When Candy Isn’t Candy: Edibles and the Dangers To Children

A gummy or chocolate bar may look harmless to a child. When it contains THC, the intoxicating ingredient in cannabis, that treat can become a medical emergency. A CNN report highlights why families need to understand this growing danger.

CNN’s September 10 article cites a study published in BMC Public Health examining reports to U.S. poison centers from 2000 through 2024. Researchers identified 41,612 accidental recreational drug ingestions among children younger than six. The reported ingestion rate increased 3,307% during that period, with cannabis edibles helping drive the rise.

Increased access likely drove the rise, according to CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. With medical marijuana permitted in most states and adult recreational use allowed in more than 20, cannabis products are increasingly present in households. CNN reported that 61.5 million American adults used marijuana in 2024, or nearly one in four.

For young children, the danger can hide behind a familiar appearance. Cannabis edibles often resemble everyday treats, including gummies, cookies and chocolates. A toddler reaching for what looks like candy has no way of knowing it contains a drug.

Normal childhood curiosity adds to the risk. Nearly half of the ingestions in the study involved children ages one and two. At those ages, children explore independently and frequently put objects in their mouths, making accessible edibles especially dangerous.

If a child may have swallowed an edible, call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Do not wait for symptoms. Call 911 if the child has trouble breathing, has a seizure or cannot be awakened. Keep the packaging available for medical professionals.

Clay Counts’ prevention mission depends on community participation. By learning the risks, securing dangerous products, and supporting local prevention efforts, families can help make Clay County a safer place for children of every age.

Want to get involved or learn more? Visit claycountscoalition.com, follow Clay Counts on Facebook and Instagram, or come to our monthly meetings, held the second Wednesday of each month at the Clay Center Zoo Visitor’s Center from 12:00-1:00 p.m. A meal is always served, and you are always welcome!