Gummies, Gummies, Everywhere:
Protect Your Children from Downing Cannabis, Multivitamin and Melatonin Gummies
Kids are curious, rambunctious and full of energy. They get into everything! But what if they
got their little hands on your cannabis gummies? One parent recently called the Illinois
Poison Center because their 2-year-old discovered a colorful bag of what she thought were
gummy candies in her parents’ nightstand. Within an hour of devouring them, the toddler
vomited and then became so sleepy her parents couldn’t rouse her.
It was a heart-racing scare for the parents. After several tense moments, they saw the empty
container of cannabis edibles on their bedroom floor and realized what happened. They then
spoke with a poison specialist and rushed their little girl to the emergency room. Thankfully,
with supportive care, she completely recovered within 24 hours.
Such scenarios are becoming more common—and it’s not only cannabis that kids are getting
into. In this blog post, we’ll review the three major types of drugs that come in gummy form:
cannabis, vitamins and melatonin, along with an overview of the potential toxicity of each.
1. Cannabis Gummies
With the legalization of cannabis in many states, including Illinois, the prevalence of cannabis
edibles has surged. These products are often designed to look and taste like candy, making
them especially appealing to young children. Unfortunately, the psychoactive properties of
cannabis can have severe consequences when ingested by kids, including becoming
unresponsive, vomiting and even having seizures.
2. Multivitamin Gummies
Many parents turn to gummy multivitamins to encourage children to take their daily vitamins.
However, gummy vitamins are often mistaken for regular candy (and sometimes knowingly
ingested). While a handful is unlikely to cause significant harm, a very large amount or
repeated exposure can lead to harm.
3. Melatonin Gummies
A good night’s sleep is essential for both parents and their children. To help children fall
asleep, parents are increasingly using melatonin products, with gummies the most popular
form. Just like other gummy products, the bottom of the bottle is the usual stopping point for
most children. To the surprise of most parents, overdoses of melatonin are generally well
tolerated with minimal side effects. Drowsiness can of course be expected, however more
serious effects are rare but have been reported. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that these
and all gummies are stored well out of reach.
What to Do If Your Child Ingests a Gummy Medication or Supplement
Accidents happen. It’s important to follow these steps if you suspect your child has ingested
a gummy:
1. Call the Poison Center: Call the free, confidential national 1-800-222-1222 poison
helpline immediately. Poison specialists can provide expert guidance based on your
specific situation.
2. Carefully Observe: Watch your child carefully for any changes in behavioral or
physical symptoms. As with any ingestion, it is important to remain calm and not to
induce vomiting.
3. Seek Medical Help If Necessary: If your child exhibits severe symptoms or reactions,
don’t hesitate to take them to the nearest emergency room. Quick medical attention
can make a huge difference in their recovery.
Preventing Gummy Medication or Supplement Mishaps
Prevention is always the best course of action when it comes to keeping children safe. Here
are some quick tips to help keep your child safe:
1. Keep Medications Secure: Store all medications, including gummy versions, out of
reach and sight of children. Ensure that bottles are tightly sealed, and consider using
childproof locks or a locked medicine cabinet.
2. Educate Your Child: Teach your child about the potential dangers of consuming
medications that are not meant for them.
3. Choose Alternatives: If you’re concerned about gummy medications or supplements
in your home, consider traditional forms like tablets that are less appealing to children.
It’s true gummies can be a convenient and tasty method of taking medications, but they are
highly attractive to young children who can easily confuse them with candy. By following
basic precautions and being prepared, parents can protect their children and ensure that
their curiosity doesn’t lead them to harm.
Resource: Illinois Poison Control Center