Category Archives: Child Endangerment

Child Endangerment

With the push to legalize, pediatric pot poisonings surge

Pot poisonings are increasing the caseload of emergency rooms, all over the country

Over the last decade, there has been a national push to legalize marijuana. Pop stars, athletes, actors, and politicians have created a culture celebrating Pot as a wonderfully benign narcotic. So far, twenty-one states and Washington, D.C., have legalized weed, with several others laying the groundwork to do so. However, as more data becomes readily available from studying the impact of legalization, it is becoming clear that making weed legal has had one devastating effect – endangering the lives of children.  

Our last article revealed over 300 child abuse and neglect deaths associated with cannabis. 

Recent studies have revealed a correlation between the legalization of recreational marijuana for adults with a significant increase in “pediatric cannabis poisonings.” Continue reading With the push to legalize, pediatric pot poisonings surge →

Child Endangerment

More than 300 child abuse deaths in last decade linked to THC

We frequently hear about children hospitalized or poisoned by marijuana edibles, but we don’t often hear about the significant number of children who died of child abuse or neglect associated with THC! 

The totals compiled by Parents Opposed to Pot reached a new milestone — 302. Our tracking begins on  October 30, 2012, and continues through early 2023. 

Texas released its 2022 maltreatment fatalities report in March.  Of the 182 child abuse deaths last year, 73 of the perpetrators were active marijuana users.  In contrast, only 12 used alcohol, 10 used cocaine and 6 used opiates. Continue reading More than 300 child abuse deaths in last decade linked to THC →

Child Endangerment, Driving, Politics, Teens

Oklahoma votes on marijuana ballot in March

In 2018, Oklahoma Senator James Lankford warned of the medical marijuana question on the state ballot: “This state question is being sold to Oklahomans as a compassionate medical marijuana bill by outside groups that actually want access to recreational marijuana.”

The time has come, and Oklahomans will vote next month on Question 820, a marijuana legalization and commercialization bill. The State Supreme Court ruled that the ballot could not be included in the 2022 midterm election. Governor Kevin Stitt set the date for March 7.

By December 31, 2022, five donors gave over $3.2 million in support of legalizing marijuana, a big commercial enterprise. According to Ballotpedia, the opposition had not yet raised money.  However, Protect Our Kids PAC is currently raising funds to oppose the ballot. Continue reading Oklahoma votes on marijuana ballot in March →

Child Endangerment

THC – enhanced edibles showing up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley

THC-enhanced snacks found in gas stations and convenience stores have been sending teens to emergency rooms in the Shenandoah Valley.  

On close examination, the wrappers say 500 mg of THC. They mimic popular cereal products, including Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Crunch, Apple Jacks, Fruit Loops and Lucky Charms. Makers of these products know that sugary cereals and cartoon figures appeal to children. 

Vote carefully for candidates who care about children’s exposure to drugs

When the Virginia state legislature fast-tracked marijuana legalization earlier this year, no one expected the marijuana edibles to be selling a few months later. When Virginians vote for a new governor and state legislature in November, they need to be mindful of candidates’ attitudes for protecting kids from drugs.

No one knows how the products ended up in stores.  The pictures here come from in and around Roanoke, Virginia.

In advance of Halloween, warnings of these products should go out to all parents and to law enforcement.

Continue reading THC – enhanced edibles showing up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley →