• George Sam Wang, Genie Roosevelt, and Kennon Heard.
• Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health, Denver, Colorado 80204, USA. george.wang@childrenscolorado.org
• JAMA Pediatr. 2013 Jul 1;167(7):630-3.

ImportanceAn increasing number of states are decriminalizing the use of medical marijuana, and the effect on the pediatric population has not been evaluated.ObjectiveTo compare the proportion of marijuana ingestions by young children who sought care at a children's hospital in Colorado before and after modification of drug enforcement laws in October 2009 regarding medical marijuana possession.DesignRetrospective cohort study from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2011.SettingTertiary-care children's hospital emergency department in Colorado.ParticipantsA total of 1378 patients younger than 12 years evaluated for unintentional ingestions: 790 patients before September 30, 2009, and 588 patients after October 1, 2009.Main ExposureMarijuana ingestion.Main Outcomes And MeasuresMarijuana exposure visits, marijuana source, symptoms, and patient disposition.ResultsThe proportion of ingestion visits in patients younger than 12 years (age range, 8 months to 12 years)that were related to marijuana exposure increased after September 30, 2009, from 0 of 790 (0%; 95% CI, 0%-0.6%) to 14 of 588 (2.4%; 95% CI, 1.4%-4.0%) (P < .001). Nine patients had lethargy, 1 had ataxia, and 1 had respiratory insufficiency. Eight patients were admitted, 2 to the intensive care unit. Eight of the 14 cases involved medical marijuana, and 7 of these exposures were from food products.Conclusions And RelevanceWe found a new appearance of unintentional marijuana ingestions by young children after modification of drug enforcement laws for marijuana possession in Colorado. The consequences of unintentional marijuana exposure in children should be part of the ongoing debate on legalizing marijuana.

26 keywords...

hide…