Cannabis Edibles: Help Prevent Poisoning in Children

Cannabis edibles are food or drink products that contain the chemicals found in cannabis. These edibles often look and taste like normal candies, chocolates, or baked goods. While Health Canada regulates legal cannabis edibles in Canada, many illegal products are also sold. Eating any of these products can result in poisoning and severe harm in children.

Mederror.ca learned about several school-aged children who became ill after eating illegal cannabis edibles. The edibles came in bright, colourful packaging that looked like popular candy or snacks. They were shared within the group. One child was rushed to the emergency department but, thankfully, recovered.

• If you are buying cannabis edibles, purchase them only from authorized retailers, to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.
  • Legal edibles are provided in plain, child-resistant packaging. For more information on buying legal cannabis: Reduce Your Risk: Choose Legal Cannabis (infographic) – Canada.ca
• Keep all cannabis edibles locked and out of reach. Talk to children about the risks of edibles. Explain why these items are unsafe.
• Know the signs of cannabis poisoning in children. These signs can include vomiting, confusion, slurred speech, unsteadiness, drowsiness, slowed breathing, and seizures (rare).
• Call 1-800-POISON-X (1-800-463-5060 in Quebec) or 911 if you suspect a poisoning. Say you suspect cannabis poisoning. A faster diagnosis can help to reduce severe harm.Poisonings can also be reported to Health Canada afterwards: Report a side effect to cannabis: Overview

For more tips to help you recognize and prevent poisonings:

• Accidental ingestion of illegal “copycat” edible cannabis products causing serious harm to children
• Cannabis poisonings in children – Canada.ca

This newsletter was developed in collaboration with patients and families.

Learning from consumer reports is shared with health care providers through ISMP Canada publications.