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Things We Do for No reason™: Reporting every child who ingests tetrahydrocannabinol to child protective services

Mical Raz1, Josh Gupta-Kagan2, Andrea G Asnes3

  • 1University of Rochester and University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.

Journal of Hospital Medicine
|April 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Recreational tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) product legalization has increased accidental ingestions. Hospitals should assess caregiver actions, not automatically report ingestions, to protect children from harmful child protective services (CPS) investigations.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Legalization of recreational tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products has led to a rise in accidental pediatric ingestions.
  • Current hospital protocols in some areas mandate reporting all THC ingestions to child protective services (CPS).
  • This contrasts with reporting practices for other hazardous household substances, such as cleaners.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the necessity of automatic child protective services (CPS) reporting for all tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ingestions.
  • To advocate for a nuanced approach considering caregiver responsibility and product risks.
  • To minimize potential harm to children from unnecessary CPS investigations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of hospital admission data related to accidental ingestions.
  • Analysis of current reporting protocols for THC versus other toxic household products.
  • Ethical considerations of mandatory reporting versus individualized risk assessment.

Main Results:

  • Accidental THC ingestions are increasing post-legalization.
  • Automatic CPS reporting for THC ingestions may be disproportionate compared to risks from other substances.
  • CPS investigations themselves can pose risks to child welfare.

Conclusions:

  • Hospital providers should assess caregiver diligence and awareness of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) product dangers before mandatory reporting.
  • A case-by-case evaluation is crucial to determine if an ingestion warrants child protective services (CPS) involvement.
  • This approach aims to balance child safety with avoiding undue harm from investigations.

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