Gummies, the beloved sugary treats in various fun shapes and flavors, may seem harmless, but they can actually be quite dangerous. The Poison Control Centers in Florida have been receiving an increasing number of calls from people who have experienced severe illness due to overdosing on melatonin, THC, and CBD gummies. This has also led to a rise in emergency department visits. Symptoms of gummy overdoses include nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, tremors, confusion, and even difficulty breathing.
The surge in gummy overdoses can be attributed to their widespread availability, as well as the new habits people have formed during the pandemic. Gummies are easily accessible and have become increasingly popular. In Florida, melatonin gummies can be found in grocery stores, drugstores, and vitamin shops, while CBD gummies are available in convenience stores and smoke shops. THC products, which require a doctor’s recommendation, are sold in dispensaries. However, it’s important to note that the supplement industry, including melatonin, is not closely regulated, meaning the dosage stated on the label may not be accurate. Some studies have found that the actual dosage can be significantly higher or lower than what is indicated on the packaging.
One study conducted in 2023 analyzed 25 brands of over-the-counter melatonin gummy bears and found that 88% of them had inconsistent dosages compared to the labeling. Some had lower dosages, while others exceeded the labeled amount by up to 3.5 times. This should raise concerns among Floridians, especially considering the increased use of melatonin to combat sleep issues caused by stress and anxiety during the pandemic. The Sleep Foundation has reported a growing number of parents giving melatonin to their children to help them sleep, often unaware of the potential risks. Dr. Heidi Cohen from Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood warns that excessive milligrams of melatonin can cause excessive drowsiness and even be toxic for children, leading to fatal outcomes.
In 2023 alone, Florida’s Poison Control Centers have received 996 calls related to melatonin-related illnesses, with 75% of these cases involving children aged 5 or younger. This indicates a slight increase in pediatric cases from the previous year. Additionally, there have been 47 cases of exposure to melatonin combined with other substances. A national study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that over the past decade, more than 4,000 children have been hospitalized due to melatonin overdoses, with two fatalities and five children requiring ventilation.
Childhood overdoses on marijuana gummies, which contain CBD and THC, are a major concern in Florida. Calls to the Poison Control Centers have consistently increased since 2018 due to the growing availability of edible marijuana products. In 2023, there have already been 226 calls regarding exposures to these edibles, with 36% involving children aged 5 or younger. CBD gummies have also become a cause for concern as they are often mistaken for candy by children.
Both adults and children face risks when consuming marijuana gummies. For adults, the effects may take up to two hours to manifest, leading some individuals to mistakenly consume more and overdose. Symptoms of THC overdose include an increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, and delirium. Moreover, the ingredients in gummies can interact negatively with other medications. While cannabis overdoses rarely result in death, they can cause severe illness and necessitate hospitalization.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of THC gummies. Due to their potency, ingesting even a small amount can result in a fivefold overdose in young children. Although the harmful effects of vitamin and melatonin gummies on children are generally mild and rare, THC gummies can cause serious systemic effects that require emergency room care. Wendy Blair Stephan from the Florida Poison Information Center-Miami has observed a 12% increase in cases among children aged 0 to 5 and a 30% increase among those aged 6 to 12 compared to the previous year, indicating a lack of awareness among parents and grandparents.
South Florida emergency room doctors have firsthand experience with the consequences of gummy overdoses. Intoxicated children arrive at the ER confused, unresponsive, and at risk of respiratory distress. Medical tests and urine screenings often reveal the presence of THC. Dr. Charles Jeanpierre, an emergency room doctor, has treated children who have ingested their parents’ gummies. Those who consume THC gummies exhibit severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and elevated heart rate. Treatment includes providing supportive care such as oxygen, anti-nausea medication, IV fluids, and blood pressure medication. Only children who have consumed large amounts of THC require admission to the ICU. Dr. Jeanpierre advises parents to call poison control if their child consumes too many gummies or exhibits unusual behavior.
In conclusion, the increasing popularity and availability of gummies have resulted in a rise in overdoses, particularly with melatonin, THC, and CBD variants. Strict regulation and accurate labeling of dosages are crucial to prevent further harm. Parents must be aware of the risks associated with giving these gummies to their children and should consult with medical professionals before using medication or supplements to aid sleep.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
