WHY IT MATTERS: If cannabis is stored at home without child-resistant containers, even occasional or recreational adult use significantly increases the risk of accidental ingestion and emergency room visits for children in that household. CLINICAL OVERVIEW: Cannabis legalization for adults in Maryland has been accompanied by an unintended consequence seen across many states: increased accidental exposures in children and a rise in cannabis-related emergency visits among both pediatric and adult populations. Proper storage is one of the most evidence-supported harm reduction strategies available, as the majority of pediatric ingestions occur when cannabis products are left accessible in the home.
More Kentucky children dying to ‘preventable’ overdoses, new report shows
WHY IT MATTERS: If you use any cannabis or hemp-derived product and have children in your home, this report is a direct reminder that secure, locked storage and childproof packaging are not optional but essential safety measures to prevent accidental pediatric ingestion. CLINICAL OVERVIEW: Reports of pediatric cannabinoid ingestions highlight an urgent need for better safe storage practices among cannabis-using households, as children are uniquely vulnerable to accidental exposure due to attractive packaging, edible formulations, and a lack of childproof containment. From a clinical standpoint, while cannabinoid ingestions in children are rarely fatal compared to opioid exposures, they can still cause significant sedation, respiratory depression in very young children, and warrant emergency evaluation.