Since recreational marijuana was legalized in Connecticut in 2021, edibles have become increasingly common. With their rise in popularity, the varieties of edibles available have expanded beyond just gummies and chocolate, into many other forms, including drinks, baked goods, and even drink powders. In recent years, edibles have become more sophisticated, often blending in with everyday products, featuring packaging that is strikingly similar to their non-cannabis counterparts. Because of this, it’s difficult to distinguish between cannabis products and a regular treat.
In order to differentiate between cannabis-infused products and regular products, it’s critical to look for packaging symbols and signs. There are cannabis labeling requirements by state to ensure the safe consumption of these products. According to the Southeastern Regional Action Council (SERAC), the following are indicators that the product contains cannabis in Connecticut:
Products must have a clearly visible “THC” label covering at least 25% of the largest side of the package.
Packaging must include symbols clearly showing that the product contains THC and is not for those under age 21.
Products must be in child-safe, tamper-proof packaging.
Despite these regulations, some cannabis-infused products still closely resemble popular snacks and beverages. For example, the popularity of THC seltzers are on the rise, and their packaging mirrors the currently trendy ‘Poppi’ and ‘Olipop’ seltzers. In addition, packaged baked goods, like cookies, are being mimicked. For instance, “Trips Ahoy” edibles look nearly identical to “Chips Ahoy” cookies, and ‘Stoner Patch Kids’ mimic ‘Sour Patch Kids’ packaging.
Due to trendy new packaging, children may not always recognize the danger of consuming a product that looks familiar, but, in reality, contains THC. In fact, “from 2019 to 2024, Poison Control managed 34,052 cannabis edible exposure cases in patients that were 0-19 years of age” (America’s Poison Centers). Because these products are marketed in a way that appeals to the masses, children and teenagers are more likely than ever to want to try them. It’s essential to educate children and teens about the risks of consuming these products, especially because their brains are still developing. According to the CDC, “Using cannabis before age 18 may affect how the brain builds connections for functions like attention, memory, and learning” (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Parents, educators, and community members must engage in dialogue about the potential effects of consuming marijuana at a young age.
Lastly, it’s important to understand what a THC overdose looks like in the event that someone consumes one of these products without realizing it. Major signs of THC intoxication include panic, paranoia, dizziness, slurred speech, poor coordination, altered perception, and more. If someone who has been using marijuana develops any of the symptoms of intoxication, call 911 immediately. Unfortunately, intoxication often occurs with edibles because people may consume a large quantity, thinking that they are not feeling the effects immediately. In reality, it can take up to 2 hours to feel high from an edible, which increases the risk of overconsumption.As marijuana edibles continue to grow in popularity, their sophisticated packaging continues to pose significant risks to the community, especially for children and teens. Parents, educators, and community members just remain vigilant and educate youth on potential dangers of consuming these products. For more information, please visit https://www.milfordprevention.org/cannabis.
Reference
American Association of Poison Control Centers. (n.d.). Edible cannabis: A growing concern. Poison Centers. https://poisoncenters.org/track/edible-cannabis
South Central Regional Council of Governments. (n.d.). Recreational cannabis information for CT municipalities. SERACCT. https://www.seracct.org/21-for-a-reason/cannabis/recreational-cannabis-information-for-ct-municipalities/#:~:text=Products%20must%20be%20in%20child,for%20those%20under%20age%2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Brain health and cannabis use. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/brain-health.html#:~:text=Using%20cannabis%20before%20age%2018,to%20fully%20understand%20these%20effects.