WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – The New York State Office of Cannabis Management is using National Poison Prevention Week to remind cannabis users to keep products locked, out of sight, and in their original child-resistant packaging.

State officials are also urging consumers to purchase marijuana only from licensed dispensaries.

Last week, the state closed a Watertown smoke shop after finding cannabis products with packaging that resembled children’s gum and candy brands.

Officials said many cases coming through the office’s poison control hotline involve children ages 0 to 5.

Lyla Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health and Education for the NYS Office of Cannabis Management, said safe storage is a shared responsibility once products leave a dispensary.

“Once the products leave the licensed dispensary shelves and come home, it really becomes a partnership between parents, families, caregivers, everyone in the house to make sure those products are stored safely, locked, out of reach and out of sight of children and pets,” Hunt said.

Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

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