Child admitted to hospital following unintentional ingestion of cannabis candies
In an alarming incident that has raised concerns about the safety of cannabis-infused food, a two-year-old girl was recently hospitalized after consuming 10 cannabis-infused gummy bears. The incident occurred early this month, and the girl's unusual behaviour at school was first reported by a teacher.
The girl, who had half-closed eyes, looked drowsy, and refused to eat lunch, was rushed to the hospital by her uncle after receiving a call from the school about her condition. At the hospital, the doctor could not initially determine the cause of the girl's symptoms. However, further tests revealed that she had been diagnosed with an acute altered response to the plant and acute sinusitis.
The family later recalled hosting a birthday party at their home on Tuesday, and attendees admitted to bringing cannabis gummies and leaving them at the house. A complaint has been filed with Hang Dong Police Station, and two left-over gummies have been provided as evidence.
The father is seeking for the couple to take responsibility, including paying over 50,000 baht in medical expenses that their insurance refused to cover due to the involvement of narcotics. He is also concerned about the long-term effects on his daughter's brain.
Thailand's current regulations, effective since June 26, 2025, strictly control the production and sale of cannabis and cannabis-infused products, permitting cannabis use only for medical purposes with proper authorization. The production or sale of cannabis-infused food without proper authorization or labelling carries penalties of up to 30,000 baht in fines, up to three years in prison, or both. If a product is found to contain excessive levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, offenders may face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has instructed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and provincial public health offices to carry out inspections and take legal action against the producers or sellers of any food, snack, beverage, or other product containing cannabis extracts that exceed the legal threshold. The minister emphasized the need for stricter controls on cannabis-infused food and snacks that pose a serious risk to children.
The girl was discharged from the hospital on Friday afternoon but was readmitted hours later due to high fever and persistent hallucinations. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of unregulated cannabis-infused food and the need for strict enforcement of Thailand's cannabis laws.
- The health-and-wellness industry should prioritize mental-health awareness and education to prevent similar incidents involving cannabis-infused food like the one that recently hospitalized a two-year-old girl.
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- Lifestyle choices play a significant role in overall health, and incorporating healthful food-and-drink options, exercise, and mental-health practices can lead to improved wellbeing.
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- In light of the risks associated with unregulated cannabis-infused food, the regulations in Thailand's industry will be stricter, particularly concerning the production and sale of cannabis-infused products, as emphasized by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin.
- The incident involving the hospitalized child reminds us of the importance of relationships in our lives, and spending quality time and offering emotional support to loved ones is essential for overall health, well-being, and personal growth.
