News

Health Officials Warn of Children Ingesting Marijuana

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is warning parents to keep marijuana away from children.

The department says the Northern New England Poison Center received 16 calls from Maine last year about children 5 years old and younger accidentally ingesting marijuana.

The calls are an increase from just two reports in 2016.

Officials say the majority of calls involved children eating chocolate, brownies or other edibles containing marijuana.

Signs of ingestion include lethargy, lack of coordination and difficulty breathing.

Maine became the eighth state to legalize marijuana for adults age 21 and older in 2017. The drug cannot be sold in the state for recreational purposes.

Parents who are concerned about accidental marijuana ingestion are urged to call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Latest Headlines

1 hour ago in National, Trending

Wildfires across Georgia and Florida have destroyed nearly 50 homes and are forcing evacuations

Fresh

Wildfires burning across the southeastern U.S. forced more people to flee Wednesday after destroying nearly 50 homes in Georgia and causing some schools closings as drought and winds fueled flames.

3 hours ago in Local

Lewiston apartment building hit by gunfire in overnight shooting

Three men accused of firing shots that struck an apartment building in Lewiston overnight Wednesday morning are facing charges.

3 hours ago in Local

Maine Secretary of State pushes back on lawsuit challenging transgender referendum

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says a transgender athlete referendum should appear on the ballot despite a lawsuit claiming many signatures in support of it were invalidated.

21 hours ago in Local

Lewiston Firefighters Credit Quick Response in Saving Home

No injuries were reported.

22 hours ago in Local

Two Teens Arrested in Crime Spree Across Numerous Maine Towns

The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed.