In recent years, the cannabis gummy has become a popular way for adults to consume marijuana. Marketed as a discreet, tasty, and convenient alternative to smoking, these gummies are often used for pain relief, anxiety, inflammation, and sleep issues. While they provide benefits for many adults, experts are increasingly concerned about what happens when children get their hands on them.
Reports of accidental cannabis poisoning among minors have surged dramatically. According to America’s Poison Centers, the number of cases rose from 930 in 2009 to more than 22,000 in 2024. Alarmingly, more than 75% of all cannabis-related poisonings last year involved children.
Melissa Johnson, a licensed clinical social worker and senior clinical director at Victory Starts Now in Los Angeles, said she isn’t surprised. “Companies are advertising gummy cannabis the same way they would sell candy to children,” she noted. Their colorful appearance and sugary taste make them especially tempting for kids who may not realize a cannabis gummy is not ordinary candy.
Dr. Darria Long, an emergency physician in Atlanta, has seen the consequences firsthand. She warns that kids don’t just stop at one — they often eat an entire package. That means a small child could unknowingly ingest the equivalent of 10 adult doses in just a few minutes. In some cases, parents have even mistakenly offered a cannabis gummy to their child, unaware it contained THC.
The effects of accidental ingestion can be severe. A child who eats a cannabis gummy may arrive at the hospital lethargic, struggling to breathe, or experiencing seizures. In extreme cases, their heart rate may slow so much that they go into cardiac arrest.
Treatment varies depending on severity. Some children require intubation and respiratory support, while others need IV medications like epinephrine to prevent cardiac arrest or drugs to stop seizure activity. In rare but tragic cases, a cannabis gummy overdose can result in coma, death, or long-term cognitive issues.
Experts stress that prevention is the best defense. Parents who use cannabis products should store them exactly as they would prescription medications: in childproof containers, out of sight, and out of reach. Dr. Margret Chang adds that purchasing from licensed dispensaries is essential, since illicit cannabis gummy products may be contaminated with substances like fentanyl or cocaine.
Industry experts also note that legalization itself isn’t necessarily the problem. Instead, most cases stem from unsafe storage or unregulated products. For responsible adults, the takeaway is clear: enjoy your cannabis gummy if you choose — but lock it away, keep it secure, and never underestimate its risks when children are around.