Marijuana Edibles - Risks to Kids and Pets

Marijuana edibles - products such as candies, baked goods, and other foods and beverages containing marijuana products, can be appealing to children or pets due to their sweet or tasty appearance, leading to accidental ingestion. Marijuana, if ingested by children or pets, can cause serious health problems, such as excessive drowsiness, confusion, loss of balance, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, unconsciousness or coma. It is important for parents and caregivers to keep marijuana edibles securely stored and out of reach of children and pets to ensure their safety.

Marijuana and Children

The symptoms of marijuana consumption in children may include:

  • Drowsiness

  • Lack of coordination

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Anxiety or paranoia

  • Fast heart rate

  • Dry mouth or excessive thirst

  • Red or bloodshot eyes

  • Increased appetite

If a parent or caregiver suspects their child has ingested marijuana:

  • Seek medical attention immediately. In case of an emergency, call 911 or the Northern New England Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.

  • Inform the healthcare provider of any symptoms the child may be experiencing.

  • Try to determine how much and what form of marijuana was consumed, and bring any remaining product or packaging with you to the hospital.

Marijuana and Pets

The symptoms of marijuana consumption in pets include:

  • Lethargy

  • Dilation of pupils

  • Lack of coordination

  • Urinary incontinence

  • Vomiting

  • Dry mouth or excessive thirst

  • Fast heart rate

  • Low blood pressure

  • Seizures

  • Coma

Seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested marijuana.

If a pet parent or caregiver suspects their pet has ingested marijuana:

  • Seek veterinary care immediately. In case of an emergency, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

  • Inform the healthcare provider of any symptoms the pet may be experiencing.

  • Try to determine how much and what form of marijuana was consumed, and bring any remaining product or packaging with you to the hospital.

Learn more about the risks of accidental marijuana ingestion or overdose here.


POSTTracey CarlsonSPR, marijuana edibles, marijuana risks to kids, marijuana risks to pets