The risks of cannabis edibles to kids
by Alexis Morrell
In this generation, consumers – specifically those in the 18-35 demographic – have been buying artisan products; fueled by the desire for both a higher quality product and a positive perception of what they perceive as lovingly crafted goods. If McDonald’s and Dunkin Donuts are capitalizing on a hot new word, it stands to reason that said word has already exploded in global markets. Edible Arrangements has also decided to enter the alluring and newly legal edibles market using the word artisan. There is some concern over the legality of marketing legal edibles to teens and children, despite the green rush being tantalizing to up-and-coming companies.
Edible Marketplace outshines Cannabis Industry
The artisan market has been booming online, although competition has become more fierce. In a report by Arcview and BDS Analytics called “The Tasty Future of Cannabis Edibles“, the edible cannabis industry in the U.S. and Canada is expected to quadruple by 2022. One of the largest breweries in the world is investing $100 million in sparkling water infused with THC. Constellation Brands has made similar investments in Canadian cannabis firm Canopy Growth Corporation. Many businesses have already dipped their toes in the water, and small online and brick-and-mortar craft sellers will see their profits decline as the trend increases. However, many small independent sellers are still making money, as evidenced by the cannabis tag on Etsy and several indie edible sites online. However, legalization does prove to be a thorn on the side of both sellers and buyers since items cannot be shipped to non-legal states. According to Headset data analyst Cooper Ashley, edibles’ market share increased from 10.65% in 2019 to 11.07% in 2020.
CBD Products in underage hands
Although it is illegal to directly market these products to minors, evidence has emerged that under 18’s are circumventing the law and are exposed to edibles via social media. In this survey, 94% of adolescent subjects reported seeing ads for marijuana and CBD products on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Cannabis advertisements aimed at minors and products shaped like fruit and animals have both been banned by the government. In addition, while there has been hysteria on the web over the ease with which marijuana edibles can be ordered online, the reality is much less worrying. It is more common than not for packages of THC or CBD-infused edibles to be intercepted and confiscated on their way to states where they are illegal, or to individuals who are underage.
Effects of Edible Marijuana on Children
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Intoxication
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altered perception
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anxiety
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panic
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poor coordination
Effects of Edible Marijuana on Teens
Regular use can affect learning abilities and interfere with studies. One-off uses have only an impact on motor skills and coordination, but long-term use can cause psychological problems and dependence.
What if a kid eats an Edible?
As long as you can wake them up if your child falls asleep, that’s fine. Stay calm and comfortable for them. Note the time and symptoms. If you cannot rouse them, or if anything makes you uneasy, head to the ER. Don’t forget your notes. All products and packaging are welcome. Calm down. Don’t be afraid, to be honest in the emergency room. Your medical team can help if you give them your notes and any packaging.
The rise of marijuana goods
Marijuana-based specialty goods are a niche already in the process of being tapped, and in spite of efforts to ensure that they only reach the hands and mouths of paying adults, they are (possibly) slipping through the cracks to underage users. The current success of the market indicates that newer generations of cannabis and CBD users appreciate what they see as a more “personalized” and high-quality product. Based on the alcohol industry, edible markets will grow at a stippled rate until it becomes more complicated for independent craft makers to profit. Whether this will change as bigger companies take over the industry remains to be seen.