Facts About Cannabis Consumption
Keeping Cannabis Away from Kids
With the introduction of new cannabis formats that could be appealing to children — edibles, beverages and topicals — there’s even more reason to keep cannabis out of their reach. Here’s some safeguarding tips for keeping cannabis products away from kids.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Store all cannabis products in child-resistant packaging and in a lockable container, out of sight or in a place kids cannot access.
- If you suspect a child has ingested cannabis, seek medical help immediately.
- Educate older kids on the dangers of using and ingesting cannabis.
Now that cannabis is available in new formats that may be attractive to , such as edible foods, beverages, and topicals (such as creams and bath salts), there is greater concern about keeping them out of reach of kids to prevent accidental consumption. Even though the government imposes strict packaging requirements to protect against accidental consumption and ensure cannabis products are not appealing to children, parents and caregivers can take additional measures to safeguard cannabis products from falling into children’s hands.
To learn more about cannabis packaging and steps the government has made to keep cannabis out of the hands of children, click here.
Why cannabis products may appeal to kids
New cannabis formats, such as edibles, can look like treats to a child, as they may come in the form of cookies, brownies, and soft chews. Cannabis-infused beverages and topical cannabis products like lotions can be easily mistaken for the regular variety. Accidental ingestion can lead to overconsumption, as one package can legally contain up 10 mg of THC.
Health Canada recommends parents and caregivers do not consume edible cannabis products in the presence of children. Seeing these products can confuse kids, and your care in securing the products may be impaired.
Keep it locked up
The best way to store cannabis in your home is the same way you would stow away medication or toxic chemicals: in its original child-safe tamper-proof packaging. Ensure all products are clearly labelled, even if they are edible cannabis items you’ve made yourself and reseal them after use. Go one step further and purchase a lockable container, which should be stored out of sight in a place that is not accessible to children.
