Ontario Man Charged After Children Hospitalized from Cannabis Edibles

A serious incident in Sagamok First Nation has led to charges against a 45-year-old man after two young children were hospitalized for cannabis poisoning. On March 22, 2025, the Anishinabek Police Service responded to a call where they found two children under five suffering from severe symptoms after consuming large cannabis-infused gummies left unattended in a home. Each gummy was reportedly the size of a cellphone, with one child consuming a whole piece and the other half of one

Following the incident, both children were admitted to the intensive care unit but have since recovered. The man responsible has been charged with two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and has been released on a Form 9, which requires his appearance in court at a later date. This case has intensified discussions about the safety of cannabis edibles, especially those resembling candy, which pose a significant risk to children

Health officials have issued renewed warnings about the dangers of cannabis ingestion in children. According to the Ontario Poison Centre, there has been a notable increase in hospital visits due to accidental cannabis poisoning, primarily affecting children under five. Authorities emphasize the importance of securely storing cannabis products in child-resistant packaging and keeping them out of children's reach to prevent similar incidents. Parents and caregivers are urged to remain vigilant, especially in homes where children are present