@article{ref1,
title="Unintentional cannabis exposures in children pre- and post-legalization: a retrospective review from a canadian paediatric hospital",
journal="Paediatrics and child health (1996)",
year="2022",
author="Coret, Alon and Rowan-Legg, Anne",
volume="27",
number="5",
pages="265-271",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: Canada legalized recreational cannabis in October 2018. Cannabis is increasingly available in numerous forms-especially edibles-that make children vulnerable to unintentional intoxication. We sought to: determine the frequency of visits due to cannabis intoxication pre- and post-legalization; characterize the clinical features and circumstances of cannabis intoxication in the paediatric population; and create greater awareness among healthcare providers about this issue. <br><br>METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of Emergency Department visits at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (Ottawa, ON) between March 2013 and September 2020. Inclusion criteria were: age <18 years; unintentional cannabis ingestion, identified by ICD-10 codes T40.7 and X42. We assessed basic demographics, clinical signs and symptoms, exposure details, investigations, and patient disposition. <br><br>RESULTS: A total of 37 patients (22 male) met inclusion criteria, mean age 5.9±3.8 years. Most visits (32; 86%) occurred in the 2-year period after legalization. Altered levels of consciousness, lethargy/somnolence, tachycardia, and vomiting were the most common presenting signs and symptoms. The majority of exposures were to edibles (28; 76%) in the home setting (30; 81%). Poison control and child protective services were involved in 19 (51%) and 22 (59%) of cases, respectively. Twelve patients (32%) required admission to the hospital, the majority of whom stayed <24 h. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm increased paediatric hospital visits related to unintentional cannabis exposures post-legalization. Consideration of this clinical presentation is critical for acute care providers. Advocacy for safe storage strategies and appropriate enforcement of marketing/packaging legislation are imperative for public health policymakers.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1205-7088",
doi="10.1093/pch/pxab090",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/pch/pxab090"
}