HIGHLIGHTS

• Store all cannabis products in child-resistant packaging and in a lockable container, out of sight or in a place kids cannot access.
• If you suspect a child has ingested cannabis, seek medical help immediately.
• Educate older kids on the dangers of using and ingesting cannabis.

Cannabis formats like edible foods, beverages and topicals (such as creams and bath salts) can look appealing to children. Keeping these products out of their reach is essential to avoiding potential accidental consumption.

Even though the government imposes strict packaging requirements to protect against accidental consumption and ensure cannabis products are not appealing to children, parents and caregivers must take additional measures to safeguard cannabis products from falling into children’s hands.

Why cannabis products may appeal to kids

Edibles can come in the form of cookies, brownies and soft chews, and may look like a treat to a child. Cannabis-infused beverages and topical cannabis products like lotions can be easily mistaken for the regular variety. Accidental ingestion can lead to overconsumption, as one package can contain up 10 mg of THC.

Keep it locked up

The best way to store cannabis in your home is the same way you would stow away medication or toxic chemicals: in its original child-safe, tamper-proof packaging. Ensure all products are clearly labeled, even if they are edible cannabis items you’ve made yourself, and reseal them after use. Make sure your cannabis is stored in a lockable container like the one found here. The container should be stored out of sight in a place that is not accessible to children.

Topical cannabis products should also be kept secure and away from children — not in a cupboard or under the bathroom sink with other lotions or beauty items where they could be accidentally used by others in your home.

What to do if a child has consumed cannabis

If you suspect a child has consumed a cannabis product, seek medical attention immediately. When cannabis is ingested, the THC and other active ingredients are absorbed into the body through the digestive tract, so any potential effects may take time to appear. The key symptoms to look out for are:

• anxiety
• sleepiness
• difficulty breathing
• drowsiness
• lack of coordination
• slurred speech

Call 911 if the child appears ill or is having trouble breathing.

Education is the key to prevention

In a 2017 study in Ontario, one in five children in grades seven to 12 reported using cannabis in the previous year. Talk to your kids about the dangers of cannabis, including the effects and consequences of consumption, which include impacts to their still-developing brains, risky decision-making and the risk of developing mental health problems.

There is no “right” age to talk to children about cannabis use as every child is different, but having the conversation before they are likely to try using cannabis will establish a connection early on and allow you to share your concerns.