Rising Child Marijuana Poisonings in the US: A Growing Crisis

The number of children poisoned by marijuana products has skyrocketed in recent years, with over 22,000 cases reported in 2024 alone. Many kids accidentally consume THC-infused edibles, often mistaking them for regular candy, leading to severe health complications like seizures and respiratory distress. Medical professionals warn that colorful packaging and lax storage contribute to the crisis.

Cases range from toddlers eating marijuana cookies to teens sharing gummies at school, resulting in hallucinations and emergency intubations. One mother described her daughter’s terrifying experience after consuming 50mg of THC, leaving her traumatized for years. Legalization has increased accessibility, but inadequate labeling and parental oversight exacerbate the risks.

Health officials emphasize that children require far smaller doses to suffer severe effects compared to adults. Incidents have led to criminal charges against caregivers and calls for better regulation. Meanwhile, elderly populations also face rising ER visits due to accidental overdoses, highlighting the broader impact of marijuana legalization.

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