Nobody gives their kids weed for Halloween, but here’s how to prevent them from accidentally eating some

People who give THC edibles to children give all other responsible consumers a bad name. And with Halloween just around the corner, it’s important for parents to protect their kids from THC-infused edibles disguised as candy.

For us adults, the fact that cannabis edibles don’t smell or taste any different than regular candy is a bonus—but that’s obviously not okay for kids. We don’t want the little ones to suffer from getting high and making their parents sick.

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There is an increase in cases of children using cannabis in states where it is legal. In Colorado, there was even a case where a two-year-old had a marijuana overdose. Meanwhile, in other mature markets like Colorado and California, children as young as 8 were suffering from cannabis intoxication. It’s certainly rare, but there’s still a chance it can happen.

RELATED: Trick or Treating: Tips to Keep Candy Away from Kids

Since it is now virtually impossible to distinguish an edible from regular food, it is vital for parents and guardians to exercise extra caution around children. They have no idea they are consuming cannabis edibles. Many companies even make edibles and sell them in packaging designed to look like popular brands of candy, cookies, and cereal.

While marijuana is well tolerated by adults, it can be traumatic and severe for young children and infants. In many cases, they will need to be taken to a hospital emergency room for treatment of their symptoms.

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Edibles can take a while to show their effects, even in children. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Weakness
• panic
• intoxication
• Excessive sleepiness
• paranoia
• slurred speech
• slowed breathing
• ataxia (difficulty balancing)

You know your child best, so be on the lookout for other signs and behaviors that are not typical for them.

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However, there are a few ways you can prevent your kids from accidentally ingesting cannabis edibles. This is not only important around Halloween, but all year round:

• Go trick-or-treating with your kids and don’t accept homemade candy without properly sealed well-known brand packaging. Look for treats that may have been tampered with. Throw away opened candy.

• Tell your trick-or-treaters not to consume candy before you personally inspect them. If they are old enough, at least ask them to keep all the packaging so you can check if they received any edibles in the bags. If you live in a state where cannabis is legal for either medicinal or recreational use, any good parent will take the few minutes it takes to inspect their child’s Halloween candy before consuming it.

• Talk to your kids about the potential risks of accidentally ingesting marijuana edibles. This will educate them about the stress and dangers of ingesting marijuana. It would also be a good opportunity for older children and young people to start discussions about underage marijuana use and how it affects their health, paving the way for talking about alcohol and tobacco use as well.

While there are few nationwide cases, it’s still best to avoid the risk. THC edibles are also more expensive compared to real candy, so the likelihood of adults giving them away is really low. But you never know if you may have someone maliciously lurking in your neighborhood who might actually be tying up and handing out some candy.

RELATED: Why marijuana-spiked candy is the most demonic Halloween scare ever

If you are a cannabis using parent yourself, it always helps to keep the candy out of the reach of children. Treat them the same way you treat toxic products and pharmaceutical drugs. The use of child-resistant or child-resistant packaging is always recommended, especially with a clear label.

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What to do if you think your child is eaten and edible

In the event that you suspect your child has eaten marijuana edibles, the most important thing is to remain calm first.

Try to get information, for example by checking what sweets or edibles your child may have consumed. See how much they ate by comparing how much was in the pack and how much is left. Look for information on the packaging about how much THC it contains.

If you notice your child is excessively sleepy, breathing deeply, having trouble breathing, or having any other changes in their normal behavior, it is best to call 9-1-1.

Alternatively, you can go to the nearest emergency room and give them as much information as possible. You can also call the poison control center even if your child is acting normally. They will let you know if you can monitor your child in the comfort of your own home and when it is best for them to see a doctor.

The most important thing to remember is that no child has ever died from a marijuana overdose. You will feel uncomfortable for a while, but everything will be fine. It’s simply best to avoid getting your hands on THC edibles in the meantime.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.