Pediatric Cannabis Poisonings, United States Hospital Emergency Departments, 2018-2023

Abstract

This study estimated the annual number of pediatric cannabis poisonings and examined characteristics of patients and cannabis products involved. We reviewed case narratives and analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) among children 0-11 years. Our analysis identified 370 cases of pediatric cannabis poisoning, with most (90.5%) occurring in children 4 years or younger. 78% of identified products were cannabis edibles, primarily gummies. 45% were examined/treated without admission, 45% admitted/hospitalized, 5% held for observation, and 5% treated/transferred. By applying sampling weights, we estimated 8,429 pediatric cannabis poisonings presenting to U.S. hospital emergency departments from 2018 to 2023, with significant increases (by 461%) over this period. Findings suggest a sharp rise in pediatric cannabis poisonings, likely linked to the expanded cannabis market and proliferation of cannabis products resembling popular children\u27s snacks. Stricter laws/regulations and other preventive measures are needed to protect vulnerable populations from accidental cannabis ingestion