The total number of pediatric and adult marijuana exposures has surpassed that of all of 2013 despite a decrease in marijuana exposures for September. Furthermore, the percentage of kids <1 – 12 years of age has increased since 2013 from 39% to 47% and represents an alarming trend. “The increasing availability of marijuana edibles and lack of child-resistant packaging may ultimately contribute to a further increasing trend in pediatric exposures” says Dr. Garrard, Clinical Managing Director of the Washington Poison Center. This report provides a running snapshot of current YTD exposure data and a pediatric age breakdown of the exposures being reported to the WAPC compared to 2013.
*Disclaimer: Reporting of exposures to the poison center is voluntary and not mandated by law. As such, WAPC data describes the number of calls called into the poison center and most likely is an under-representation of the true occurrence of any one substance.
For further information, contact Dr. Garrard at AGarrard@wapc.org or 206-517-2356.
Call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately for medical advice if you are worried about the health and safety of yourself, others or if your child has accidentally been exposed to liquid nicotine or an e-cigarette. All calls are free and confidential.