The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is urging parents and guardians to be extremely vigilant to the dangers of cannabis edibles and the accidental consumption of those products by children, as we approach Halloween.
These edible cannabis products, such as jelly sweets, contain the psychoactive cannabis component known as THC for short (tetrahydrocannabinol). Six children under the age of ten have reportedly been hospitalised this year, having accidentally consumed products that contained THC, which looked like normal jelly sweets.
THC Cannabis in Jelly Sweets
Jelly sweets and other edible products which have significant amounts of the illicit narcotic drug THC are becoming more widely available. The main problem is when children unwittingly eat these. Many of the products have been packaged to look like popular brands of regular products.
In addition to the kids’ cases, there have also been reports of teenagers falling seriously ill, and in some cases requiring hospitalisation, after having seizures and becoming unconscious from overdosing on these cannabis edibles.
The Danger to Kids is High
According to the FSAI, high concentrations (up to 50mg/jelly) of THC in these illicit edible sweets can pose a serious health risk, particularly to kids and teens of all ages. Neurological, physical and physiological development could be impacted negatively.
Depending on the THC concentration, eating one of these jellies can mean ingesting a level of THC that is 5-10 times higher than that inhaled when smoking cannabis.
We all know that eating one sweet out of a packet and stopping at one is unlikely when it comes to things that look like “sweets” so if children eat more than one, overdosing is a very likely result.
The other problem is that, unlike smoking cannabis where the person feels an immediate effect, there is at least a 30 minute time delay from consumption of cannabis edibles until the initial effects are felt.
Cannabis toxicity can cause cognitive and motor impairment and in the case of children this can be extreme, lasting up to 24 to 36 hours after consumption.
What to Do and Where to Find Out More
Adults and/or teenagers may be ordering these illegal products from online or other illegal sources for their own personal use. However, by not understanding the real health dangers of these products or being careless/reckless about leaving them out and available to kids, younger children can be at real risk if they access and consume the products.
Obviously, first thing is to make sure products like these are never accessible to kids or teens.
Parents and guardians should also be extra vigilant during festivities such as Halloween where parties will be underway, and the risk of accidental consumption of these products is considerably higher.
If you are concerned that your child may have ingested products, then the National Poison Information Centre has a helpline number (01) 809 2166 and they can advise on medical attention as well.
If you want more information on this news or to contact the FSAI, click here.
About the Author: Jill Holtz
