Chocolate chip cookies (Photo: ShutterStock)
Last night we reported that a one-and-a-half-year-old baby is hospitalized in serious condition along with his 6-year-old brother, who is hospitalized in moderate condition after eating cannabis cookies. The siblings' parents brought them to the hospital after the toddler was dizzy at home and fell on the furniture, after a while similar symptoms began in the 6-year-old. According to the mother, the two ate the cookies by mistake. The investigation revealed that the baby ate half a cookie, while the 6-year-old ate a whole cookie.
When we talk about cannabis poisoning, or at all, we mean harm to the body, when the injury is usually chemical that harms our body and may even cause complications and in extreme cases - endanger life.
Why is cannabis so dangerous for children?
Medical cannabis is considered a drug that helps with certain medical conditions, and like any other drug, if you take a dose beyond the recommended dose, a situation of poisoning is created. In children, poisoning may also occur in small doses that may be more severe compared to adults, both because of the low weight in the child (due to which the poisoning occurs quickly) and because the central nervous system is different in a child compared to an adult. That is why it is very easy to reach a state of poisoning in children.
It is important to note that when a child eats a cookie containing cannabis, he can consume large amounts until the effect begins to appear. Usually these are cookies and sweets that contain cannabis that are even more attractive and tasty for children.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually result from damage to the central nervous system. Symptoms include: unsteady gait, excessive sleepiness, changes in consciousness and in extreme situations, pauses in breathing, windowing, decreased pulse rate and general muscle weakness.
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Medical Cannabis (Photo: ShutterStock)
Is there a treatment?
There is no specific treatment for cannabis poisoning and it is important to know that the treatment of poisoning situations is supportive according to the level of poisoning, it can be treatment in the pediatric ward and up to hospitalization in intensive care. Treatment usually continues until the poisoning passes.
It is very important to keep such drugs out of the reach of children, especially when it comes to cookies and sweets that contain cannabis. In addition, if one of the parents is taking this type of medication, he must receive proper guidance that will also include instructions for safe storage.
The author is Dr. Nasrin Al-Atamin, Pediatric Specialist, Maccabi Health Services in the Southern District
- health
- Parenting
Tags
- cannabis
- Children