Dr. Meghan Martin, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, describes her job as consistently inconsistent in a wild place where the unexpected is standard. While she may be a familiar face in the local ER, it’s also possible that you’ve stumbled upon her social media pages. With 1.4 million followers on TikTok under the handle @BeachGem10 and 187,000 followers on Instagram as @Dr.BeachGem10, Dr. Martin has used her social media presence to educate and help parents, particularly during the pandemic.
A particular trend that Dr. Martin has noticed on the uptick is cases of children ingesting food infused with marijuana extract or THC edibles. She has seen an increase in such cases over the past couple of years, with as many as two to three kids bringing these cases to the hospital’s doors each month. Some cases are severe, with THC ingestion being fatal to children. Florida Poison Control has seen a growing number of reports of children ingesting THC in the Tampa Bay area, and the data collected is likely an undercount of the true incidence due to voluntary reporting.
In response to this concerning trend, Dr. Martin emphasizes the importance of treating THC edibles like medications and storing them in a safe place away from children. She also encourages parents to seek immediate guidance from poison control if they suspect a child has ingested THC.
It is essential for parents to be aware of the potential dangers of THC edibles and to take the necessary precautions to prevent accidental ingestion by children.
As a media article, it is important to mention that while Dr. Martin’s expertise and advice are valuable, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Additionally, parents should stay informed about the laws and regulations regarding THC edibles in their area, as they can vary by location.
