Kids are curious, rambunctious and full of energy. They get into everything! But what if they got their little hands on your cannabis gummies? One parent recently called the Illinois Poison Center because their 2-year-old discovered a colorful bag of what she thought were gummy candies in her parents’ nightstand. Within an hour of devouring them, the toddler vomited and then became so sleepy her parents couldn’t rouse her.

It was a heart-racing scare for the parents. After several tense moments, they saw the empty container of cannabis edibles on their bedroom floor and realized what happened. They then spoke with a poison specialist and rushed their little girl to the emergency room. Thankfully, with supportive care, she completely recovered within 24 hours.

Such scenarios are becoming more common—and it’s not only cannabis that kids are getting into. In this blog post, we’ll review the three major types of drugs that come in gummy form: cannabis, vitamins and melatonin, along with an overview of the potential toxicity of each.

1. Cannabis Gummies

With the legalization of cannabis in many states, including Illinois, the prevalence of cannabis edibles has surged. These products are often designed to look and taste like candy, making them especially appealing to young children. Unfortunately, the psychoactive properties of cannabis can have severe consequences when ingested by kids, including becoming unresponsive, vomiting and even having seizures.

2. Multivitamin Gummies

Many parents turn to gummy multivitamins to encourage children to take their daily vitamins. However, gummy vitamins are often mistaken for regular candy (and sometimes knowingly ingested). While a handful is unlikely to cause significant harm, a very large amount or repeated exposure can lead to harm.

3. Melatonin Gummies

A good night’s sleep is essential for both parents and their children. To help children fall asleep, parents are increasingly using melatonin products, with gummies the most popular form. Just like other gummy products, the bottom of the bottle is the usual stopping point for most children. To the surprise of most parents, overdoses of melatonin are generally well tolerated with minimal side effects. Drowsiness can of course be expected, however more serious effects are rare but have been reported. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that these and all gummies are stored well out of reach.

What to Do If Your Child Ingests a Gummy Medication or Supplement

Accidents happen. It’s important to follow these steps if you suspect your child has ingested a gummy:

1. Call the Poison Center: Call the free, confidential national 1-800-222-1222 poison helpline immediately. Poison specialists can provide expert guidance based on your specific situation.
2. Carefully Observe: Watch your child carefully for any changes in behavioral or physical symptoms. As with any ingestion, it is important to remain calm and not to induce vomiting.
3. Seek Medical Help If Necessary: If your child exhibits severe symptoms or reactions, don’t hesitate to take them to the nearest emergency room. Quick medical attention can make a huge difference in their recovery.

Preventing Gummy Medication or Supplement Mishaps

Prevention is always the best course of action when it comes to keeping children safe. Here are some quick tips to help keep your child safe:

1. Keep Medications Secure: Store all medications, including gummy versions, out of reach and sight of children. Ensure that bottles are tightly sealed, and consider using childproof locks or a locked medicine cabinet.
2. Educate Your Child: Teach your child about the potential dangers of consuming medications that are not meant for them.
3. Choose Alternatives: If you’re concerned about gummy medications or supplements in your home, consider traditional forms like tablets that are less appealing to children.

It’s true gummies can be a convenient and tasty method of taking medications, but they are highly attractive to young children who can easily confuse them with candy. By following basic precautions and being prepared, parents can protect their children and ensure that their curiosity doesn’t lead them to harm. Click here for a free IPC Complimentary Safety Packet (contains: sticker, magnet and first-aid recommendations for a poisoning exposure).