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Educational guide

Possible accidental cannabis exposure

For poison-related help in Ontario, contact the Ontario Poison Centre. Health Canada advises acting immediately if a child may have consumed cannabis.

If someone may have been accidentally exposed to cannabis, contact the Ontario Poison Centre for poison-related guidance. The centre says it is available by phone 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Its current toll-free number is 1-800-268-9017.

If a child may have consumed cannabis

Health Canada says to act immediately if a child may have consumed cannabis. It lists symptoms including vomiting, confusion, unresponsiveness, slurred speech, unsteadiness and unusual drowsiness. If a child loses consciousness or has difficulty breathing, Health Canada says to call 9-1-1. Follow the current Health Canada guidance and the poison centre’s instructions.

If an animal may have been exposed

The Ontario Poison Centre is a human poison-information service. For a possible animal exposure, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary service for appropriate advice.

Prevention

Health Canada recommends storing cannabis locked away, out of sight and reach of children and pets, and keeping edibles separate from regular food and drinks. Read its safe-storage guidance. This page is not a substitute for emergency or professional care.

Primary references

Ontario Poison Centre: Contact and poison help Health Canada: Cannabis poisonings in children
Sources checked 2026-10-25. This records source review only; it is not a promise that a source has not changed since review.

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