Rise in Cannabis Edible Use Sparks Health Concerns
A new study has revealed a troubling trend: teen use of cannabis edibles jumped by 43% following the legalization of cannabis in Canada—and the U.S. is starting to see similar impacts.
Cannabis edibles are food or drink items infused with THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Some also contain CBD or other cannabinoids. Edibles are available in many forms, and unlike smoking or vaping, they are sometimes mistaken for regular snacks or treats.
Picture of commercialized cannabis products from Washington state.
Emergency rooms across North America are reporting more youth being admitted after accidentally or intentionally consuming cannabis-infused edibles—products that often look like regular candy, cookies, or snacks.
According to research published in April of this year by Shweta Mital, PhD, and Hai V. Nguyen, PhD, a cross-sectional study of 106,032 adolescents found a:
43% increase in cannabis edible use among teens after legalization.
34% increase in youth smoking cannabis.
26% overall rise in adolescent cannabis use.
28% increase in co-use of alcohol and cannabis.
Link: Legalizing Youth-Friendly Cannabis Edibles and Extracts and Adolescent Cannabis Use
From 2019 to 2025, U.S. Poison Centers managed 39,497 cases of edible cannabis exposure in individuals aged 0–19. As of April 30, 2025, there were already 2,578 such cases just this year.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, led by Dr. Marit Tweet, highlights a sharp rise in accidental cannabis edible ingestion among young children. Over 7,000 cases were reported in children under age 6 between 2017 and 2021—a 1,375% increase, with 2-year-olds experiencing the highest rate, followed by 3-year-olds.
Link: Number of kids getting sick from cannabis edibles hits new high
Burlington is not immune, last fall three elementary school students in Burlington found and ate cannabis edibles near their school that they mistook for regular snacks. Thankfully, they told school staff quickly and received help. The district changed its procedures to check grounds earlier in the day to help prevent similar incidents.
Edibles Are Especially Risky for Kids
Just one cookie or gummy may contain several adult doses of THC. Because THC edibles often look like candy or treats (e.g., brownies, cookies, colorful gummies, lollipops) they can be attractive to children of all ages. However, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 in Vermont to consume cannabis with THC for important reasons. Perhaps the most important is that the developing brain is much more vulnerable to short and long-term consequences from cannabis use and brains are developing up until age 25. There is also substantial evidence of the the following health impacts from cannabis use - which are increased for young people:
respiratory symptoms
frequent chronic bronchitis episodes
increased risk for dependance
impairment in learning, memory, and attention
increased risk for depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders
decline in IQ
Keep Kids Safe (Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics)
Store safely: Lock up edibles out of sight and reach. Keep products in the original, labeled, child-resistant packaging. Consider purchasing a lockable bag to store cannabis, medications, or things children should not get into.
Don’t consume in front of kids: It may increase the potential for curiosity or imitation.
Keep an inventory of what you have so you’ll notice if any is missing.
Talk with others: Ensure grandparents, friends, and babysitters are also storing responsibly.
Respond quickly if a child consumes cannabis:
Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Call your pediatrician or go to the ER
Keep an eye out for these symptoms that a child may have consumed cannabis with THC: confusion, panic, drowsiness, vomiting, unresponsiveness, and—more severely—seizures, breathing problems, or even coma in toddlers.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Although cannabis use is legal for adults in Vermont, it’s risks for children and teens are very real. Together, we can protect youth from unintentional harm. If you are interested in getting involved in our efforts to reduce harm and prevent young people from using reach out to Bianka at Bianka@burlingtonpartnership.org to learn more about how you can help.