Educating Families on Safe Cannabis Storage in Columbus, Ohio Primary Care Clinics: A Survey of Caregivers in the Changing Landscape of Cannabis in the United States

David Kling Jr, DO
Kat Lehman, MD
Serena Dow, MD
Lydia Hanson, MD
Evelyn Gartstein, DO
Dana Paine, MD
Sara Helwig, MS
Sarah Denny, MD

As states legalize cannabis, there has been a corresponding increase in unintentional cannabis ingestions in children under seven years old. Children experience more severe symptoms than adults following cannabis overdose. This study examined whether providing cannabis poisoning prevention counseling and home safety devices in a primary care setting influences caregivers’ safe storage practices.

Caregivers of children under seven years old who consented to participation during routine clinic visits were counseled on safe storage of cannabis and dangers of unintentional ingestions while also being provided with a lock bag for safe storage. The study occurred at pediatric clinics affiliated with a tertiary care children’s hospital from September 2024 to December 2025. A pre-survey followed by a one-month post-survey were completed to assess caregiver behaviors and knowledge about safe cannabis storage. Data was analyzed by a statistician using R statistical software.

A total of twenty-five respondents completed the pre-survey for inclusion in this study, and Twelve respondents completed the post-survey. Only 44% of participants reported receiving counseling about cannabis ingestions prior to this study. At one-month follow up, 86% of caregivers who disclosed storage locations reported storing marijuana in safe locations, compared to 23% of caregivers at the time of initial intervention. Seventy-five percent of respondents reported a better understanding of dangers of cannabis ingestion in young children post-intervention.

Cannabis safety education is a feasible and effective injury prevention intervention in the primary care setting; it improves caregivers’ knowledge about cannabis poisoning in young children and promotes safer cannabis storage behaviors. As cannabis becomes increasingly available to the public, it is important for clinicians to acknowledge the prevalence of cannabis in households with young children and to educate caregivers on potential risks.

1. Describe current trends and risks associated with unintentional pediatric cannabis ingestions, including factors contributing to increased exposures in young children.

2. Identify effective primary care–based strategies for cannabis poisoning prevention counseling and safe storage education for caregivers of young children.

3.Evaluate the impact of caregiver education and provision of home safety devices on improving cannabis storage practices and caregiver knowledge in the outpatient pediatric setting.