Two children hospitalised after eating suspected cannabis gummies

Two young children were hospitalized yesterday after eating suspected cannabis gummies

bought by their grandaunt in the US.

The siblings were vomiting and subsequently fell unconscious. They later

regained consciousness. It is understood that the grandaunt was unaware of

what the gummies contained.

The incident occurred at around 4:30pm Monday when the pair, a brother and sister aged 12

and 6, were visiting relatives in Hong Kong with their mother. At their grandaunt's flat

in Wang Tak House, Wang Tak Hom Estate, they accidentally consumed the gummies.

A paediatrician warns that cannabis gummies may contain high levels of THC, the

main chemical in cannabis that heavily alters memory, mood, and movement.

Consumption by young children can damage the central nervous system.

Dr Patrick Ip, Clinical Professor from the HKU Department of Paediatrics and

Adolescent Medicine said that when absorbed, if the dose entering the body is high,

it stays in the body for a longer period, usually several hours or even a day or two.

It can affect long-term intelligence, potentially leading to intellectual developmental

issues and severe learning difficulties. Acute poisoning can lead to severe coma and

even life-threatening situations.

Police arrested the 61-year-old grandaunt on Monday for possession of a

dangerous drug. It is understood that she bought the gummies during a trip

to the US earlier this year and claimed she had no idea they contained

cannabis.

Since February 1st, 2023, products containing cannabidiols or CBD, have been

banned from entry into Hong Kong.

However, some travel agents note that in countries where cannabis is

legalised, such as Canada and parts of the US and Europe, cannabis gummies

are not always sold separately and may not even have warning labels as it is legal.

This makes it easier for travellers to accidentally purchase them.

Moreover, most people know the term marijuana but there are other terms used

such as "hemp", which many may be unfamiliar with. Travel agents advise to

simply not purchase any candy at all, or ask one's tourguide or even cashier at

the checkout before buying. Because of the added syrup in the gummies, the cannabis

taste is masked, making it difficult for children and even adults to distinguish.

Three years ago, a similar incident occurred in Hong Kong when two sisters aged

2 and 4 accidentally ate cannabis gummies belonging to their father. The father

was later sentenced to 8 months in prison for child abuse and drug possession.