Surge in Pediatric Cannabis Hospitalizations

OG Article By Glenn Jones

September 26 2025

Overview

• Massachusetts sees rise in child cannabis poisonings.

• Unregulated hemp market blamed, says Insa.

• Data shows 97% increase in ER visits for kids under 13.

Key Findings

• Timeframe: 36 months ending 2023.

• Issue: Accidental cannabis ingestion by children.

• Symptoms: Severe hallucinations, cannabis-induced psychosis.

  • Kids experience loss of reality, see or hear things.

Hemp Market Concerns

• Unregulated Sales: Hemp sold in smoke shops, gas stations.

• Example: Springfield store sold gummies with 500 mg THC per serving.

  • Nearly 100 times legal limit.

  • Packaged as “Stoner Patch Dummies”, mimicking Sour Patch Kids.

• Risks: Appeals to kids, lacks child-resistant packaging.

Industry Perspective

• Insa’s View: Unregulated hemp undermines legal cannabis market.

  • Poses safety risks to children.

  • Unfair competition for licensed companies.

• Quote: “We didn’t create a legal market to be usurped by this gray market,” says Steve Reilly, Insa’s general counsel.

Proposed Solutions

• Federal: Amend 2018 Farm Bill to tighten hemp regulations.

• State: Massachusetts House passed a bill to regulate hemp.

  • Not yet on Senate agenda, concerns Sen. John Keenan.

• Local Action: Springfield passed first-in-state ordinance in June.

  • Regulates hemp product sales locally.

Impact

• Accidental ingestion poses serious risks to kids.

• Unregulated hemp products drive hospitalizations.

• Local and state actions aim to curb dangers.