Category Archives: Child Endangerment

Data to track Child Abuse and Neglect for 11 + years

As of January 2024, we’ve tracked 312 child abuse deaths related to cannabis in the United States over the past 11 years. Our data comes mainly from news stories found online.  Where are the academic researchers who should be studying this problem?

In three states that track substance use in reports of child abuse  — Arizona, Florida and Texas — marijuana is most frequently listed.  

Yes, Virginia Governor Youngkin was correct to veto a bill that prevented marijuana use from consideration in child safety decisions.

Our count begins in November 2012, when the first two states, Colorado and Washington, voted to legalize pot .Legalizing marijuana sends an underlying message, ‘If it’s legal, it must be safe’; we suspect the number is much higher.  

When recreational pot shops opened in January 2014, the Colorado news media reported on three pot-related child deaths. Pro-pot activists wondered if it could dampen public opinion of legalizing pot, but national media chose not to report it.

Using Texas to typify what happens

Although a new report should be released any day, we share the chart from the report from Texas in 2022.  Of 182 child abuse or neglect deaths in 2022, 73 of the perpetrators were active marijuana users at the time, 40 percent. Fifty-nine percent were former marijuana users.  Texas includes unsafe sleeping as a factor in death, as it contributes to about 30 -50 deaths per year.  Education on child safety and not using drugs would reduce that number.  Texas has made admirable attempts to bring down the number of child deaths, but 60 to 75 percent of reported deaths over several years involve substance use. Continue reading Data to track Child Abuse and Neglect for 11 + years

Virginia Governor Youngkin vetoes cannabis parental rights bill

Cannabis advocates fight to prohibit parental pot use from being part of child protective services and custody agreements. NORML has long pushed for this legislation, but Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia saw right through this sham.  

On  March 8, the governor vetoed a bill that had the potential to prevent parent marijuana use from consideration in child protection, visitation and custody!  This is a win for child safety, keeping Virginia in line with the international treaties on the rights of children. Read Legal Drugs are Fashionable — and Treacherous for Children.

The governor should also veto a bill to commercialize marijuana.  Virginia legalized marijuana in 2021, but does not have recreational pot stores. We urge our followers in Virginia to send this form asking the governor to veto the bill

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida recently commented on the negative aspects of a Florida ballot to legalize pot. He mentioned the failures of other states and horrendous smell from public smoking, but does not mention the dangers to children.  

His veto is important for many reasons

Virginia had two appalling instances of marijuana use affecting the ability to parent — recently.   In one case, the mother of a six-year-old lied about marijuana use on her gun ownership application.  The boy shot and severely wounded his 1st grade teacher, in an incident that made national news. Continue reading Virginia Governor Youngkin vetoes cannabis parental rights bill

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

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