Accidental Synthetic Cannabinoid Poisoning in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

A six-year-old boy presented to the pediatric emergency department following an accidental ingestion of a synthetic cannabinoid. The child ingested an edible product containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and presented with lethargy, altered mental status, and increased muscle tone. The airway was protected, and the patient was breathing spontaneously. Initial assessment included a thorough history provided by the caregivers, which confirmed ingestion of cannabinoid gummies approximately two hours prior to presentation. An electrocardiogram demonstrated sinus tachycardia with a prolonged QTc. Toxicology screening was presumed positive for cannabinoids. Therapeutic management focused on supportive care. The patient was admitted to the hospital and discharged on hospital day two with no neurologic sequelae. The caregivers were provided with expectant management and counseled regarding safe storage and use of cannabis and cannabis-derived products. This case report discusses the growing incidence of cannabis exposure in the pediatric population while highlighting the biochemistry, clinical presentation, and therapeutic management of accidental ingestion of synthetic cannabinoids.