The legalization and commercialization of marijuana edibles in the United States have coincided with a sharp rise in cannabis-related poisoning cases, according to new public health data. Reports from America’s Poison Centers (APC) show more than 22,000 cannabis-related incidents were recorded last year alone—a dramatic increase from just 930 cases in 2009.
Among last year’s incidents, more than 13,000 were classified as nonlethal poisoning cases that resulted in documented negative effects. While cannabis-related fatalities remain rare, APC has linked four deaths since 2009 directly to cannabis poisoning. Experts warn these figures likely underestimate the true scope of the problem, as hospitals are not required to report poisoning cases to national databases.
Alarmingly, over 75% of cannabis-related poisoning cases last year involved children or teenagers. Pediatric specialists report seeing an increasing number of young patients who accidentally consumed marijuana edibles, mistaking them for candy or snacks. Dr. Shamieka Virella Dixon, a pediatrician at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, described treating “floridly psychotic 2-year-olds” who were simply waiting for cannabis to leave their systems after eating someone’s gummies.
In another severe incident, Dr. Robert Hendrickson, an emergency physician at Oregon Health & Science University, treated a toddler who consumed a cannabis cookie. The child suffered seizures, required a ventilator, and experienced additional convulsions before recovery.
Packaging has been identified as a major contributor to accidental poisoning cases. “We’re seeing a lot of accidental overdoses just because of the packaging,” said Dr. Stephen Sandelich of Penn State. Bright, colorful designs often mimic candy wrappers, making marijuana edibles appealing to children.
The Times investigation revealed dozens of children hospitalized after consuming cannabis from the stashes of relatives or friends. Symptoms in these poisoning cases included paranoia, vomiting, and in severe instances, breathing difficulties. Only 10 such critical incidents were reported in 2009, but last year the number exceeded 620, most of them involving minors.
One Ohio mother, Amy Enochs, recounted her fourth-grade daughter’s hospitalization after unknowingly eating marijuana gummies disguised as Easter candy. The girl experienced hallucinations, believed the school was overrun by aliens, and thought she had superpowers.
While most poisoning cases do not result in long-term harm, health experts stress the growing risks—especially for children—associated with unregulated edible packaging and easy access in homes.
The spike in cannabis-related poisoning cases comes as national policy debates continue. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that former President Donald Trump is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, potentially reshaping future regulations on production and sales.
