Sharp Rise in Unintentional Pediatric Marijuana Ingestions in Tennessee

Recent research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 National Conference highlights a dramatic increase in unintentional marijuana ingestions among children under five in Tennessee. Over the past seven years, such cases have surged by more than 1,000%, coinciding with wider accessibility and the growing presence of cannabis products. A review of more than 2,300 pediatric emergency cases from 2016 to 2023 revealed a notable spike starting around 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Although most children were discharged from emergency departments, hospitalizations increased, indicating the severity of some cases.

Children often find cannabis edibles that resemble candy, typically belonging to family members or found at home, and ingest them without understanding the risks. The data indicates that Black children and those with public insurance were most affected, reflecting ongoing racial and socioeconomic disparities in exposure risks.

Despite cannabis remaining illegal in Tennessee, the study warns of significant danger posed by neighboring states' legalization, as products can be easily transported or obtained informally across state lines. The pandemic's stay-at-home orders and reduced supervision contributed further to the increased exposure, with pediatric emergency visits related to cannabis rising sharply during this period—far exceeding pre-pandemic numbers.

This alarming trend underscores the need for heightened awareness, preventive measures, and policy interventions to protect vulnerable children from accidental ingestion of cannabis products.