
News reports from Pennsylvania show marijuana edibles are sending more children to the hospital.
Doctors say increased access to candy and snack foods laced with THC are to blame.
Children who accidentally consume THC-laced edibles often experience severe medical emergencies, including respiratory depression, seizures, and even coma. Nationwide, cases of edible cannabis exposure in children under 6 jumped from 207 in 2017 to 3,054 in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Across America, public health data shows marijuana products are sending kids to the emergency room.
Marijuana edibles often mimic popular foods, making it easy for children to confuse them with name-brand snacks. And because marijuana edibles may contain high concentrations of THC, the effects are much more dangerous — particularly for small children.
Heavy marijuana use is associated with an increased risk of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. This is particularly true for children and teens who are already at risk for these conditions.
And regular marijuana use also is linked to increased risks of certain cancers, birth defects, heart attack, and stroke.
All of this simply underscores what we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.