Edible cannabis products containing THC, the compound that produces marijuana’s high, are growing in popularity. Unfortunately, so are the number of medical emergencies involving children ingesting these products at daycare centers. A study published in 2023 by the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) reported a starling 1,375% increase in cases of children younger than 6 years old ingesting illegal drugs in the U.S. There are reports of increases in the state of Texas, for instance, in Fort Worth, Cook Children’s Hospital experienced a 51% increase in children younger than 3 years old visiting the emergency room after consuming edible THC, according to a 2024 article in the Fort Worth Report.
Our Texas daycare injury lawyers have recently seen firsthand how unqualified and untrained daycare workers bring these illegal drugs into daycare centers, where young children mistake them for candy or treats. These edibles laced with THC are nearly identical to popular kid-friendly treats like gummy bears, Sour Patch Kids, and even breakfast cereals. The resemblance is so stark that the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to alert parents. At a prominent daycare center in Prosper, four 1-year-old children were hospitalized after eating what they thought was Halloween candy brought into the facility by a teacher.
How Do TCH Gummies Harm Children at Texas Daycare Centers?
A small child eating a gummy laced with TCH at a daycare center in Texas is a serious health issue—in simple terms, it’s poisoning them. Even small doses of THC can harm a toddler. The AAP reported that approximately 23% of children who ingested THC required hospitalization, and 8% of children needed critical care.
A pediatrician at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Hospital in Temple, Texas, explains that a child’s exposure to illegal drugs can cause:
- Breathing problems
- Cause hallucinations
- Changes to speech, such as slurring words or speaking with an exaggerated slowness
- Dizziness
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased anxiety
- Paranoia
- Slow movements
Depending on the amount ingested, the child’s age, and the body’s response, THC poisoning can also cause a child to slip into a coma or experience seizures. And, if a child is not treated when symptoms are recognized, it can turn fatal.
Should I Call the Police If My Child Eats an Edible at a Texas Daycare Center?
Yes. Because drugs like THC are illegal in Texas, we encourage you to file a police report to help document the incident. This documentation can potentially strengthen your case.
What Are Legal Options for Parents After a Child Eats THC Gummies at a Daycare Center?
If your child was able to access and eat edible THC gummies at a daycare center anywhere in Texas, parents and legal guardians have the right to file a lawsuit to hold the daycare center and relevant caregivers accountable for negligence. Filing a lawsuit holds the facility accountable for endangering your child and allows parents to seek compensation, also known as damages.
Texas families may be compensated for the following damages in a daycare drugging case:
- Emotional distress
- Medical expenses, including a child’s ongoing or future medical treatments and therapy
- Pain and suffering
If the unspeakable happens and your child passes away because of a severe medical reaction or poisoning due to THC exposure, our legal time will fight to help get justice for your family in a wrongful death of a child lawsuit. This legal action aims to hold the daycare center accountable for your child’s preventable death.
A lawsuit against a daycare center must be filed within two years of the day that your child ate the THC gummy. However, we encourage you to take action as soon as possible. We have videos available that can help you learn more about the process of filing a daycare injury lawsuit and your legal options after a daycare drugging incident.
Still have questions? Contact our Texas daycare injury lawyers by calling 214-699-4409, or emailing us at [email protected] for a free case evaluation.
Do You Have Free Resources for Families After Exposure to Edible THC Gummies at Daycare Centers?
Yes, our experienced Texas daycare injury lawyers have created several free resources to help guide you and your family if you suspect your child was exposed to drugs at a local facility:
- What Parents Need to Know About Drug and Alcohol Exposure at Daycare Article
- Signs Your Child Is Being Drugged at Daycare Article
- Free Guide: A 5-Step Guide for Parents Dealing with a Daycare Injury
- Why Hiring an Attorney is Crucial After Your Child’s Serious Daycare Injury Article
Help Your Family After Exposure to Edible THC Gummies at a Daycare Center Anywhere in Texas
Our experienced Texas daycare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm are dedicated to advocating for you and your family if your child was drugged or exposed to THC while in the care of a childcare facility anywhere in the Lone Star State. We are ready to listen and fight for your family to get justice and help you move forward. Our legal team at The Button Law Firm is recognized on the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers list, and we can help guide you after a traumatizing incident involving your child. We work on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Get a free case evaluation by calling us at 214-699-4409, emailing us at [email protected], or filling out a contact form.
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