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Edibles
The Hidden Dangers of Marijuana Edibles
Edibles Are More Harmful Than You Think
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While smoking remains the most common method of marijuana consumption, edibles, food products infused with cannabis, are rapidly gaining popularity. However, this seemingly harmless trend carries serious health risks, particularly due to how edibles are processed in the body and how they can lead to lifelong addiction.
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Unlike smoking marijuana, which produces almost immediate effects, edibles take longer to affect the body which is typically 30 minutes to 2 hours because they must be digested and metabolized by the liver. This delay can lead users to consume more than intended, mistakenly thinking the initial dose was ineffective. As a result, there is a much higher risk of accidental overdose with edibles.
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Additionally, the THC content in edibles is difficult to measure accurately, and doses can vary widely from product to product even within the same package. This makes it incredibly easy to consume too much without realizing it.
Edibles can also pose serious risks when taken in combination with other medications. Certain drug interactions can alter how the body metabolizes THC, leading to a dangerous spike in THC concentration up to five times higher than expected.
Even more alarming is how these products are being marketed. Many marijuana edibles are packaged to resemble regular candies and snacks, making them attractive and accessible to children. In 2021, the National Poison Data System reported over 20,000 cases of marijuana edible poisonings. Shockingly, children under age 5 accounted for nearly 36% of these incidents. And this trend is not slowing down.
Marijuana edibles are increasingly found in gas stations, convenience stores, and online platforms like TikTok, often with little to no regulation. The line between recreational products and dangerous substances has become dangerously blurred.
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The First Step Toward Prevention​
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Awareness is the first step toward prevention.
As edibles become more prevalent, so do the risks—especially to our children and communities. Make informed choices, stay vigilant, and help raise awareness about the real dangers of marijuana edibles. You can also talk to your children and teenagers about the dangers of eating other children’s snacks at school or other events.
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Learn More
Use the resources below to deepen your understanding and find tools to support meaningful conversations with your child.
*All resources for these facts are from the World Health Organization and the CDC.*
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