(WKRC file) TOPICS: Marijuana Children Edibles Exposure Ohio Poison centers Legalization Symptoms CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Doctors in Ohio are raising concerns over a significant increase in children being exposed to marijuana, with cases already surpassing last year’s total.
The rise in incidents, affecting children from infants to 12-year-olds, is believed to be linked to the launch of recreational marijuana in the state in August.
Dr. Shan Yin, medical director at the Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center, shared his thoughts on the recent increase, saying, "It’s very concerning."
Poison centers across Ohio, including at Cincinnati Children’s, have reported a sharp spike in children falling ill after exposure to marijuana.
"We have been seeing a steep increase, especially exposure to young kids," said Yin, who has been with the center since 2011.
He noted that almost all cases involve edibles, which can lead to symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
"The minor cases will be that children will act essentially high and might be spacy and that type of thing," Yin said.
In more serious cases, children have required intensive care, with symptoms such as being overly sleepy to completely comatose and requiring intubation. The number of exposures in infants to 5-year-olds has risen from 373 last year to 406 this year.
"That coincided with the legalization of medical marijuana, and we’ll expect a continued rise with recreational marijuana," Yin said.Yin warned that increased availability will likely lead to more calls to poison centers."Things will often come in things like gummies, and the edibles are made into brownies and things that children know to be edible candy and things that taste good. That’s a big concern," Yin said.He emphasized the importance of keeping edibles out of sight and reach of children."You don’t want to leave your heart medication lying around, so they should approach these in the same way," Yin said.The Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center provides guidance on symptoms and can determine if medical attention is necessary. The center’s hotline, 1-(800)-222-1222, is available 24/7.
‘A steep increase’: Ohio sees alarming rise in children exposed to marijuana edibles
