Pediatric, Marijuana, Cannabis, NJ, Emergency Department
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Background:
Cannabis legalization in New Jersey (NJ), made recreationally available in April 2022, has increased accessibility through 254 dispensaries in state. The products distributed from these dispensaries often resemble candy and present a risk to the pediatric population. The pediatric endocannabinoid system's developmental characteristics, with CB1 receptors localizing in neurovegetative brainstem regions, make exposure to cannabis dangerous. Severe exposures may present with respiratory depression and coma. Previous studies from other states demonstrated a five-fold increase in pediatric exposures following state recreational legalization.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective epidemiological study of ED encounters for cannabis exposure using ICD-10 codes F12.1 and T40.7 in children aged 0-9 at a tertiary care center in Camden, NJ (2019-2023). Annual incidence rates of cannabis-related pediatric (age 0-9) ED admissions per 1,000 ED encounters were calculated. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using R studio.
Results:
Among 67,719 total ED visits, 23 cannabis-related encounters were identified. No cases occurred in 2019 and peak incidence was seen in 2022 (n=7) following recreational implementation. Rates per 1,000 admissions ranged from 0.36-0.50 with a mean incidence of 4.6 cases per year. Cases represented < 0.05% of annual ED visits.
Conclusions:
This data contributes to baseline surveillance but is insufficient to establish trends or causal relationships. Multi-center studies with a longer timeframe are needed to characterize the scope of pediatric cannabis exposures in Southern New Jersey. There may be exposures that were less severe and did not present to the ED. Occurrence of any pediatric cannabis exposures underscores the need for federal regulation of packaging, parental education at dispensaries, and parental education during pediatric visits regarding safe storage practices.
Pediatric Cannabis Exposure Rates in Southern New Jersey: One Hospital’s Experience
Background:
Cannabis legalization in New Jersey (NJ), made recreationally available in April 2022, has increased accessibility through 254 dispensaries in state. The products distributed from these dispensaries often resemble candy and present a risk to the pediatric population. The pediatric endocannabinoid system's developmental characteristics, with CB1 receptors localizing in neurovegetative brainstem regions, make exposure to cannabis dangerous. Severe exposures may present with respiratory depression and coma. Previous studies from other states demonstrated a five-fold increase in pediatric exposures following state recreational legalization.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective epidemiological study of ED encounters for cannabis exposure using ICD-10 codes F12.1 and T40.7 in children aged 0-9 at a tertiary care center in Camden, NJ (2019-2023). Annual incidence rates of cannabis-related pediatric (age 0-9) ED admissions per 1,000 ED encounters were calculated. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using R studio.
Results:
Among 67,719 total ED visits, 23 cannabis-related encounters were identified. No cases occurred in 2019 and peak incidence was seen in 2022 (n=7) following recreational implementation. Rates per 1,000 admissions ranged from 0.36-0.50 with a mean incidence of 4.6 cases per year. Cases represented < 0.05% of annual ED visits.
Conclusions:
This data contributes to baseline surveillance but is insufficient to establish trends or causal relationships. Multi-center studies with a longer timeframe are needed to characterize the scope of pediatric cannabis exposures in Southern New Jersey. There may be exposures that were less severe and did not present to the ED. Occurrence of any pediatric cannabis exposures underscores the need for federal regulation of packaging, parental education at dispensaries, and parental education during pediatric visits regarding safe storage practices.
