From the Guidelines
Toddlers should never consume THC in any amount, as it is harmful to their developing brains and bodies. There is no safe or effective dose of THC for toddlers. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component in cannabis, can cause serious adverse effects in young children including respiratory depression, seizures, altered mental status, and in severe cases, coma 1. Even small amounts that might seem insignificant to adults can be dangerous for toddlers due to their small body size and immature metabolic systems.
Key Points to Consider
- The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to THC exposure, which can potentially cause long-term cognitive and behavioral problems 1.
- Cannabis use may have a deleterious effect on adolescent brain development and well-being, with some evidence suggesting an association between nondisordered cannabis use and adverse psychosocial events, such as major depression and suicidal ideation 1.
- Unintentional cannabis exposures are on the rise, with the number of pediatric cases of edible cannabis exposure increasing from 207 in 2017 to 3054 in 2021, causing central nervous system depression, vomiting, and tachycardia 1.
Recommendations
- If you suspect a toddler has consumed any product containing THC, seek immediate medical attention by calling poison control or going to the emergency room.
- Keep all cannabis products, including edibles that may look like regular food or candy, securely stored away from children.
- Be aware of the unique pharmacokinetics of edible cannabis, which can lead to overconsumption and higher blood concentrations of 11-hydroxytetrahydrocannabinol 1.
From the Research
Effective THC Consumption in Toddlers
There is limited research available on the effective THC consumption in toddlers. However, the available studies suggest that:
- Children are more susceptible to cannabis toxicity, particularly seizures and coma, and therefore may require additional supportive care for these potential symptoms 2.
- The intensity and duration of symptoms is proportional to the concentration of THC in the blood 2.
- There is no specific information available on the effective THC consumption in toddlers, as the studies focus on the general effects of cannabis and THC on humans.
General Effects of THC
The general effects of THC include:
- Sedation, euphoria, relaxation, and loss of social inhibition 2.
- Adverse effects from higher doses can include fear, distrust, and a profound state of unease, hallucinations, ataxia, stupor, and seizures 2.
- Long-term use can result in respiratory and cardiovascular toxicity and has been associated with a range of psychiatric conditions 2.
Cannabis Use in Children
Cannabis use in children is a concern, as it can lead to:
- Increased susceptibility to cannabis toxicity, particularly seizures and coma 2.
- Potential long-term effects on brain development and mental health 3, 4.
- Risk of cannabis use disorder and withdrawal symptoms 3.
Medical Use of THC
THC has potential therapeutic value, but:
- More research is needed to fully explore and demonstrate safety and efficacy 5.
- Clinical trials suffer from small sample sizes, short study duration, and failure to address tolerance and dose variation 5.
- Medicinal cannabis may provide short-term relief for certain symptoms, but it is not a cure and has mental health risks 4.