Cases of cannabis poisoning have increased following the legalization of the drug, according to an analysis of more than two dozen studies. The risk of poisoning has gone up fourfold for children, who typically ingest cannabis through edibles such as gummies and other food products.
While most cases of cannabis poisoning are not life-threatening, excessive consumption can cause difficulties in walking, talking, and breathing. The main psychoactive component of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can also result in abnormal heart rhythms, comas, and seizures. In milder cases, individuals may experience nausea and confusion.
A review of 30 previously published studies conducted in the US, Canada, and Thailand examined the connection between cannabis legalization and poisoning cases. The studies focused on the legalization of medical cannabis, which requires a doctor’s prescription, and the legalization and decriminalization of recreational cannabis.
The findings revealed that in most instances where marijuana legalization occurred, there was a subsequent increase in reported cases of cannabis poisoning. The impact was particularly notable in regions where edible cannabis products were legal.
Nicholas Buckley, a researcher at the University of Sydney, expressed that it is not surprising for the incidence of poisoning to increase when the drug becomes more readily available. However, the extent of the increase is unexpected. On average, the risk of cannabis poisoning more than doubled for individuals of all ages and quadrupled for children.
One possible reason for the increase is the greater availability of cannabis after legalization, providing more opportunities for individuals to consume excessive amounts of the drug. The colorful packaging and marketing targeted at children are also concerning. Buckley questions why the production and packaging of medication and potentially harmful products that resemble candy or food are allowed in the case of cannabis.
To mitigate the risk of cannabis poisoning, the researchers recommend that parents educate themselves about the dangers and symptoms of cannabis poisoning, utilize child-proof packaging, and keep cannabis products out of children’s reach.
