Increase in Accidental Marijuana Poisonings Lead California to Propose Bans on Edible Candies
Both opponents and advocates of marijuana recognize the harm caused by accidental ingestion of cannabis products by children. Edible marijuana candies are of particular concern, as their size, shape, color, and taste makes them particularly attractive to children. Now, Governor Jerry Brown is considering legislation aimed at limiting those edibles which are likely to be accidentally ingested by children
The Increase in Accidental Marijuana Poisonings
A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined unintentional pediatric exposure to marijuana in Colorado both before and after its recreational use was made legal in that state. The study found that unintentional exposure cases increased more than five times between 2009 (before legalization, in which only 9 children were exposed) and 2015 (after legalization, in which 47 children were exposed). While these cases were only reported from one hospital facility in Aurora, Colorado, the entire state saw a greater increase in unintentional exposure cases than the rest of the country. Baked goods, popcorn, and candy products were involved in more than half of these accidental ingestions. Continue reading