Growing number of adults are turning towards marijuana, which has resulted in an increase in cases of marijuana poisoning among young children.
According to recent reports, children between the ages of 3 and 5 are responsible for nearly 50% of all calls to poison centers regarding marijuana ingestion. This alarming trend is often attributed to the consumption of THC-infused edibles, such as gummies, which are becoming increasingly popular.
According to Josh Mickelson, the community health director of Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft District Health Department (LMAS), there has been a significant surge in Michigan concerning unintentional consumption of products containing THC among children under the age of five. In his statement, he highlights that these products bear an uncanny resemblance to actual food items, both in packaging and color, making them easily accessible to young children. These products come in various forms such as cookies, candies, mints, and drinks, which are commonly found in households, further exacerbating the issue.
Children who have ingested marijuana may display various symptoms of poisoning, including slurred speech, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and intense sleepiness. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary due to symptoms such as trouble breathing, seizures, hallucinations, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, central nervous system depression, and coma. The severity of marijuana poisoning can be influenced by several factors, including the potency of the product, the amount of product ingested, and the weight of the child.
According to Mickelson, the effects of the substance can persist for several hours, with younger children experiencing more severe symptoms that may necessitate hospitalization for observation and intravenous fluids. The long-term consequences remain uncertain since there have been no extensive studies conducted, even with data gleaned from poison control centers.
Local health departments all over Michigan are taking steps to reduce the incidence of marijuana poisoning among young children. One such department is LMAS, which is actively promoting education and safe storage practices for marijuana.
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In 2018, a bill was passed to legalize marijuana. A year later, in December of 2019, the decision was still in effect.
Since 2008, medical marijuana has been legal in the state and today, around the same time, it was launched.
Mickelson, a representative of LMAS, reveals that there is currently no available data regarding the quantity of young children who are admitted to emergency rooms within their service area.
Between 2020 and 2022, there has been a significant 75% increase in the number of THC-poisoned children aged 5 and below. Similarly, for children aged 6 to 13 years old, the numbers have increased by 60%.
If parents suspect that their child has consumed a marijuana product, Mickelson advises them to immediately get in touch with the poison control center. It is important to take this step even if the child does not display any visible symptoms.
According to an expert, if you suspect that a child may have ingested marijuana or start showing symptoms related to it, seek medical attention right away. It is important to note that the effects of ingested marijuana may take longer to manifest compared to other forms of use. It is possible that symptoms may not appear until 30 minutes to a few hours later, and they could be quite severe by that point. Additionally, the duration of symptoms may vary depending on the child’s metabolism.
At LMAS, we provide home visiting programs with the aim of educating parents about safe storage of marijuana products. Additionally, we offer prevention education in schools and communities across the four counties.
According to Mickelson, their educational programs on product labeling begin in the third grade and emphasize the importance of distinguishing between candies and cookies from potentially hazardous items. In addition, their harm reduction and peer recovery initiatives focus on educating individuals on safe storage practices for marijuana and other materials. As part of this effort, clients are provided with locking pill bottles, medicine boxes, and gun locking kits to ensure that marijuana products are kept out of children’s reach. Many clients have already taken advantage of these resources to protect their families and promote responsible usage.
These four counties, namely Crawford, Lake, Mason, and Oceana, are located in Michigan.
As part of its efforts to promote responsible marijuana use, DHD#10 offers marijuana lock boxes to families. Through its “Keep kids safe – lock up marijuana” campaign, the organization has erected billboards and disseminated information to parents, grandparents, and other adults who play a role in children’s lives. The campaign aims to educate adults about the importance of keeping marijuana out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion and ensure their safety.
According to Angela Gullekson, a certified prevention specialist and public health educator at DHD#10, the act of promoting locking up marijuana involves keeping all marijuana products in a secure location that is out of sight and monitored.
DHD#10 not only educates the community about the potential dangers of marijuana poisoning in young children, but also conducts programs specifically designed for middle and high school students. Although tweens and teens are less likely to accidentally consume marijuana, its use can have detrimental effects on their developing brains. As per Gullekson, adolescence is a crucial period for brain development, which continues until the mid-20s.
According to Gullekson, the legalization of marijuana has led to its normalization in our communities. As a result, the perception of risk associated with the substance has decreased among children and teenagers. They no longer view it as a dangerous or unhealthy substance. Additionally, the fact that many people in their lives, including their parents, are also using marijuana further decreases the perceived risks associated with it.
As the prefrontal cortex matures, humans gain the ability to assess situations, make sound decisions, and manage emotions and impulses. It is crucial to build connections that are responsible for these necessary skills and abilities. However, marijuana use during the formative teen years can hinder this development.
According to Gullekson, the use of marijuana before the age of 18 can have a detrimental impact on the way vital brain connections are formed, which could result in permanent changes. The use of cannabis during this critical time can impair memory, attention, concentration, movement, time perception, cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, learning, coordination, and reaction time. Additionally, starting marijuana use at a young age may lead to a permanent reduction of up to eight IQ points.
According to Gullekson, individuals in the age range of 12 to 17 who consume marijuana have
At the same time, they are also present in the vicinity.
Individuals who struggle with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, psychosis, and substance use disorder (SUD) are at risk of being caught by the police with marijuana. In such cases, a conviction for Minor in Possession can result in the loss of federal financial aid for college.
Gullekson stresses the significance of keeping communication channels open with teenagers, particularly when discussing substance use. It’s crucial to establish an environment where such conversations can take place without hesitation.
According to Gullekson, it is important to provide your child with guidance, answer any questions they may have, and establish clear expectations and boundaries regarding drug use, including the consequences. It is also crucial to have a conversation about what to do if they find themselves in a difficult situation and are offered marijuana. By having these discussions, you can help your child make informed decisions and feel empowered to handle challenging situations.
During her sessions with parents, she focuses on discussing how to have age-appropriate conversations about the potential impacts of marijuana use. In addition to this, she offers practical advice on how parents can help their teens overcome peer pressure. She stresses the importance of letting teens know that they can always call their parents if they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation where drugs are present and need to escape.
It’s important to get to know your teenager’s friends and their families. This way, you can keep tabs on where your child is, what they’re up to, and who they’re spending time with. If your teen is hanging out at your house, it’s crucial to supervise their activities. As a parent, you should strive to be a positive role model and avoid using harmful substances in front of your children. Ultimately, it’s up to you to keep your kids out of harm’s way.
