Doctor warns about Ohio marijuana edibles' exposure to children

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Marijuana comes in many forms, including "edibles," which are heightening concerns about how those products are marketed and who are getting their hands on them.

Nearly 100 dispensaries in Ohio now hold a license to sell recreational as well as medical marijuana.

Dr. Hannah Hays is the Chief of Toxicology at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Medical Director of the Central Ohio Poison Center. She said even before recreational sales were legal, they sometimes see multiple children come in a week for exposure to medical marijuana. She said statewide there is at least one person under the age of six being admitted to the hospital for exposure to edible marijuana every day.

Edibles can be dangerous because of how easily mistaken they can be for common foods or candy, Hays said.

“My biggest piece of advice would be to store it safely up, high out of reach of children," Hays said. "Other advice I give to parents are not to store it in a purse to avoid consuming these products in front of children, as children tend to mimic adults and also not to refer to these products as candy."

Hays said the most common symptoms for kids are drowsiness or elevated heart rate. She said in cases of kids taking larger doses, she has seen some have seizures, have to be hooked up to a ventilator or even develop a coma.

“That is another reason why these products can be dangerous is because the onset of symptoms can be delayed," Hays said. "So we can have a child get into a product and edible product and not develop symptoms for an hour or more. Peak effects of the symptoms can be delayed three or four hours in some cases."

Dr. Hays said research indicates the state is on track for a 49% increase in accidental pediatric exposures to marijuana this year. She said if this does happen to you or your child you can call the Central Ohio Poison Center at all hours of the day, seven days a week. Their number is 1-800-222-1222.