Cannabis • Edibles
Edible THC (Cannabis)
- Pediatrics: Poison centers report large numbers of exposures in children and teens; kids have more severe reactions and often need medical care.
- Common effects: marked drowsiness/lethargy, vomiting, ataxia (unsteady walking), confusion; severe cases include slowed breathing, low blood pressure, seizures, or coma.
- Trend: Edible products that look like candy drive unintentional ingestions; prevention messaging emphasizes safe storage and packaging.
Source: America’s Poison Centers – Edible Cannabis tracking page.
Cannabinoids • Delta-8
Delta-8 THC & Other Cannabinoid Products
- Rising exposures: Poison centers documented a sharp increase in Delta-8 calls since 2021.
- Typical effects: sedation, confusion, vomiting, abnormal heart rate/blood pressure; severe pediatric cases may present with unresponsiveness.
- Risk factors: high-dose gummies/vapes, marketing that appeals to youth, and lack of consistent regulation/testing.
Source: America’s Poison Centers – Delta-8 THC page; NPDS Annual Reports.
Alkyl Nitrites
“Poppers” (Amyl/Alkyl Nitrites)
- Main hazards: sudden drop in blood pressure, headache/dizziness, rapid heartbeat.
- Ingestion is an emergency: can cause methemoglobinemia (poor oxygen delivery) with cyanosis, chest pain, shortness of breath, collapse.
- Care advice: any swallowed exposure or severe symptoms after inhalation warrants emergency evaluation.
Source: America’s Poison Centers – NPDS discussions on inhalants/chemical exposures.
Inhalant
Nitrous Oxide (“Whippets”)
- Flagged by NPDS: identified as an emerging public-health hazard among unregulated psychoactive substances.
- Acute effects: euphoria, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness; risk of hypoxia/asphyxia and injuries from falls.
- Chronic use: B12 inactivation with neuropathy and gait problems; some cases require hospital care.
Source: America’s Poison Centers – NPDS Annual Reports.
Herbal • Mitragynine
Kratom
- NPDS signal: highlighted as an emerging hazard with many calls involving intentional use.
- Effects: stimulant-like at low doses; opioid-like at higher doses (sedation, respiratory depression); seizures and significant toxicity reported.
- Severity: high proportion of cases require medical evaluation; serious outcomes are common.
Source: America’s Poison Centers – NPDS Annual Reports.
Unapproved Antidepressant
Tianeptine
- Rapidly increasing calls: NPDS notes substantial growth in exposures linked to unregulated “gas-station” products.
- Toxicity: opioid-like sedation/respiratory depression plus agitation/tachycardia; overdoses can be severe.
- Withdrawal: frequently reported and may require hospitalization.
Source: America’s Poison Centers – NPDS Annual Reports.
GABA Analog
Phenibut (4-amino-3-phenylbutyric acid)
- NPDS concern: grouped with kratom and tianeptine as an emerging hazard.
- Effects: profound CNS depression (extreme drowsiness, confusion, coma at high doses); paradoxical agitation possible.
- Withdrawal: recognized by poison centers (anxiety, tremor, insomnia, tachycardia); some cases need inpatient care.
Source: America’s Poison Centers – NPDS Annual Reports.
Mushroom • Ibotenic/Muscimol
Amanita muscaria
- Profile: edible-looking gummies/capsules/tinctures marketed online have led to poison center calls.
- Effects: nausea/vomiting, confusion, dizziness, hallucinations; most cases are moderate and need observation.
- Advice: seek care for altered mental status, persistent vomiting, or if children ingest suspected Amanita products.
Source: America’s Poison Centers – NPDS discussions on mushroom exposures.