DURHAM — After the legalization of cannabis in 2018, health officials are concerned about the potential risk of cannabis-infused edibles, specifically when it comes to children.
Recently, an Oshawa elementary school had two incidents of kids unintentionally consuming edibles, including homemade pot cookies and cannabis-infused gummy candies.'
According to public health nurse Nadine Ladouceur of the Durham Region Health Department, ingesting cannabis-infused edibles can result in anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations. However, she says symptoms can be worse and dangerous if too much is consumed, especially by children.
“You can have nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, and can even stop breathing if you consume too much,” says Ladouceur. “It depends on your metabolism and body weight, so if a child were to consume too much they could stop breathing.”
Ladouceur says the effects of edibles can come 30 minutes to two hours after being consumed. Once the edibles kick in, she says the effects can last up to 12 hours.
“Because it takes longer to feel that high, it can be easier to consume too much,” she warns.
Currently, edibles are not legal in Canada, though regulations surrounding their pending legalization were released by Health Canada in December. The Canadian government plans to legalize edibles including baked goods, candies and drinks on Oct. 17 of this year.
These regulations limit edible cannabis products to containing a maximum 10 mg of the psychoactive compound THC, and also regulates the packaging of cannabis products. Packaging is to be “child resistant” and “plain,” prohibiting the use of characters or designs potentially appealing to children.
On April 5, 2019, Durham Regional Police Services shut down a Pickering’s Natural Budz Vape Lounge after it was discovered illegal cannabis sales were taking place, including cannabis products such as edibles. Eighteen people were issued 68 Provincial Part III summonses for unauthorized sale of cannabis, distribution of cannabis and possession of proceeds.
Two others were charged with possession for trafficking of magic mushrooms as well as four charges under the Federal Cannabis Act.
However, many online cannabis stores continue to sell and ship edibles in Canada. They offer several colourful, sugary candies many may be familiar with, including gummy worms, peach rings, sour keys and more.
Metroland Media in Durham Region reached out to some of these online stores, such as Headz.ca and Budderweeds.com, but received no response.
Ladouceur says while cannabis is thought to be “harmless,” she insists there are health risks related to its use, and the dangers are even bigger for developing youth.
“There are health risks, especially if used frequently,” she says. “Youth are vulnerable to the effects of cannabis use because their brains are still developing until the age of 25.”
According to Ladouceur, regular use of cannabis can have a negative impact on mental health such as anxiety, depression and even schizophrenia.
Ladouceur encourages parents to have conversations with their children about cannabis and edibles to make sure they understand the dangers.
“What we really want to promote is parents and caregivers have open conversations with their children,” she says. “Be calm, be positive and have an open conversation in a positive setting.”
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