Edibles or Regular Gummies? The Line is Becoming Dangerously Blurred

In today’s world, marijuana edibles are growing rapidly in popularity—and manufacturers have certainly taken notice. These THC-infused candies and snacks are being packaged to look nearly identical to regular treats, making them hard to distinguish even for adults—let alone children.

You can now purchase these products at gas stations, vape shops, and even through social media platforms like TikTok. The packaging is often brightly colored, cartoon-themed, and visually appealing—deliberately designed to catch the eyes of kids and teens. Here is how easy it can be for your child to consume THC in an edible. It can come across their social media page as an advertisement to buy them, and in just a few clicks, you now have edibles at your door.

A friend innocently offers a gummy to your child at school from a parent’s stash, unaware it’s an edible. They offer it to your child and wham- exposed and in danger. All this just because of a tiny mistake, thinking that their snack was safe. We have so many other problems that demand our attention. We shouldn’t have to worry about our child accidentally consuming THC.

The main problem is that eating these THC-infused candies can be extremely hazardous to anyone, especially our youth. The amounts of THC in these products can vary drastically, causing overdoses in just a few bites. Not only is this a problem, but the medications your child or teenager is taking can affect how their bodies respond to the amount of THC consumed.

So, how can we prevent this from happening?

1. Educate Yourself

If adults can’t spot the difference between a regular snack and an edible, how can we expect children to? Learn how these products are packaged and what to look out for. Share this information with other parents, caregivers, and relatives.

2. Talk to Your Children and Teens

Once you’re informed, talk openly with your child. Show them examples of edible packaging and explain the risks. Encourage them not to accept snacks from others, even close friends, unless they're absolutely certain it’s safe.

3. Monitor and Report Ads

If you or your child sees ads for THC-infused products on social media, report them or mark them as "not interested." This helps reduce exposure to inappropriate and potentially dangerous content.

4. Secure These Products

If you choose to use edibles as an adult, store them responsibly. Lock them in a secure box, out of sight and reach of children. While quitting entirely is the safest option, responsible storage is a critical step in preventing accidental consumption.

We face enough challenges in today’s world. Protecting our children from accidental THC exposure shouldn't be one of them. The more we educate ourselves on these dangers, the more we can put protective factors in place.