The pediatric emergency department at Hadassah Mount Scopus in Jerusalem treated three children this week after they consumed cookies laced with cannabis. The youngsters – two brothers and their cousin – had been on a family trip to Ramallah when their parents allowed them to buy what appeared to be ordinary sweets. Within hours, all three developed worrying symptoms that led to urgent evacuation by Magen David Adom ambulances.
Hadassah doctors describe the incident
Dr. Orel Gal, physician in the pediatric emergency department at Hadassah Mount Scopus, explains: “The children, aged 3, 5 and 9, suffered from nausea and vomiting, and by the time they were brought to the ER in MDA ambulances, they were already very, very drowsy. According to the parents, they had traveled to Ramallah, where at a candy stall the children asked to buy cookies that looked like Oreos.”
The medical team placed the children under close observation, administered intravenous fluids, and carried out a series of tests – including ECGs – to rule out dangerous heart rhythm disturbances or damage to other vital systems. Laboratory results confirmed high levels of cannabis in their blood.
“Under the strong influence of the substance”
Dr. Gal adds: “In the pediatric emergency department we allowed the children to recover under close supervision. For many hours we waited as they remained under the strong influence of the substance.”
Dr. Barak Feldman, also a physician in Hadassah’s pediatric emergency department, stresses: “The children suffered from the symptoms of cannabis exposure, were quite detached and uncooperative, and only recovered toward morning. Our real concern is significant harm – we have treated children in intensive care after cannabis exposure, including cases with dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. And of course, we never know what other substances might be mixed into such products, which makes it even riskier.”
(Jerusalem in Pink: Walk for Early Detection)
Warning to parents: beware of unfamiliar products
The distressed parents showed doctors the package of the cookies, which carried a familiar international brand name but also a prominent drawing of a green plant. Dr. Feldman concludes: “It is crucial to be vigilant about products not purchased in recognized stores, and to seek immediate medical care when children display signs of poisoning or illness after eating an unfamiliar item.”
After spending the night under strict supervision, the three children were discharged in improved and stable condition.
