CHICAGO – Chicago authorities said five elementary school students were taken to hospitals following a suspected overdose on cannabis edibles, according to ABC7 Chicago. The incident occurred at George Leland Elementary School and is the latest in a string of marijuana intoxications involving children.
According to the National Poison Data system, there were more than 7,000 exposures in kids under six to edible cannabis between 2017 and 2021.
As Emily’s Hope previously reported, research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also revealed some alarming statistics. Prior to 2020, children under ten years old visited emergency rooms due to cannabis use approximately 18 to 23 times a week. However, between 2020 and 2022, that number skyrocketed to as high as 71.5 weekly visits. Even children between the ages of 11 to 14 experienced a 50% increase in emergency trips, with females suffering more injuries than males.
Researchers noted that marijuana has become more potent, and certain products with higher concentrations of THC, such as vapes and dabs, have become more popular among adolescents and young adults. The situation is further complicated by the resemblance of THC-containing edibles to products that appeal to children, like candy.
ABC7 reports that all five of the Chicago children are in good condition, and none of the overdoses are life-threatening.