Are child-resistant exit bags effective in preventing accidental cannabis ingestion by children?

As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the world, it is important to consider the safety of children who may accidentally come into contact with the drug. One measure that has been implemented in some legal cannabis markets is the use of child-resistant exit bags, which are designed to prevent accidental ingestion by young children. But are these bags effective in achieving their intended purpose?

Child-resistant packaging has been used for various consumer products for decades, including medications and household chemicals, as a way to protect children from accidental ingestion. In the cannabis industry, child-resistant exit bags are typically made from opaque, puncture-resistant materials with tamper-evident seals and a locking mechanism that is difficult for young children to open.

Research has shown that child-resistant packaging can be effective in reducing the number of accidental ingestions of medications and household chemicals by young children. For example, a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that the introduction of child-resistant packaging for aspirin led to a 45% decrease in the number of accidental ingestions among children under five years old.

However, when it comes to cannabis products, the effectiveness of child-resistant exit bags in preventing accidental ingestion is less clear. While there have been few studies specifically examining the efficacy of these bags, there have been reports of children gaining access to cannabis products despite the use of child-resistant packaging.

One factor that may limit the effectiveness of child-resistant exit bags in the cannabis industry is the variability of product packaging. Unlike medications, which typically come in standardized packaging, cannabis products can come in a variety of forms, including edibles, concentrates, and flowers. Each of these forms may require different packaging solutions to effectively prevent accidental ingestion by children.

Additionally, child-resistant exit bags may not be the only solution needed to prevent accidental cannabis ingestion by children. Education for parents and caregivers about the importance of keeping cannabis products out of reach of children, as well as clear labeling on packaging, may also play a role in reducing the risk of accidental ingestion.

Overall, while child-resistant exit bags may be an important step in promoting the safe use of cannabis products, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in preventing accidental ingestion by young children. Additionally, a multi-faceted approach that includes education and clear labeling may be necessary to fully address the risks associated with accidental cannabis ingestion by children.