Why You Should Keep Cannabis Away From Kids
As a responsible adult, it’s your duty to keep cannabis away from kids. Here are some essential tips on how you can do just that and keep your kids safe!
Cannabis products such as edibles, drinks, and topical creams may appear inviting to young kids. As a parent, it is essential to understand the potential risks associated with cannabis edibles and learn how to properly store and secure them away from children.
It is also important to talk openly and honestly with your kids about cannabis and cannabis legalization, explaining it and why adults should only use it. Maintaining these items away from your child’s access is vital to evading any potential unintentional ingestion.
Despite the stringent regulations governing bodies impose on cannabis packaging, it is still essential to store and secure them away from young children. For example, if you have marijuana edibles at home, keep them in a child-proof locked cabinet or in a location your child cannot access.
In addition, use opaque containers with child-resistant packaging when available. Do not leave open boxes, bags, or bottles of legal cannabis products, edibles, or flowers lying around. It is also important to educate yourself on the effects of cannabis use so you can properly inform your child about its risks.
Quick Tips for Keeping Cannabis Away From Kids
- Safely store cannabis in secure storage containers.
- Use child-resistant containers whenever available.
- Do not leave any open containers or bags of cannabis around the house.
- Educate yourself on the effects of cannabis use.
- Talk to your small children about cannabis and explain why adults should only use it.
- If you think a child has consumed cannabis, get medical assistance without delay.
What Potential Factors Draw Children To Cannabis Products?
Cannabis products come in various forms, including edibles, drinks, topical creams, and oils. The appealing packaging and brightly colored designs can be inviting to young kids.
Edibles often taste and smell like familiar treats such as cookies or candy, further attracting children’s curiosity. Cannabis-infused beverages and creams can be easily mistaken for their non-cannabis counterparts. The risk of overindulgence is high, as a single package may contain up to 10 mg of THC – an amount they could accidentally ingest.
For the safety of children, it is strongly advised to avoid consuming edible cannabis products in their presence. The smell and sight of cannabis can encourage children to experiment, so it is essential to keep all cannabis products in secure and out-of-reach places.
Parents should also educate themselves on the effects of cannabis use and talk openly with their kids about its potential dangers.
How To Store Cannabis Products Safely from Children?
When selecting a storage option for cannabis products, choosing something secure and hard to access is important. A lockable toolbox, cabinet, or drawer is the best solution.
Make sure to label all cannabis products, even homemade edibles, with clarity and reseal them after consumption. A lockable container may be beneficial in areas where more than one adult can access cannabis products.
Alternatively, you can use opaque containers with child-resistant packaging when available. Make sure to keep all cannabis products away from the reach of children, as even the most adequately packaged items can still be unintentionally ingested.
Topical cannabis products must be securely locked away and never stored with other lotions or beauty items inside a cupboard or under the bathroom sink. This will prevent any accidental use by children in your household.
Once you’ve selected a storage option and secure packaging, store the cannabis products in a location out of sight and out of reach. A top shelf or locked cupboard is a good option.
What Steps Should You Take If A Child Ingests Cannabis?
If you think a child has ingested cannabis, it is important to seek medical assistance without delay. Contact the Poison Control Center or a health care provider immediately and explain what the child consumed and how much was taken.
They will be able to provide advice on the best course of action. By ingesting cannabis, the plant’s psychoactive compounds and other medicinal properties are absorbed through your digestive system. As a result, it may take time to feel any possible effects of ingestion.
There are symptoms to watch out for, such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, and slowed breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms or if your child appears distressed after consuming cannabis products, seek medical assistance immediately.
It is also important to remember that cannabis affects everyone differently, so symptoms may vary from one person to another. Depending on the amount of THC in each product, side effects can range from minor sleepiness to more severe issues such as disorientation, confusion, or altered mental status.
It is, therefore, essential to always keep an eye on children when they are around cannabis products and ensure they don’t get hold of any. It is also important to follow local laws regarding the possession and consumption of cannabis.
Make sure to check what types of products are available in your area and which are legally allowed so that you don’t accidentally break the law while trying to keep your family safe.
Educating Your Child About Cannabis Is The Key To Prevention
A recent study revealed 1 in 5 students between seventh and twelfth grades consumed cannabis within the past year. Cannabis use can harm a person’s developing brain, so it is important to talk openly and honestly with your kids about the potential risks associated with cannabis use.
Ignorance can lead to accidental consumption, so it is essential to educate yourself and your kids on the effects of cannabis use. Make sure they understand that cannabis should not be consumed without proper adult supervision, as even small amounts can affect their health and well-being.
Explain why adults should only use it and discuss what products are available in your area. Talk about why some states legalize marijuana and others do not.
Every child develops at their own pace, and there isn’t a definitive age to talk about cannabis use; however, having the conversation before they are tempted to try it will create an early connection between you and your children. This is also important so you can promptly express any worries or concerns.
Wrapping Up
Cannabis products can pose a potential risk for young children due to their attractive packaging and appealing smells. As a parent, it is essential to take all necessary precautions in your cannabis storage.
This includes using child-resistant packaging whenever possible and keeping your weed stash far away from access. Education is also key to prevention, so talk to your kids openly and honestly about cannabis.
If you think a child has consumed cannabis, seek medical assistance immediately. By following these tips, you can ensure the safety of everyone in your household.
References:
https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/preteens-and-teens/marijuana-what-parents-need-to-know
https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/cannabis-children-and-youth
