France: cannabis poisoning among children has risen by 133% in 11 years

Annual admissions for accidental cannabis poisoning to French pediatric emergency departments more than doubled between 2004 and 2014, according to the the latest figures from the ANSM. Researchers are taking this opportunity to warn parents that it is risky to use cannabis in front of children, especially those who are too young to understand what it is.

Isabelle Claudet, a doctor at the Toulouse University Hospital, conducted this study, which was published in the journal Pediatrics. She explains, «I was very surprised by the increase in the number of young children admitted to my practice for accidental cannabis poisoning.».

A 1,33% increase over 11 years

Isabelle Claudet and other researchers analyzed data collected on children under the age of 6 who were admitted to 24 emergency departments between 2004 and 2014. No fewer than 235 children were admitted to emergency rooms due to accidental cannabis poisoning. Isabelle Claudet is therefore concerned about the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which has increased (from 9.3% per gram to more than 20%) in the cannabis strains circulating in France in recent years.

Cannabis poisoning can occur when a child ingests cannabis or inhales cannabis smoke. The effects vary: breathing difficulties, drowsiness, or even coma, depending on the dose. She adds in her study that cannabis remains illegal in France but that the rate of use is the highest in Europe.

In most diagnosed cases, young children were exposed to cannabis at home. Three-quarters of them had ingested cannabis. Similarly, 86% of them were drowsy, while 35% were in serious condition, including 33% who were comatose. Some children suffered from respiratory failure and required mechanical ventilation.

It is generally recommended that cannabis users keep their products out of the reach of young children, particularly by not leaving their joints and other bags lying around on accessible furniture (such as coffee tables).

Mehdi Bautier