The Mississippi Poison Control Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is experiencing a concerning increase in calls regarding children who have found and eaten marijuana-laced candies and chocolates at home, making them sick enough for a trip to the emergency room.
In 2019, the poison center received just two calls. That number rose to 36 last year, and 14 of those are under the age of 12. Mississippi reflects a national trend. From 2017 to 2021, a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed a 1,375 % increase in such exposures.
Statewide, in the last 10 days, officials said they have received four calls related to children under the age of 6.
Officials are concerned that number will be on the rise now that medical marijuana has become legal in Mississippi.
Toxicologist and Emergency Medicine physician Dr. David Vearrier at UMMC said the side effects can be extremely dangerous in young children.
“The most common side effects are mental status depression and sleepiness as well as decreased breathing in some cases,” Vearrier said. “Sometimes acute agitation is a factor as well.
Vearrier said edibles to children are toxic and more dangerous being that they weigh less than adults.
Medical marijuana in MS:Medical Marijuana: How is Mississippi’s new industry unfolding as licenses are approved
Ole Miss lab studies marijuana:Mississippi facility that researches levels of THC and CBD in weed could face competition
On average, UMMC treats approximately two to six children who have ingested marijuana-laced candy, officials said.
Vearrier said he believes children are getting their hands on the edibles at home and that adults know the appropriate amount to consume, but a child doesn’t, which can lead to hospitalization.
“Brownies and gummy candy infused with marijuana are the most common edibles that are consumed by children,” Vearrier said.
Marijuana-infused edibles are currently illegal in the state of Mississippi, which means they are either bought out of state and brought back in or made illegally in the state.
For more information call the Mississippi Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.
