Grandaunt arrested after children ingested cannabis gummies

Police arrest a woman after two children who are her relatives were hospitalised from ingesting cannabis gummies she bought from the US.

The incident occurred when the pair, a brother and sister, were visiting relatives with their mother. At their grandaunt's flat in Wang Tak House, Wang Tak Hom Estate, they consumed the gummies.

A pediatrician 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 Pediatrics and Adolecent Medicine said that 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.

Three years ago, two sisters aged 2 and 4 also accidentally ate cannabis gummies belonging to their father. The father was later sentenced to 8 months in prison for child abuse and drug possession.