Cannabis-related poisonings among children in New York are on the rise, with the Upstate New York Poison Center reporting more than 540 exposure calls in 2024. More than half of those cases involved children younger than 6 years old, many of whom ingested cannabis edibles that resembled candy or snacks.
“These gummies will come in packaging that has 10, 20, 30 doses,” said Dr. Molly Boyd, an emergency medicine physician at Albany Medical Center. “A high dose can cause acute toxicity with problems with the heart, breathing and brain — even seizures in pediatric patients.”
The Poison Center has seen a dramatic increase in pediatric cannabis exposures over recent years. In 2019, just seven cases were reported; by 2023, that number had jumped to more than 200 and continues to climb as New York’s cannabis industry grows.
Experts emphasize the importance of proper storage to prevent accidental ingestion. Michele Calida, operations director at the Upstate New York Poison Center, advises treating cannabis products like medication.
“The best thing you can do is treat any cannabis product that you have in your home the same way you would medication,” Calida said. “Keep it up high, locked away in a cupboard or lock boxes.”
Unregulated cannabis products sold outside licensed dispensaries pose additional risks due to unclear labeling and packaging that mimics popular snacks.
“It might look like a candy bar that you would buy that has candy in it,” Calida said, “but in fact, it’s just altered a little bit and has cannabis in it.”
Experts urge caregivers to act quickly if they suspect a child has consumed cannabis. If symptoms such as difficulty breathing or seizures occur, parents should call 911 immediately or contact the Upstate New York Poison Center at their toll-free helpline available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.
As New York’s cannabis industry expands, experts stress the need for stricter safety regulations and increased public awareness to protect vulnerable children from accidental exposure.
