(WFSB) – Much like the rest of the country, Connecticut is seeing an increase in the number of calls to poison control regarding a child that has been exposed to marijuana edibles.
Attorney General William Tong says that even though these edibles may look like candy to small children, in reality, they are not and pose a threat to their health if eaten.
“These are no products that are safe for adults, much less children,” Tong said on Tuesday.
With Halloween happening this weekend, officials are raising awareness about these candies to make sure parents and guardians are checking the candy their kids collect.
“The proliferation of fake, unregulated, illegal and often extremely dangerous products that look like food, candy, snake products,” Tong said.
Connecticut Poison Control says they’ve seen a rise in calls because minors have consumed edibles.
“You see a very, kind of, steep curve on this,” said Suzanne Doyon, director of Connecticut Poison Control.
Up to 88 calls in 2020, and 58 through the first seven months this year. Connecticut Poison Control says roughly half of those calls involve kids age 6 or younger.
These products can have as much as 500 to 600 milligrams of THC, enough to send young children to intensive care.
By comparison, consumer protection will likely limit the recreational retail market to 5 milligrams per serving.
“Let’s not wait till somebody gets hurt, let’s be very careful, particularly around Halloween,” Tong said.
The sale of recreational marijuana to adults still isn’t legal in Connecticut.
Consumer protection is still drafting rules, and the commissioner said it won’t allow packaging or names that copy popular candies and snacks. Parents also want clear warnings on the package.