Spike In Kids Poisoned By Marijuana Seen In WA: Data

SEATTLE, WA - More than 80 children under age 5 were exposed to harmful levels of marijuana in 2017, according to data from the Washington Poison Center. That's a 40 percent increase over 2016, but marijuana harms children less frequently than common legal substances like aspirin, data show.

Marijuana poisonings in Washington have grown steadily since retail stores opened in 2014. In 2013, there were 158 exposures among all age groups. That number jumped to 273 in 2014, but stayed relatively flat, rising to 291 in 2016.

In 2017, 378 people sought treatment from the poison center for exposure to marijuana.

Of all age groups, children under 5 saw the biggest increase, rising from 52 exposures in 2016 to 82 in 2017. The next highest group was people between age 30 and 49, with 60 exposures in 2017.

A majority of the marijuana exposures - 43 percent - happened with edible marijuana, according to the report. Edible marijuana is extremely potent and lasts longer than in smoked form. A single piece of marijuana chocolate can contain up to 100 milligrams of THC.

A normal serving of edible marijuana for an adult contains about 25 milligrams of THC, but 100 milligrams may cause severe panic for hours. The Washington Poison Center reported that neurological symptoms were most commonly reported symptom of poisoning.

Although marijuana exposures increased in young children in 2017, it didn't crack the top 10 most common substances that poison kids. Aspirin is the No. 1 culprit, followed by melatonin, acetaminophen, diaper rash cream, and antihistamines.

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