VIDEO: Emergency crews are seeing more young children accidentally overdosing on THC gummies.
Honolulu EMS said the calls are rising year to year, and several recent cases involve children under five.
Emergency Services Department director Dr. Jim Ireland said several cases involve toddlers who mistake the gummies for candy — one call in early 2026 was for a two-year-old.
“Those are unintentional overdoses where the kids think they’re candy, often toddlers, and get a hold of them, and they may have alterations in consciousness, meaning they’re confused, they’re super tired,” Dr. Ireland said.
Doctors said the products may look harmless, but they can have serious effects on small children. Pediatrician Dr. Theresa Wee said the key is making sure children understand that they are not snacks.
“They need to tell children, this is not candy,” Dr. Wee said. “I think you just need to talk with the kids and just keep it out of their reach, or lock your cabinets and put it high up.”
