Working Together to Keep Kids and Pets Safe from Cannabis
Why are we concerned?
More children and youth are being exposed to cannabis, including a lot of accidental exposures among younger children.
In Massachusetts, hospital visits for kids and teens after using cannabis are much more common than they were before retail cannabis stores opened — more than seven times higher for ages 6–12 during 2017-2021.
Calls to the the MA poison control center about children accidentally eating cannabis products has also increased since cannabis was legalized for medical use in 2012.
Kids and pets:
- Are being seen more frequently during the last few years in our region for emergency care after consuming cannabis products.
- Are at greater risk for getting very ill due to their smaller size.
- Are more likely to eat an entire chocolate bar or other cannabis product with multiple doses in one package.
- Find edibles especially tempting because edibles often look like candy or baked treats.
What are we doing to address this?
We wanted parents and pet owners to have access to friendly, easy-to-read, nonjudgmental educational materials. So, with input from local medical professionals, parents who use cannabis, and people who work with youth, we created a colorful brochure and poster. These materials provide information about safe storage, talking with youth, and resources in our region.
We brought the materials to Franklin County cannabis businesses, veterinary offices, school nurses, and people who work in local towns. The response was extremely positive, and both businesses and veterinary offices are displaying the materials, as well as the Community Health Center of Franklin County. Other businesses, healthcare offices and community organizations are welcome to request brochures or posters by emailing CTC staff member Ilana Gerjuoy.
What you can do
- Check out safe storage tips for parents and pet owners in the online version of the outreach materials, including a poster you can view or download.
- Contact Ilana for copies of the brochure or poster for your organization, school, office, or to share with friends and family.
- Get a lockbox, lockable filing cabinet, or other safe storage container.
- These local businesses have safe storage options, or you may be able to get a free lock box through your local health department. Contact your local public health nurse to request one.
- Learn about the developing brain and why cannabis, alcohol, nicotine and other drugs are riskier for young people. And learn how to help young people engage in healthy risk taking instead!
- Get tips for having positive, useful conversations with youth about alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs.
- Drop off unwanted medications at participating locations during the next National Drug Take Back Day (each April and October), or use year-round, local drop off locations any time.
Safe storage is important for lots of substances.
It’s not just about cannabis. Having a place for safe storage of opioids and other prescription meds, alcohol, cleaning products, and over-the-counter medications can make a big difference to reduce risk for loved ones.
Once you have designated storage and get in the habit of using it, it’s easy to store multiple things in the same location or come up with a few places, depending on size and use. (E.g. cleaning products go on a high shelf near the bathroom, and edibles go with meds in a lockable filing cabinet.)
Educational materials about safe storage were created and distributed through a collaboration in 2023 and 2024 by the Greenfield 4SC Coalition, Communities That Care Coalition, and the FRCOG’s Cooperative Public Health Service, with thanks to the Health Departments in the City of Greenfield and Town of Montague.