Cases of accidental poisoning of children with cannabis are currently being investigated by the Service de police de la Ville de Québec (SPVQ), which reports that charges of criminal negligence could be filed against those responsible for such poisonings.
According to SPVQ investigators, cases reported in recent months indicate the possibility that children may have absorbed products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that were accessible to them. It is THC that brings sensations to people who consume cannabis.
In 2022, the Quebec Poison Control Center reported nearly 15 calls related to suspected cannabis poisoning among young people aged 14 and under for the Capitale-Nationale region. Since 2013, an upward trend in hospitalizations related to cannabis use has been observed, all age groups combined.
The SPVQ and the Integrated University Health and Social Services Center (CIUSSS) of the Capitale-Nationale therefore invite the population to be vigilant regarding the use of various cannabis products and its derivatives containing THC.
The Quebec police point out that it is not always possible to ensure the integrity of products such as cannabis candies or solid foods such as chocolates, confectionery or desserts, as well as their actual THC level. .
The Public Health Department of the CIUSSS adds that children are particularly at risk of suffering serious impacts on their health if they ingest a cannabis product, regardless of the legal status of the product.
The authorities issue a few recommendations to prevent young people from having health problems, in particular to keep cannabis products in their original packaging, childproof, to store them in places out of the reach of children and prevent children from coming into contact with second-hand cannabis smoke.
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