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Kids Ingesting Drugs Up 3,300%!
1 Sep
Summary
- Child drug ingestion rates soared over 3,300% between 2000 and 2024.
- Edible marijuana accounts for half of all reported child ingestions.
- Six children died from accidental drug ingestion in the U.S.
A concerning trend has emerged regarding accidental recreational drug ingestions among children under the age of six. New research reveals a staggering increase of more than 3,300% in such incidents between 2000 and 2024.
Analysis of data from the National Poison Data System identified 41,612 accidental ingestions during this quarter-century. Weed products were responsible for 85% of these cases, with edibles making up approximately half. The ingestion rate for marijuana edibles has rapidly climbed since 2013.
Other substances involved included stimulants, psychedelics, and opioids. Tragically, six children under three years old died from accidental ingestions, with fentanyl and cocaine being the substances involved. Nearly half of the affected children experienced minor or no effects, but 5% faced potentially life-altering or fatal symptoms.
Experts emphasize the importance of storing recreational drugs securely, away from children's sight and reach, preferably in a locked location. They also advise against using these products around young children due to their natural tendency to imitate adult behavior.
