If you can’t spot the difference between a Cannabis brownie and the regular treat, well your kids can’t either. That’s just one of the messages coming from the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute as it prepares for National Poison Prevention Week being observed from March 17-23.
Due to their lower body mass, kids eating Cannabis brownies or gummies accidentally can become very sick and may need to go to the hospital, say officials as they draw attention to ways to keep kids safe from accidental poisoning.
“All households should store cannabis products in a lock bag or lock box in a cupboard that is out of the reach of children,” advises Robyn Stewart, program coordinator with the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute. Also, purchasing legally regulated cannabis products and keeping them in their original packages are other ways to avert unintentional childhood poisoning.
As kids learn by crawling on the floor and putting things in their mouths, they are still too young to grasp the danger. Officials advise proper storage of prescription and non-prescription medications, cleaning products, fertilizers, cosmetics, alcohol, and tobacco.
Canada’s National Poison Centre number is 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669). More information is available online through the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute. In Alberta, you can learn more via the Poison & Drug Information Service, on the AHS website.