Health officials are seeing a dramatic rise in unintentional marijuana ingestions by children in Ohio.
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A new report from Dayton Children’s Hospital reveals a major rise in emergency department visits for kids who accidentally ingested or were exposed to cannabis products. Since Ohio legalized medical marijuana in 2019, and with recreational use approved in November 2023 and effective as of August 6, the hospital has recorded a 571% increase in such visits from 2019 to 2023.
So far this year, Dayton Children’s Emergency Department has seen 66 cases of unintended cannabis ingestion in children, 13 of which have happened since recreational use became legal in August. Last year, there were 47 cases of accidental cannabis ingestion involving kids.
"Edible marijuana products can look just like regular candies and snacks, making them incredibly dangerous for children,” explained Abbey Pettiford, Injury Prevention Outreach Supervisor at Dayton Children’s. "Just one marijuana cookie or candy bar can contain several times the recommended adult dose of THC, leading to serious overdose effects in children.”
The hospital urges parents, guardians, and caregivers to store cannabis products out of reach and sight of children and recommends using a locking bag or box for safe storage.
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