Keeping Cannabis Away from Kids
Ensure all cannabis products are stored in child-resistant packaging, within a lockable container and out of sight or reach of children. If you suspect a child has ingested cannabis, seek immediate medical assistance. Educate older children about the risks associated with cannabis use. Cannabis products, especially edibles, beverages, and topicals, may seem enticing to children. Taking precautions to keep these items out of their reach is crucial to prevent accidental consumption. Despite government regulations on packaging, parents and caregivers can implement additional measures to secure cannabis products from children.
Even with stringent packaging requirements imposed by the government to deter accidental consumption and make cannabis products less appealing to children, additional steps can be taken to safeguard against unintended access.
Why Cannabis Products May Appeal to Kids
Edibles, resembling treats like cookies or brownies, and cannabis-infused beverages or topicals like lotions, can be mistaken for regular items. Accidental ingestion can lead to overconsumption, as a single package can legally contain up to 10 mg of THC. Herbdon recommends avoiding the consumption of edible cannabis products in the presence of children to prevent confusion and potential compromise of securing these items.
Keep It Locked Up
Storing cannabis in your home should mirror how you secure medication or hazardous chemicals – in original child-safe, tamper-proof packaging. Ensure all products are well-labeled, even homemade edible items, and reseal them after use. Take an extra step by using a lockable container, stored out of sight and inaccessible to children.
Topical cannabis products should also be stored securely, away from children, not within easy reach in cupboards or under bathroom sinks, where they might be accidentally used by others in your home.
What to Do If a Child Has Consumed Cannabis
If you suspect a child has ingested cannabis, seek immediate medical attention. THC and other active ingredients in cannabis are absorbed through the digestive tract, meaning potential effects may take time to appear. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including anxiety, sleepiness, difficulty breathing, drowsiness, lack of coordination, and slurred speech. Call emergency services if the child appears ill or experiences difficulty breathing.
Education Is Key to Prevention
The United Kingdom has seen concerns about cannabis use among young people, and there have been efforts to monitor and address the issue. The use of cannabis, particularly among children, is a topic of public health interest. The UK government, through various agencies, conducts surveys and studies to understand drug use patterns, including cannabis, among different age groups.
To obtain the most recent and accurate information on cannabis statistics among children in the United Kingdom, we recommend checking the latest reports and publications from authoritative sources such as:
-
Office for National Statistics (ONS): The ONS may release reports on drug use, including cannabis, based on national surveys.
-
Public Health England (PHE): PHE is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care in the UK and may provide information on public health matters, including drug use.
-
National Health Service (NHS): The NHS may provide information on health-related issues, including substance use among young people.
-
Home Office: The Home Office in the UK is responsible for drug policy, and they may release reports on drug use and related issues.
-
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD): ACMD provides independent advice to the government on drug-related issues.
