CHARLOTTE, N.C. – North Carolina Poison Control says more children are being exposed to cannabis. The agency reports the number of exposures more than doubled between 2020 and 2024.

Mike Sims, CEO of CrownTown Cannabis says he believes more children are exposed to cannabis because more people are buying the gummies, edibles and vapes without safe storage.

“We’ve gotten quite a few of those calls into the store about what do we do, and I immediately tell them seek medical help,” Sims said. “This is no different than any other products that need to be kept out of reach of children, whether it be firearms, prescription medications, chemicals, things like that. I think as parents, we have a certain responsibility to keep these things out of our children’s hands.”

NC Poison Control is sounding the alarm after they say cannabis exposures more than doubled in four years. Data from 2020 shows 518 exposures compared to 1,122 in 2024, a 116% increase. Officials say more than 40% of the exposures involved kids under 13.

“We think it’s very important to educate our consumers so that they can educate their children and be open and honest with them…this is Mommy or Daddy’s medicine. It’s not for you. It’s for an adult,” Sims said.

Some retailers are updating packaging to better emphasize the age limit and THC content.

There is currently no state law that restricts the sale of cannabis products to minors in NC, but House Bill 563 would change that. The bill’s primary sponsors include Republican Representative Tricia Cotham. The bill aims to regulate the cannabis industry and require ID for purchase, but it’s been stalled in the House Rules Committee since last year.

“A lot of people are already making sure they do not sell to anyone under 21 years of age, but we’re asking for legislation to get pushed to make sure we’re doing the best we can to keep these products out of kids hands,” Sims said.

Poison control says signs of cannabis exposure could be severe tiredness, confusion, and slurred speech. If you believe your child may have been exposed, call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate and confidential help.