Preventing Unintentional Poisonings from Cannabis Products

Cannabis products that contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can now be sold in Minnesota to adults age 21 and older. THC is the main compound in cannabis that can cause intoxicating effects, such as changing how you perceive and think about things, how you feel, and how you make decisions.

Cannabis products come in many forms, and it is very important to store them safely and read their labels carefully to understand their dosage and their variety-specific effects.

How to prevent THC poisonings

THC poisonings can occur when someone takes too much THC or uses a type of cannabis product other than the one they intended. Mixing cannabis products with alcohol or other drugs also increases the chance of having a negative experience.

Many edible and drinkable cannabis products look like candy, juice, or other treats. While children are especially susceptible to eating or drinking them accidentally, even adults can unknowingly consume edible cannabis products if they are not clearly labeled and safely stored.

• Treat cannabis products like you would other medications. Store them safely and out of reach of children and pets, such as a locked cabinet, medicine box, or safe. Keep products in the child-resistant containers from the retailer.
• Talk to family, friends, and caregivers. Ask anyone whose home your children visit to store THC edibles and other drugs safely.
• Adults using cannabis should start with small doses (less than 5 mg) and allow time for the products to take effect before taking more. While cannabis products that are smoked or vaped usually take effect in a matter of minutes, edible products and drinks can take up to two hours to take full effect. However THC is ingested, its effects can take many hours to wear off. 
• Read labels on cannabis products carefully. Understand the dose you are taking (measured in milligrams) and be sure to use the intended type of cannabis product. Different strains of THC (indica, sativa, or hybrid) can cause significantly different effects. 
• THC analogues should be avoided because they are often created synthetically with dangerous chemicals. Delta-9 THC (whether hemp-derived or not) is the safest and well researched version of THC. Analogues to avoid include: delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, or any other analogue of THC, such as THC-P and THC-O. 

Signs of THC poisoning

Anyone can experience a THC poisoning, but children are more susceptible based on their size and weight. The signs of THC poisoning are similar to the typical effects of THC, but they are more severe and may include:

• Extreme confusion or anxiety
• Paranoia or panic
• Fast heart rate or increased blood pressure
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Severe nausea or vomiting

In some cases, these effects can lead to unintentional injury, such as a motor vehicle crash, fall, or other poisoning.

In children, THC poisonings can be especially dangerous and cause additional problems with breathing, walking, or sitting up. No amount of non-medically prescribed THC is safe for children to consume.

If a child consumes any amount of THC not medically certified for them, call a medical professional or the Poison Control Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Download a printable version of this information: Prevent Unintentional THC Poisonings in Children (PDF)

Proper disposal of cannabis products

• Unconsumed THC edibles should be ground and mixed with other waste material, like coffee grounds, potting soil, or kitty litter so it can't be mistakenly consumed by others, including children. The waste mixture should be in a taped and sealed container, like an empty yogurt cup, and thrown in the trash. 
• Opened or unconsumed THC beverages should be poured into an absorbent material, such as potting soil, used coffee grounds, kitty litter, or paper towels, and placed in the trash.  Small quantities of beverages, such as less than a full can, may be poured down the sink. 
• Never discard edibles in their original packaging or partially consumed beverages in their containers where a child or anyone else could find them and consume them. 
• When possible, recycle empty cannabis packages.