Cannabis exposures in young children skyrocket 6000% in 15 years

This study analyzed trends in reported cannabis exposures among US children ages 12 and under from 2000 to 2024, examining the impact of major federal cannabis policy changes. Researchers found remarkably stable exposure rates from 2000 to 2009, but following the 2009 shift in federal enforcement priorities, exposures began climbing sharply and continued rising through 2024. The under-6 age group experienced a 6,386% increase (from 132 to 8,430 cases), while the 6-12 age group saw an even steeper 13,781% increase (from 21 to 2,894 cases) over the same 15-year period.

The dramatic rise in pediatric cannabis exposures is temporally linked to federal policy changes—particularly the 2009 decision to deprioritize cannabis enforcement, the 2013 Cole Memorandum, and the 2018 Farm Bill. These policy shifts coincided with increased cannabis legalization and commercial availability at state levels, making the drug more accessible and present in more households. The exposure surge suggests that widespread cannabis product availability—including edibles, concentrates, and oils—has created serious unintended consequences for child safety. This includes accidental ingestion, overdose risks, and unknown long-term developmental effects.

The study raises critical public health concerns about the current regulatory environment. The over 6,000% increase in pediatric exposures represents a substantial burden on poison centers and emergency departments, while highlighting the urgent need for stronger child-safety policies, better product labeling and packaging standards, and education campaigns targeting parents and caregivers about safe cannabis storage in homes with children.