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Child Abuse Prevention Council
PO Box 815
Jackson, CA 95642
Location: 975 Broadway, Jackson
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It's our job as adults to keep kids safe.
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CAPC Newsletter July 2018
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Edible Marijuana Dangers
How Parents Can Prevent Pot Poisoning
With
marijuana now legal for medical or recreational use in more than half of U.S. states, the availability of pastries, candy and other tempting treats infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, is on the rise-and so is the accidental poisoning risk these products pose to children who get ahold of them.
It's critical for parents to understand the way these edible pot products are packaged, the amount of drug they contain, how the drug is absorbed in the body, and how available they are to children and teens.
What are Marijuana Edibles?
Sold as "discreet" alternatives to smoking marijuana cigarettes, edible marijuana products often look just like regular sweets. Some popular products include:
- Baked goods, snack foods and desserts-including cookies, brownies, cupcakes, caramel corn and ice cream
- Chocolate bars, gummy candies, lollipops, fudge and other candies
- Sweetened beverages like sodas and lemonade
Effects of Edible Marijuana on Children & Teens
Despite their ordinary appearance, a single pot cookie or candy bar can contain several times the recommended adult dose of THC. Anyone who eats one of these edibles-especially a child-can experience overdose effects such as intoxication, altered perception, anxiety, panic, paranoia, dizziness, weakness, slurred speech, poor coordination, apnea, and heart problems.
For teens, regular marijuana use can impair memory and concentration, may interfere with learning, and is linked to lower odds of completing high school or obtaining a college degree. Regular use is also linked to psychological problems, poorer lung health, and a higher likelihood of drug dependence in adulthood. One-time use can alter motor control, coordination and judgment, which may contribute to unintentional deaths and injuries.
Delayed effects of edible marijuana linked to overdosing:
Edible marijuana products take longer than smoked marijuana to have an effect-usually 30-60 minutes after being eaten and absorbed by the digestive system; with the peak effect 3-4 hours after being eaten. Someone experimenting with marijuana edibles might not feel the effects as quickly as expected and eat large amounts in an attempt to "get high." This leads to overdosing.
Are Packaging Rules Enough?
After a reported rise in the number of kids accidentally consuming marijuana
where it is legal, some states have passed laws aimed at preventing pot poisoning. The regulations require products that contain marijuana have clear labeling with standardized serving sizes, for example, and child-proof packaging. But is that enough?
Marijuana candies, for example, are often made to look very similar to popular brand name candy and food products. For example, the package may resemble a Kit Kat® wrapper, but the title is slightly altered to "Keef Kat." Having these products in the home increases the risk of kids accidentally being exposed to marijuana.
In addition, even one standardized serving can have severe effects, especially on children.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics examined unintentional exposures to marijuana in Colorado, where marijuana was legalized for medical use in 2000 and for recreational use in 2012. The study found packaging regulations like these aren't enough to keep ki
ds safe. Accidental pot poisoning cases in children under age 9 continued to rise after Colorado legalized marijuana use-even with packaging regulations. Edible marijuana products were involved in more than half the cases.
How to Keep Marijuana Edibles out of the Hands of Kids
- Storage: If there are marijuana edibles in your home, store them as you would medications and other potentially toxic products. Make sure the products are in out-of-reach or locked locations, in child-resistant packaging or containers. Clearly label marijuana edibles, and store them in their original packaging.
- Use and supervision: Never consume marijuana edibles in front of children, either for medical or recreational purposes. Not only can seeing the products create temptation, but using them may impair your ability to provide a safe environment. Always put the marijuana edibles back into the child-resistant packaging and an out-of-reach location immediately after using them.
- Talk to family members, friends and caregivers: sources of the accid
ental marijuana exposure were most often a parent, but grandparents, other family members, neighbors, friends, and babysitters were also sources. Ask anyone whose home your children spend time in if they use marijuana edibles. If a relative, friend or caregiver does, make sure he or she stores them safely and does not use them in front of your children or while watching them.
- Know what to do in an emergency: If your child eats marijuana by accident, call the free poison control hotline-1-800-222-1222-as soon as possible for fast help. If symptoms seem severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
How to Talk to Older Children & Teens About Marijuana Edibles
Federal statistics show that as more states legalize marijuana, fewer young people view it as harmful. But this perception doesn't line up with proven risks, especially from pot consumed in food.
