One of the major points of contention among supporters of legalized recreational marijuana in Michigan and its detractors, was the issue of how it would affect kids. Would seeing their parents use pot make it more likely for kids to want to use it too? Would they be exposed to the second hand smoke of negligent adult users which could damage their developing brains? And one of the most common arguments: what happens when a parent or caregiver is too stoned to put away their stash and their kids get into it? All valid points to be sure. So now that marijuana is legal in Michigan, what are the answers?
The reality is: it happens, and it’ll probably keep happening.
Whether or not marijuana is legal, there are always parents and caregivers who make the choice to use drugs in front of their children. That happened before pot was legal, and it’s very likely going to keep happening. That doesn’t make it acceptable, or even legal, it just is what it is and nothing the law says or does is going to change that. Negligent parenting happens because some parents simply don’t (or aren’t able) to do what needs to be done to ensure their children’s safety, regardless of whether or not weed is legal, or what the law says about storing your medibles.
Kids can’t tell the difference between pot cookies and regular cookies!
One of the greatest challenges when it comes to medibles, is the fact that there’s no way for kids to tell that they’re laced with cannabis. A cookie looks like a cookie, and to a two year old who loves cookies, an unattended cookie is a gilded invitation to enjoy a treat. So parents who choose to use medibles need to be VERY CAREFUL that they hide their stash well, and NEVER eat or access their medibles in front of their kids. (It’s no good hiding your stash and then taking out a weed-laced treat while your kids are watching!)
So what happens to a child when they eat a pot brownie?
According to the Children’s Hospital of Colorado, marijuana ingested as part of a medible can have a longer, and stronger effect on the body than smoked marijuana. “Small children are at higher risk based on their size and weight. Because edible products have very high amounts of marijuana, the symptoms are more severe on a small child.” These symptoms can include:
- Intoxication,
- Altered perception,
- Anxiety, panic, or paranoia,
- Dizziness,
- Weakness,
- Slurred speech, and poor coordination,
- Apnea, and heart problems.
Will you get into trouble if your kids accidentally get high in Michigan?
In a word: YES! Michigan law is very clear about who can use recreational weed, and kids are NOT on that list! Under Michigan’s new recreational marijuana laws, pot is only legally available to people over the age of 21. Anyone under the age of 21 isn’t allowed to have, use, buy, grow, or keep marijuana in any quantity, for any reason. That also means that no one is allowed to give it to kids! Selling or providing pot to people under the age of 21 is against the law, and could get you into a lot of trouble! (Think CPS showing up and taking your kids away, and the cops arresting you and carting you off to jail!)
Being accused of letting kids get high is serious in Michigan!
Our skilled CPS defense attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Midnight? No problem. Weekends? We’re here. Holidays? Yup, we’re available. We know that life happens at all hours of the day and night, and we’re here to help. So if you’ve been accused of neglectful parenting, or allowing your children access to drugs, call us immediately at 866 766 5245. We’re available to help you sort out this difficult situation, and work to keep CPS from breaking up your family.