A mother in Halifax is speaking out about the dangers of packaging that depicts highly potent cannabis products as “treats.” Her nine-year-old son and several classmates at his school ingested edibles labeled as “Nerd Bites” and became violently ill. The mother described her son’s experience, where he vomited multiple times, had a decreased heart rate, and had to be rushed to the emergency department. She was shocked to see the packaging, which featured brightly coloured candies on a grassy background and a small label indicating to keep out of reach of children. The mother emphasized the need for better education for children regarding the potential dangers of cannabis.
The children were reported to have consumed about 200 milligrams of cannabis each, which is considered a huge dose, roughly 20 times more than what an adult might take for recreational purposes. Dr. Bruce Crooks, a pediatric oncologist/hematologist, explained that such high doses can lead to the depression of brain activity in children, requiring intensive care and life support. While licensed distributors like the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. adhere to strict regulations in packaging and promotion, products like Nerd Bites can still be ordered online and delivered to households, potentially putting children at risk.
The mother of the affected child expressed disbelief when she saw the packaging of the product, which closely resembled regular candy packaging. She called for schools to establish protocols for handling situations where such products are brought in and emphasized the importance of educating children about the dangers of cannabis at a younger age. Health Canada regulations require edible cannabis packaging to be child-resistant and plain, with labels that are not appealing to youth. The Canadian Paediatric Society has warned about the increase in young children needing medical care after ingesting cannabis and recommended prohibiting any products that resemble candy or appeal to children.
Despite the legalization of cannabis and the establishment of a regulated market, unauthorized online sellers continue to operate, leading to difficulties in enforcing regulations. The federal review of the Cannabis Act highlighted concerns about the ease with which these sellers operate and the need for better enforcement measures. The incident involving the children consuming Nerd Bites at the Halifax school serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with highly potent cannabis products and the importance of strict regulations and education around their use. Parents, schools, and regulatory authorities must work together to protect children from accidental ingestion of cannabis products disguised as harmless treats.
