How to Store Cannabis Safely Around Children

As cannabis becomes more normalized across the United States medically, recreationally, and culturally, its presence in family homes has increased. Gummies sit beside granola bars, tinctures share shelf space with vitamins, and vape cartridges are tucked into nightstands. For many adults, these products represent relief, relaxation, or recreation. But for young children, they can pose a serious and sometimes life-threatening risk.

A 2026 narrative review¹ published in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care brings urgent attention to what the author calls the “green elephant in the room”: the growing need to proactively assess cannabis storage and disposal practices among caregivers. The paper synthesizes research from 2010 to 2025 and delivers a clear message: unintentional pediatric cannabis ingestions are rising, yet clinicians rarely screen families about cannabis safety in the home. The gap between legalization and prevention is widening.

This is not a theoretical concern. It is happening in real households.

Rising Pediatric Cannabis Ingestion Rates

The review opens with a case that reflects a pattern seen across emergency departments nationwide. A healthy 28-month-old girl presented with drowsiness, an unsteady gait, and difficulty waking from a nap. Her exam revealed dilated pupils, reduced reflexes, and ataxia. Extensive testing was normal until a urine toxicology screen returned positive for THC. Her parents later recalled using cannabis-infused gummies the night before but were unsure who had returned the bag to the pantry. She recovered after observation, but the event underscores how quickly an oversight can become a medical emergency.

The data confirm that such cases are not rare. The review analyzed 66 relevant studies out of 318 identified in database searches. Across states with legalized recreational cannabis, pediatric emergency department visits for cannabis ingestion have increased significantly. In Massachusetts, rates of cannabis ingestion-related emergency visits rose more than fourfold among children ages 0–5 and sevenfold among children 6–12 following recreational legalization. Colorado and Washington reported similar trends, with most exposures occurring in the child’s home and frequently involving edible products.

More than 70 percent of unintentional pediatric cannabis ingestions reported to U.S. poison centers occurred in states where marijuana had been legalized. However, legalization status alone does not explain the increase. Multistate studies show rising pediatric hospital encounters even in states without recreational legalization. Cross-border influence and product accessibility contribute to broader exposure risks.

The COVID-19 pandemic marked another turning point. Poison center data revealed a surge in pediatric cannabis exposures beginning in April 2020, coinciding with stay-at-home orders. Increased time at home, greater adult cannabis use, and disrupted routines likely played a role.

Most concerning is the severity trend. Edible products, especially gummies, are frequently implicated. They are visually appealing, often brightly colored, and may contain high concentrations of THC. Some analyses report that more than half of pediatric edible exposures require hospital admission. International toxicology data indicate that children under 10 and those ingesting edibles are at significantly higher risk for severe outcomes, including ICU admission. Although rare, severe complications such as seizures, myocarditis, and coma have been documented.

Why Pediatricians Rarely Screen for Cannabis Storage

Despite these rising numbers, the review highlights a striking oversight: cannabis storage and disposal are rarely addressed during pediatric visits. Pediatric clinicians routinely counsel families about firearms, opioids, cleaning supplies, and household hazards. Cannabis, however, is often omitted from home safety discussions.

Importantly, caregivers are open to these conversations. The research indicates that parents are willing to discuss cannabis use and safety practices when approached in a nonjudgmental manner. This represents a critical opportunity. Screening and anticipatory guidance are not about stigma; they are about prevention.

As cannabis use becomes more common among adults, including parents, normalizing safety conversations must become standard pediatric practice.

How to Store Cannabis Safely Around Children

Safe cannabis storage goes beyond simply placing products out of sight. Effective safety practices combine physical barriers, intentional habits, and informed disposal.

First and foremost, cannabis products should be stored in child-resistant packaging that remains locked after every use. Original packaging is designed to reduce access and should not be replaced with easy-open containers. Products should be kept in a locked box, cabinet, or container, preferably one that is both out of sight and out of reach. High shelves alone are not sufficient, particularly for toddlers who climb.

Edibles require special vigilance. Because they resemble candy or snacks, storing them in kitchen pantries or refrigerators alongside food increases risk. A locked container separate from regular food storage reduces the chance of accidental ingestion. Avoid using clear containers that allow products to be visible and enticing.

Consistency is key. Many pediatric exposures occur not because caregivers lack awareness, but because of momentary lapses such as leaving a product on a bedside table, forgetting to relock a bag, or assuming a child cannot access a location. Developing a routine can dramatically reduce risk.

Safe storage also includes safe disposal. Unused or expired cannabis products should not be thrown loosely into household trash where children or pets might access them. If community drug take-back programs accept cannabis, that is ideal. Otherwise, products should be mixed with unappealing substances such as used coffee grounds or cat litter, sealed in a container, and discarded in a way that prevents retrieval.

For households with frequent visitors, temporary heightened vigilance is essential. Guests may bring cannabis products into the home, sometimes unknowingly placing them within reach. Clear communication among adults about safe storage expectations helps prevent incidents.

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Health Risks of Accidental Cannabis Ingestion in Children

The importance of implementing safe cannabis practices cannot be overstated. Young children explore the world through taste and touch. Their smaller body mass means even small amounts of THC can produce significant risks. Symptoms may include lethargy, poor coordination, vomiting, respiratory depression, and altered consciousness. Because these symptoms can mimic other serious conditions, children often undergo extensive medical testing before cannabis ingestion is identified.

Beyond the immediate health risks, hospital visits are traumatic for families. They create emotional stress, financial burden, and, in some cases, involvement with child protective services. Prevention protects not only children’s health but also family stability.

From a public health perspective, normalization of cannabis demands normalization of safety education. Legal access must be accompanied by responsible storage culture, similar to alcohol and prescription medications. Public health campaigns around opioids and firearms have demonstrated that anticipatory guidance changes behavior. Cannabis should be treated with the same seriousness.

Preventing Pediatric Cannabis Poisoning: What Families Can Do

The review concludes that pediatric providers have a meaningful opportunity to close the gap. Routine screening questions about cannabis presence in the home, delivered without judgment, can open productive conversations. Educational materials, clear storage recommendations, and consistent messaging reinforce safe practices.

However, responsibility does not rest solely with clinicians. Industry stakeholders can contribute by enhancing child-resistant packaging standards, reducing candy-like marketing aesthetics, and including prominent storage warnings. Policymakers can support public education campaigns and accessible disposal programs. Caregivers, ultimately, hold the daily power to implement protective habits.

Cannabis legalization is reshaping the landscape of adult use. The green elephant in the room is not cannabis itself; it is complacency about its storage. As the research makes clear, pediatric ingestions are rising, severity can be significant, and prevention is achievable.

Safe cannabis storage is not about fear. It is about foresight. It is about recognizing that in homes with children, even small oversights can have large consequences. With thoughtful implementation of locking practices, consistent routines, and open communication, families can reduce risk while maintaining autonomy.

In the evolving era of cannabis normalization, safety must evolve alongside it.

References:

^{1. McNamara ER. The Green Elephant in the Room: A Growing Need to Proactively Assess Cannabis Storage and Disposal Practices Among Pediatric Caregivers. J Pediatr Health Care. 2026 Jan-Feb;40(1):56-63. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2025.09.008. Epub 2025 Nov 3. PMID: 41182203.}