Rising Concern: Record Number of Young Children Exposed to Cannabis in Michigan
In 2024, Michigan’s poison control center reported a record 387 incidents involving children under six who had ingested or been exposed to cannabis. While many of these young patients responded well to treatment, the data indicates that 105 were hospitalized, with 23 requiring intensive critical care. Experts are urging parents to secure marijuana-related products at home, and some local health departments are distributing free lockboxes. The cannabis industry is also highlighting the proliferation of unregulated edibles from unauthorized sellers as a growing issue.
Brandon and Sarah Reinkensmeyer were enjoying a weekend away when they received an unexpected call from a hospital. Their 8-year-old daughter, Olivia, was suffering from slowed breathing and lethargy, prompting her grandmother to seek medical help. The startling diagnosis was a high level of THC in her system, though Olivia’s guardians do not use marijuana, leaving them perplexed about how it happened.
Increase in Hospitalizations and Critical Care
Over the past five years, Michigan’s poison control center has handled approximately 1,500 cases involving young children exposed to cannabis products, with over 400 resulting in hospitalization. More than 100 of these cases required critical care, and some children experienced severe symptoms such as seizures. However, the true number of cases may be higher, as it is common for incidents to go unreported to poison control.
Pediatric hospitalist Dr. Meredith Sharp from Henry Ford St. John Hospital in Detroit noted, “A lot of people just don’t even realize that cannabis can do this to little kids.” She emphasized that even small amounts can be toxic to children, whose bodies process substances differently from adults.
Typical symptoms of THC ingestion in children include lethargy, confusion, poor coordination, nausea, and vomiting, according to a 2022 review from the Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians. More severe cases may present with low heart rates, blood pressure issues, seizures, and respiratory difficulties.
Dr. Erica Michiels from Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids mentioned an increase in such cases, explaining, “These kids show up looking potentially extremely sick, and really require all of our resuscitative efforts to save their lives.” The challenge lies in the symptoms mimicking other serious conditions, necessitating invasive tests to rule out brain bleeds or meningitis.
The Challenge of Unregulated Edibles
Olivia’s incident highlights the problem of counterfeit cannabis edibles resembling popular candies. Parents discovered a discarded bag of edibles that looked strikingly similar to a well-known candy brand. This raises questions about the legality and regulation of such products in Michigan, where state rules prohibit the sale of edibles resembling candy.
Despite regulations requiring child-resistant packaging and prohibiting candy-like edibles, unlicensed retailers continue to sell these products. The Detroit Public Schools have expressed concerns about the rise of marijuana edibles and vape pens in schools, urging for stricter enforcement.
Kim James, director of Detroit’s Office of Cannabis Affairs, pointed out that her staff found unregulated products in local stores, including gummies exceeding the state’s maximum THC concentration limits. This “gray market” has thrived since the 2018 farm bill legalized industrial hemp, leading to products with various types of THC being sold without regulation.
John Fraser, a Michigan cannabis industry attorney, commented on the challenge, stating, “The market for these products has exploded… and they’re basically unregulated.” Michigan has attempted to expand its marijuana definitions to include all THC types, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
Precautions and Public Awareness
To prevent accidental ingestion by children, health experts recommend that adults store edibles securely. Some Michigan health departments have launched initiatives to distribute lockboxes and lock bags to encourage safe storage practices.
The Reinkensmeyers’ experience, shared on social media, sparked mixed reactions, with some minimizing the dangers while others expressed gratitude for the awareness. The incident underscores the importance of vigilance and education in preventing similar occurrences.
—
Read More Michigan News
