Brochure: How to help prevent cannabis poisoning in children
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(PDF format, 2 MB, 2 pages)
Organization: Health Canada
Published: 2023-03-XX
This page only includes information from the associated PDF brochure. For up to date information on how to recognize the signs of cannabis poisoning and what to do about it, visit Cannabis poisonings in children.
Know the signs and what to do
Accidental poisonings in children from edible cannabis products are a serious risk. Hospitals have seen an increase in visits to the emergency room and poison centres have seen an increase in calls.
Poisonings can be life-threatening, sometimes resulting in coma, being put on a ventilator, or in rare cases, even death.
Keep cannabis away from children
- Safely store your cannabis out of reach and locked away
- Keep edible cannabis separate from regular food and drinks
- Choose legal cannabis products, which:
- come in plain, child-resistant packaging
- contain no more than 10 mg of THC per package, to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning
- In contrast, illegal edible cannabis:
- can confuse children by mimicking popular brands of candies and snacks
- can contain very high amounts of THC, which increases the risk of severe cannabis poisoning
Know the signs of a cannabis poisoning
Symptoms can include:
- vomiting
- confusion
- unresponsiveness
- slurred speech
- unsteadiness on feet
- drowsiness/lethargy
- slowed breathing
- seizures (rare)
Suspect a poisoning?
- Call your local poison centre or 9-1-1 for emergencies
- Say that you suspect the symptoms are from cannabis. A quicker diagnosis can prevent serious harm to a child
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