- Talk to your kids about the potential harm of marijuana to their developing minds and bodies and stress the particular risks of marijuana edibles. The car can be an important place to have discussions or give them reminders before dropping off at parties, dances, sleepovers, etc. Treat these talks the same way you'd discuss other recreational substances that are legal yet potentially harmful to kids such as alcohol, tobacco and e-cigarettes.
- Remind them to never drive under the influence of marijuana, or ride in a car with a driver who is under the influence of marijuana. Adults and teens regularly get into serious and even fatal car accidents while under the influence of marijuana.
- Ask other parents and school officials in your community if they are aware of the dangers marijuana edibles pose to kids.
- Talk with your pediatrician for additional information and guidance.
Additional Information & Resources:
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Family Strengthening
Mini-Grants Now Available!
We are excited to announce that funding is available for Family Strengthening mini-grant proposals for the 2018-19 fiscal year. Mini-grants will be awarded up to $2,000. Funding is provided by the Amador Child Abuse Prevention Council (ACAPC).
Grants are available for qualified organizations and agencies to provide Family Strengthening programs within the County of Amador.
Family Strengthening is the premise that children do well when families do well, and that
families do well when they live in supportive communities. Enhancing connections within
families, and between families, and the institutions that affect them, result in better outcomes
for children and their families.
Mini-Grant Application
Mini-Grant applications may be submitted to ACAPC at any time throughout the 2018-19 fiscal year, however grant reviews and awards will occur bi-monthly.
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Upcoming Events
Addressing ACEs
(Adverse Childhood Experiences)
Join CAPC in creating a county-wide effort to recognize and address the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences(ACEs) in Amador County.
Next steering committee meeting, Tuesday, July 10, 3:00-5:00pm, 975 Broadway.
Thursday, August 9, 8:00am - 4:00pm
Columbia, CA
Light breakfast and lunch provided.
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Free Mandated Reporter Training
The second Thursday of every month, from 10:00am - 12:00pm, the Child Abuse Prevention Council is holding free mandated reporter trainings. Open to parents, child care providers, teachers, the community, staff or colleagues needing a refresher course, or new staff with no previous training, give us a call, (209) 223-5921. For the flyer with all the information, click
HERE.
Next CAPC Meeting
Monday, July 16, 10:30am-12:00pm
975 Broadway, Jackson
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Building a Resilient Amador!
The relationship between adversity within a family and adversity within a community are directly related. Nourish the soil and the roots, and your leaves and blossoms will flourish and grow! Ignore the soil and the roots, and the leaves and flowers will wither away.
The Child Abuse Prevention Council is working towards building a community that tends its soil so everyone can thrive!
To learn more or to get involved, give us a call (209) 223-5921, or send us an email: [email protected].
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Trauma Informed Mindfulness, Movement, and Self-Care for Families & Providers
Wednesday, July 18 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
As family strengthening professionals, it is easy to dismiss the secondary trauma we face working with families and communities. However, when we practice good self-care, we are able to better serve those around us. Strategies 2.0 is hosting a webinar will that introduce you to the power and effectiveness of the mindfulness, movement, and self-care for you and your clients.
Presented by Schuyler Bright, Trauma Recovery Institute Founder and Director, you will learn techniques that can be practiced in your office, home, or classroom setting. You can then share the techniques with parents to support greater self-awareness and increase family well-being by creating space for more attunement and empathy.
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The Dangers of Opioid Addiction
Did You Know?
Prescription painkillers are now the leading gateway drug to heroin use and abuse.
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About CAPC
Our Vision
All children know how they are valued; all families receive the support, education and tools necessary to give every child a safe, healthy, and nurturing home; and a community that actively supports the health, safety, and education of its children.
Our Mission
CAPC is committed to preventing all forms of child abuse in Amador County through community partnerships, free trainings, education, and family-centered events that value children, strengthen families, and engage communities.
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Investing in Our Youngest Children
Stay up to date on all the latest news and information for the youngest children in our county! Sign up for First 5 Amador's monthly e-newsletter
HERE!
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