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Poison control calls for kids up 160% since recreational marijuana legalization


The Northern New England Poison Control Center says it's seen an increase of in calls related to children ingesting marijuana since new laws were implemented in 2016. (WGME){ }{p}{/p}{p}{/p}{p}{/p}
The Northern New England Poison Control Center says it's seen an increase of in calls related to children ingesting marijuana since new laws were implemented in 2016. (WGME)

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PORTLAND (WGME) -- New statistics released by Maine's poison control center show a steady increase in parents calling about children accidentally ingesting marijuana.

According to the Northern New England Poison Control Center, since recreational marijuana was legalized in 2016, they've seen a 160% increase in related calls.

"No one thinks marijuana is a big deal," Dr. Karen Simone with the New England Poison Control Center said. "You're going to get goofy you're going to get hungry and its funny but with little kids and great big doses it's not always funny."

In 2016, statistics show the center only received two calls related to young children between the ages of 0 and 12 accidentally ingesting marijuana. So far in 2019, the center has received 19 calls.

"As soon as you have more marijuana out there, there will be more poisonings," Dr. Simone said.

According to the poison center, most of calls they receive are related to marijuana edibles.

"Children are exploring their environment," Dr. Simone said. "It looks like candy and it looks like food so they eat it."

Typical symptoms include drowsiness, dizziness, dehydration and nausea. Two-thirds of calls related to marijuana also have to be referred to local hospital emergency rooms, according to the center.

"Some of these edibles kids can get a dose of 100 or 200," Dr. Simone said. "They're much smaller than an adult and they're not used to it so they have no tolerance built up."

As marijuana becomes more mainstream and the first recreational shops open across Maine the center has said is fully expects calls to increase.

For more information on the best practices to keep marijuana safe and secure in your home, click here.

You can contact the Northern New England Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.

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