Cannabis Information for Families

There have been an increase in hospitalizations of children in Canada due to accidental cannabis poisoning. If you suspect there has been an accidental poisoning, call your local poison centre or 9-1-1 for emergencies. Make sure you mention that you suspect the symptoms are from cannabis. A quicker diagnosis can prevent serious harm to a child. Symptoms of an accidental poisoning can include: 

• Vomiting
• Unsteadiness on feet
• Confusion
• Drowsiness/lethargy
• Unresponsiveness
• Slowed breathing
• Slurred speech
• Seizures (rare) 

There are a number of preventative measures you can take in order to avoid accidental cannabis poisonings:

• Safely store your cannabis out of reach and locked away
• Keep edible cannabis separate from regular food and drinks
• Choose legal cannabis products, which: 
  • Come from a legally licensed producer or retailer
  • Come in plain, child-resistant packaging
  • Contain no more than 10 mg of THC per package, to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning
• In contrast, illegal edible cannabis products: 
  • Can confuse children by mimicking popular brands of candies and snacks
  • Can contain very high amounts of THC, which increases the risk of severe cannabis poisoning

Parachute is Canada’s national charity dedicated to injury prevention, including poison prevention awareness and advocacy. As part of their annual Poison Prevention Week campaign, Parachute launched a complimentary #HighAndLocked campaign, bringing attention to the importance of keeping cannabis products out of reach from children.

To avoid the health risks from cannabis smoke, consider the following:

• Using vaping/e-cigarette devices as an alternative to combustible dried flower products
• Consuming edible products
• Smoking outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
• Create a smoke and vape free home and vehicle

Importantly, none of these methods of use are completely risk-free. If you do decide to smoke cannabis, be sure to use it outdoors and be considerate of others by moving away from any entrances, exits or windows to your home and your neighbours homes. The Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Regulation sets a six-metre smoke- and vape-free zone around all doorways, air intakes and open windows to any public and work places in B.C.

There are over 400 chemical compounds found in cannabis, some of which may be harmful to your in utero baby. Maternal cannabis use may be linked to adverse health effects relating to a child’s’:

• Memory function
• Ability to pay attention
• Reasoning and problem solving skills
• Hyperactive behaviour
• Increased risk of depression or anxiety
• Increased risk for future substance use

Cannabis use during pregnancy has been shown to be associated with low-birth weight, preterm labour and stillbirth.

During breastfeeding, cannabis compounds are stored in the mothers’ body fat and passed to the baby through breast milk. In particular, the cannabinoid THC can be passed to your baby and may harm your baby’s development. There are alternative options to cannabis use for treating morning sickness, anxiety or pain. If you have any questions about cannabis use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or are seeking alternative medication options to cannabis, speak with your health-care provider.

Find more information on cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Cannabis Poisonings in Children - Recognize the signs of cannabis poisoning (Government of Canada)

Cannabis Poisoning Information (Parachute)

Safe Storage of Cannabis (Government of Canada)

Secondhand Cannabis Smoke (CDC)

Breastfeeding & Cannabis - Information on cannabis use and breastfeeding (FNHA)

Cannabis, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding poster (SOGC)  

Thinking about using cannabis while parenting?(Government of Canada) 

Help Your Teen Understand What's Fact and Fiction about Marijuana (infographic)(CCSA) 

Talking Cannabis with Your Kids (Drug Free Kids Canada)

Empowered Parents: Conversations about drugs and decisions with your child