Decriminalization of cannabis--potential risks for children?
The legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes is becoming increasingly widespread worldwide. The anticipated growing ease of access to cannabis may create an increased risk for passive and/or active ingestion by children. We report a case of a 1.5-year-old infant who presented with unexplained coma that was later proved to be associated with the ingestion of cannabis. This case highlights the importance of considering cannabis ingestion in the differential diagnosis of infantile and toddler coma and the need for public education regarding the risks of childhood exposure in the light of the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes and its greater availability.
Paediatric Department, Ziv Medical Centre, Safed, Israel. amirav@012.net.il
Israel
I
Amirav
Anthony
A
Luder
Yuri
Y
Viner
Martin
M
Finkel
D002188:Cannabis / Q000506:poisoning*; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000652:urine; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012306:Risk