Brochure: How to help prevent cannabis poisoning in children

Order a copy

You can also order copies by email: publications@hc-sc.gc.ca

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.

Suspect a poisoning?

1. Call 1-844-POISON-X (1-800-463-5060 in Quebec) or 9-1-1 for emergencies
2. Say that you suspect the symptoms are from cannabis. A quicker diagnosis can prevent serious harm to a child

Know the signs of a cannabis poisoning

Symptoms can include:

• vomiting
• confusion
• unresponsiveness
• slurred speech
• unsteadiness on feet
• drowsiness/lethargy
• slowed breathing
• seizures (rare)

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

Related information

• Cannabis poisoning in children
• Safe storage of cannabis
• Poster: Cannabis poisoning in children can be life-threatening