In a troubling trend, Michigan’s poison control center received 387 reports in 2024 of children under the age of six ingesting or being exposed to cannabis products—a record high for the state. Health experts say the majority of these incidents involved edibles containing THC that children accidentally consumed after finding them at home.
This alarming increase has prompted public health officials to stress the importance of storage bags for cannabis. Many cannabis edibles resemble regular candy or baked goods, making them especially dangerous in homes with small children. Although state regulations mandate child-resistant packaging and prohibit the sale of edibles that look like candy, unregulated products—often sold online or through illegal channels—continue to pose a serious risk.
To combat this growing issue, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has partnered with local organizations and a recreational marijuana dispensary to distribute free locking storage bags for cannabis products.
“We are pleased to have again received grant funding from the Marihuana Operation and Oversight Grant to support the Lock It Up campaign,” said Health Officer Rebecca Burns. “These dollars are provided based on medical marijuana cards issued in each county, and we’re using them to protect our communities—especially our children.”
In St. Joseph County, locking bags can be picked up at the following locations:
Pivotal Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
677 E. Main St., Centreville
1020 Millard St., Three Rivers
1555 E. Chicago Road, Suite A, Sturgis
St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office
650 E. Main St., Centreville
St. Joseph County ISD Office
62445 Shimmel Road, Centreville
Daly Dope (dispensary)
113 Portage Ave., Three Rivers
THC ingestion in children can cause serious symptoms, including lethargy, confusion, nausea, vomiting, poor coordination, difficulty breathing, and even seizures. Poison control data indicates that 105 children were hospitalized due to cannabis exposure in 2024, and 23 required critical care.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services warns that the actual number of incidents may be higher, as some families hesitate to report cases due to concerns that Child Protective Services could become involved.
Officials urge parents and caregivers to treat cannabis like any other potentially dangerous substance—use storage bags, out of reach, and out of sight.