What to Do If Kids Accidentally Eat Cannabis
Immediate action is crucial if kids accidentally ingest cannabis. This guide outlines steps to take and provides essential information for parents and caregivers.
If you think your toddler ate marijuana, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away, even if your child seems completely fine. Do not wait for symptoms, and never try to make a child throw up. Edibles are the most common source of these exposures, and because swallowed THC is absorbed slowly, a toddler may look normal for an hour or more before effects begin.
What should I do first?
Call Poison Control first, then stay with your child and keep them calm and within sight. Have the packaging in hand so you can describe the product, the milligrams of THC per piece, and how much of the package is missing. If your child is unconscious, limp, breathing oddly, or having a seizure, call 911 instead.
baby ate cannabis flower edible
What are the warning signs to watch for?
Common signs include sleepiness, unsteady walking, dilated pupils, slurred speech, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. Trouble breathing, blue lips, a seizure, or a child who cannot be woken needs emergency care immediately.
Key steps at a glance
- Call Poison Control or 911 right away, before symptoms start.
- Never induce vomiting or push food and drinks to dilute it.
- Keep your child awake, calm, and supervised at all times.
- Save the container, leftover pieces, and any vomit for the medical team.
- Write down when you found your child and how much may be missing.
- Skip caffeine, cold showers, and other home remedies.
- Follow the specialist's advice on whether an ER visit is needed.
How much THC is too much for a toddler?
The packaging matters as much as the amount. Regulated edibles are labeled with total THC per package and milligrams per piece, and one 10 mg serving made for an adult can be far above a small child's weight-adjusted threshold. Gummies, chocolates, and baked goods also contain fats and sugars that slow absorption, which is why symptoms can build for two to four hours and linger for a day or longer.
cannabis poisoning in children treatment
Poison Control is free, confidential, and staffed 24 hours a day. You do not need insurance, an appointment, or a prescription to call, and there is no penalty for asking for help. Calling early is the single most useful thing you can do.
How long do the effects last?
Swallowed THC can take 30 to 120 minutes to peak, and effects may last 12 hours or more in a small child. Doctors typically monitor toddlers until symptoms fully resolve, so plan for a long day and follow up with your pediatrician afterward.