Several kids hospitalized after ingesting cannabis edibles: Health Canada

Health Canada said it is aware of “several cases of serious harm” resulting from children who are ingesting illegal edible cannabis products.

In an advisory, the agency said the products “appeared similar to regular candies or foods and were stored in locations such as the fridge or freezer and without child-resistant packaging.”

As a result, “children are accidentally ingesting illegal edible cannabis products and are experiencing serious harm resulting in hospitalization.”

In light of this, Health Canada is also reminding the public that “obtaining cannabis from illegal sources can carry potential health risks as the products are not regulated and do not meet the strict safety and quality controls as set out in the Cannabis Act and its Regulations.”

Quality controls, the agency said, include factors such as the maximum amount of THC, product ingredients, packaging, labelling, production, testing, and sale, including appeal to young persons.

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As such, Health Canada said consumers should only purchase cannabis from authorized provincial and territorial retailers, online or in brick-and-mortar stores.

“Legal cannabis products must be sold in child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging, and the immediate container must be opaque or translucent,” the agency said. “Edible cannabis products may legally contain a maximum of 10 milligrams of THC per package. All cannabis should be stored securely and out of reach of children and young persons. Cannabis should always be kept in its original child-resistant packaging.”