Edibles the most common cause of cannabis poisoning in children, northern health unit warns

Edibles often look similar to treats, such as gummies or chocolates, making them attractive to children who don't realize what they are eating. (File)

The Timiskaming Health Unit is working with cannabis retailers across the district to remind residents to keep their cannabis out of reach of children to help prevent unintended poisonings.

Edibles often look similar to treats, such as gummies or chocolates, making them attractive to children who don't realize what they are eating.

"Ingesting cannabis is the most common cause of cannabis poisoning in children," the health unit said in a news release Wednesday.

"Edible cannabis products have a stronger effect on children because of their smaller body size. Children can develop difficulty breathing, agitation, drowsiness and coma from ingesting cannabis."

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In recent years in Ontario and across Canada, there has been an increase in the number of children hospitalized due to cannabis-related poisonings.

Most often, these events happen at home, prompting cannabis retailers and the health unit to act.

"Retailers will be distributing a limited number of lock bags and resources on how to store cannabis safely and out of reach of children," the release said.

"Edibles should be treated like any other dangerous household item."

“Legalizing cannabis was a move to help ensure a safe supply for those who consume” Kim Peters, public health promoter with Timiskaming Health Unit, said in the release.

“While there is a link between legalization and increased unintended childhood poisonings, we also know that some of the poisonings occur from non-regulated cannabis products.”

Kids can't tell the difference

Just as parents protect kids using items such as baby gates and keeping "household cleaners out of reach, you should treat cannabis the same," Peters said.

"Kids can't tell the difference between cannabis edibles and regular treats.”

The health unit recommends storing edibles away from regular food and drink, and in a locked container.

"Talk to friends and family members who consume edibles to make sure that they are storing them properly," the release said.

"Proper storage and education is a start, but stricter rules on packaging and the look and taste of edibles is needed to help reduce unintended childhood cannabis poisonings."

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