New York sees spike in children ingesting edible cannabis, report says

Reports from the Upstate New York Poison Center indicate a significant rise in children, especially those five years old or younger, accidentally consuming edible cannabis products. According to Vincent Calleo, the medical director, the center went from receiving around seven calls in 2019 to approximately 211 cases in 2023 concerning such incidents. The increase highlights the growing issue of children mistaking cannabis edibles for regular candy.

Calleo emphasized the varying effects of cannabis on children, noting that while small doses might cause mild confusion or drowsiness, larger amounts can lead to severe health issues, necessitating hospital admission. The concern grows alongside the expanding cannabis industry, raising the likelihood of accidental pediatric exposures to these products.

To prevent such accidents, experts advocate for keeping cannabis products out of children’s sight and reach, using medication lock boxes, and urging regulators to ensure that edibles are not made in forms appealing to children. Calleo stressed that no amount of cannabis is safe for children, underscoring the importance of preventive measures and responsible consumption.