Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away if a child has eaten marijuana, even when they look fine. The first symptoms are usually sleepiness, unsteady walking, confusion, and vomiting, starting 30 minutes to 2 hours after an edible. Trouble breathing, a seizure, or a child who cannot be woken means call 911.
kids can accidentally eat cannabis what happens
What symptoms appear first after a child eats marijuana?
Most children show signs within two hours. Edibles digest slowly, so a child can seem normal at first and then get worse.
signs of cannabis poisoning in kids
- Sleepiness or heavy drowsiness
- Unsteady walking, swaying, or falling
- Slurred speech and confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dilated pupils and red eyes
- Fast heart rate
- Unusual calm, giggling, or agitation
- Dizziness and dry mouth
How long do the symptoms last?
Edible effects peak around 2 to 4 hours and can last 12 hours or longer in a small child. Inhaled marijuana hits faster, often within 10 minutes, and fades sooner. Young children clear THC slowly, so grogginess may linger into the next day.
Child Ate Cannabis Oil: Side Effects and What to Do Next
Which symptoms are an emergency?
Call 911 for any of the following signs:
kids can accidentally eat cannabis what happens
- Slow, shallow, or noisy breathing
- Blue or gray lips or face
- Cannot be woken or does not respond
- Seizure or stiff, jerking limbs
- Severe agitation, panic, or hallucinations
- Chest pain or a very slow heartbeat
- Vomiting that will not stop
How much THC is dangerous for a child?
A small child can react to 2 to 5 mg of THC, which is a fraction of one gummy or one square of chocolate. A 10 mg single serving made for an adult can cause deep sedation in a toddler. Dose, body weight, and how much was actually eaten all matter, so give Poison Control your best guess.
What should you do while you wait for help?
- Stay with the child and keep them on their side if drowsy.
- Save the package, wrapper, or label so responders know the product and dose.
- Note the time you think they ate it.
- Do not make them vomit or give food, drink, or activated charcoal.
- Check breathing every few minutes and be ready to start CPR.
Why do young kids reach edibles so easily?
Convenience packaging made cannabis look like everyday snacks. Gummies, chocolates, and single-serve pouches sit in purses, drawers, and on counters, often with resealable tops a small hand can open. Candy-like shapes and flavors are the main reason kids eat them by mistake, not the THC itself.
What else can look like marijuana poisoning?
Low blood sugar, alcohol, and other medicines cause similar sleepiness and unsteady walking. Tell doctors exactly what you found, including empty wrappers or vape cartridges. A urine or blood test can confirm cannabis exposure.