LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Calls to the Kentucky Poison Center about cannabis have more than doubled over the past five years, according to state health officials.
Many of the calls involve children. In 2024, almost 40% of cannabis-related calls were about kids younger than 12.
The Center said most of the hospitalizations it sees involve THC gummies, which are not regulated by the FDA, and can be difficult to determine the actual dose ingested.
Cannabis can have a wide range of effects on kids, including drowsiness or vomiting, to loss of consciousness and breathing problems.
Experts said parents should treat cannabis products like medication, and keep them away from kids.
"These products don't come in child-resistant containers, typically," Ashley Webb, Kentucky Poison Center director, said. "Especially if you're buying products off the internet, some of them might mimic or look like candy or other products, which is attractive to adults but even more attractive to kids."
If a child ingests THC gummies and isn't showing significant symptoms, parents or guardians can call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222. If they are having severe symptoms, they should call 911 or take the child to the ER.
To learn more about poison prevention, resources and more, click here.
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