From the Guidelines
THC consumption is extremely dangerous for toddlers and should never occur under any circumstances. Even tiny amounts of THC can cause severe toxicity in young children, potentially leading to respiratory depression, seizures, altered consciousness, and in severe cases, coma. Toddlers' developing brains and small body size make them particularly vulnerable to THC's effects, with documented cases of children requiring emergency hospitalization after accidental ingestion. There is no safe dose of THC for toddlers, and all THC-containing products (including edibles, oils, vapes, and flower) must be stored securely out of reach, ideally in locked containers. If you suspect a toddler has consumed any amount of THC, seek immediate emergency medical attention by calling poison control (1-800-222-1222) or 911. The developing brain is especially susceptible to harm from cannabinoids, and exposure during early childhood may have long-term negative consequences for cognitive and neurological development.
Some key points to consider:
- The unique pharmacokinetics of edible cannabis can lead to overconsumption and higher blood concentrations of 11-hydroxytetrahydrocannabinol, increasing the risk of adverse effects 1.
- Cannabis and/or cannabinoids have a range of biological actions, including inhibition of the cytochrome P450 family of enzymes, which can lead to drug-drug interactions 1.
- Adults with cancer who are unfamiliar with using oral cannabis products must be cautioned that the onset may be ≥1 hour after ingestion, and they should be careful about stacking doses to avoid side effects 1.
- There is a potential for drug-drug interactions mediated through altered drug metabolism pharmacokinetics, and clinicians should be aware of the risks of hepatotoxicity associated with CBD use 1.
- The main adverse events associated with cannabinoid use are euphoria, hallucinations, vertigo, psychosis, and cardiovascular disorders, and cannabis prescription must follow strict rules because it is listed as a narcotic and psychotropic drug 1.
In terms of storage and safety, it is essential to:
- Store cannabis and/or cannabinoid products in a locked location, out of sight and reach of children and pets 1.
- Encourage cannabis storage separate from other foods and drinks, and use child-resistant packaging 1.
- Provide recommendations to adults with cancer regarding driving or engaging in safety-sensitive work after the consumption of cannabis and/or cannabinoids when cognitive and physical impairment is likely 1.
From the Research
Effective THC Consumption on a Toddler
There is no specific information available on the effective THC consumption for a toddler, as THC consumption is not recommended for children due to its potential harmful effects.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents should not use cannabis due to the potential risks to their health and development 2, 3.
- High concentration products, such as edibles, resins, or vaping fluid, can lead to sedation, respiratory depression, and other adverse effects in young children 2.
- Chronic toxicity associated with cannabis consumption includes neurocognitive changes and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome 2, 3.
- Children are more susceptible to cannabis toxicity, particularly seizures and coma, and therefore may require additional supportive care for these potential symptoms 3.
- Accidental ingestions of THC-containing substances by children have increased due to the increased presence of these products in households and the use of appealing packaging 4.
- The intensity and duration of symptoms is proportional to the concentration of THC in the blood, and treatment of acute intoxication mainly consists of appropriate symptom-directed supportive care 3.