at home with your children around needs a lot of extra care. It’s important to understand the potential dangers and how to respond if a child accidentally ingests cannabis edibles.

How Do Cannabis Edibles Affect Children?

When children accidentally consume cannabis edibles, they can experience a range of harmful physical and psychological effects.

These effects can be more severe than what adults experience, as children’s bodies are smaller and less able to tolerate THC or CBD.

Common symptoms include:

• Drowsiness and lethargy, which can make it difficult for the child to stay awake or alert
• Confusion or disorientation, causing them to act out of character or appear forgetful
• Dizziness or impaired coordination, which increases the risk of falls or injuries
• Nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.
• Increased heart rate or palpitations

In more severe cases, large amounts of THC/CBD can cause:

• Respiratory distress, including difficulty breathing or shallow breaths
• Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness
• Hallucinations or paranoia
• Unconsciousness, which can be a sign of a dangerous overdose

Children’s smaller size and developing body systems make them more vulnerable to these effects. They are also less likely to be able to communicate or manage the symptoms themselves.

Immediate Steps to Take if Your Child Eats Cannabis Edibles

If your child consumes cannabis edibles, your immediate response can help reduce the risks.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Assess the Situation

Determine how much of the edible your child has eaten, the strength of the edible (i.e., THC content), and how long ago it was consumed. The amount ingested will influence the severity of symptoms and how quickly they appear.

2. Stay Calm

While it’s normal to feel anxious, try to remain calm so you can make clear decisions. Panicking can make the situation more stressful for both you and your child.

3. Check Your Child

Keep a close eye on your child for any immediate symptoms. If they are signs mentioned above, such as drowsiness or confusion, it’s important to stay with them. Ensure that they are in a safe space where they cannot fall or injure themselves.

4. Contact Poison Control

If your child has consumed a cannabis edible, immediately call your local poison control center or a medical professional.

Provide as much detail as possible, including the type of edible, the amount consumed, and when it was ingested. Poison control specialists can guide you on the best course of action and whether you need to seek emergency care.

5. Seek Medical Attention if Necessary

In cases where the child’s symptoms are severe, such as trouble breathing, extreme lethargy, or unconsciousness, call a medical emergency right away.

Why Are Cannabis Edibles Dangerous for Children?

Many cannabis-infused edibles are designed to look like regular snacks that children are familiar with, such as gummy bears, chocolates, or cookies. This resemblance makes it easy for them to accidentally consume one, especially if the edibles are not stored properly.

The second issue is the potency of these edibles. Cannabis edibles have much stronger effects on children than on adults. While an adult may tolerate the effects of a small dose, a child’s smaller body size makes them more susceptible to overconsumption.

Prevention Tips to Protect Children from Cannabis Edibles

Store Edibles Out of Reach

Keep cannabis edibles in childproof containers and store them in a secure location that is inaccessible to children. Put them in cabinets with locks or childproof latches.

Label Edibles

Cannabis edibles should be clearly labeled to distinguish them from regular food items. This will help prevent accidental consumption if a child happens to come across them.

Educate Family Members

Make sure everyone in the household understands the importance of proper cannabis storage and handling. Educating children about the dangers of consuming unknown substances can also help reduce the risk.

Keep Track of Your Edibles

It’s a good practice to keep track of how many edibles are in your home and check their consumption. This helps ensure that edibles aren’t left lying around or accidentally misplaced.

Don’t Use Cannabis in Front of Children

While it may seem obvious, avoid using cannabis products in front of children. This can reduce the likelihood of them becoming curious and attempting to consume products they don’t understand.

Here are more ways to keep your cannabis safe from children.

Need Help with Safe Cannabis Use at Home? Contact TeleLeaf Today!

If you have questions about using cannabis products in your household, contact TeleLeaf. Our team can provide guidance on the best ways to store and use cannabis products to minimize risks, especially in homes with children.

Call us today and take the first step towards safe and informed cannabis use.