Missouri Sees 2,300% Surge in Marijuana Poison Control Calls for Young Children Over Six Years

Joe Lyons • September 10, 2024

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — The number of marijuana-related poison control calls involving children aged five and under in Missouri has skyrocketed by 2,300% over the past six years, according to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.

Data reveals a dramatic increase in such incidents from just 7 calls in 2018 to 168 calls in 2023. The numbers have surged year-by-year as follows:

2018: 7 calls

2019: 26 calls

2020: 57 calls

2021: 102 calls

2022: 125 calls

2023: 168 calls

Experts attribute this alarming trend to the proliferation of child-friendly marijuana products and packaging. The marijuana industry has increasingly introduced edibles that closely resemble popular candies and snacks. These products, which often come in bright colors and feature cartoon-themed packaging, are particularly appealing to young children. As a result, toddlers may mistakenly consume these items, not realizing they contain high doses of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.

The issue has been exacerbated by Missouri’s evolving marijuana laws. In 2018, before the state legalized medical marijuana, there were only 7 such poison control calls. Following the legalization of medical marijuana in November 2018 and its sale beginning in October 2020, the number of calls began to rise. The situation worsened after the state fully legalized marijuana in November 2022, with recreational sales starting in February 2023.

The increase in these incidents highlights growing concerns about the safety of marijuana products, particularly those marketed with child-friendly features. Advocacy groups are calling for stricter regulations, including bans on edibles designed to appeal to children and requirements for child-proof packaging on THC-containing products.

As more states adopt similar legalization measures, experts warn that without appropriate safeguards, such trends may continue.