Oklahoma Poison Center Warns of Halloween Candy Look-alikes

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OKLAHOMA CITY – As Halloween approaches, the Oklahoma Poison Center is alerting families to hidden dangers that can send children to the hospital. Marijuana edibles, nicotine products and even some medications are being packaged to look like candy – and children are mistaking them for treats.

The products are increasingly landing children in the hospital, says Kristie Edelen, Pharm.D., managing director of the Oklahoma Poison Center. From Jan. 1-July 31, 2025, the center received 125 calls involving children ages 0–5 who ingested marijuana. Of those, 45 children experienced moderate or major medical outcomes and 54 required hospital admission. In total, the center received 268 calls for marijuana exposures across all ages in just the first seven months of this year.

Nicotine exposures are also a significant concern. Over the same span, the center received 161 calls for children ages 0–5 related to tobacco or nicotine products. Forty of the calls involved nicotine pouches – small, candy-like products that are brightly packaged and appealing to children. Even small amounts of nicotine can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures or life-threatening effects in toddlers, Edelen says.

“These numbers are staggering and deeply concerning,” Edelen said. “When even one edible or nicotine pouch can cause serious harm to a child, every call like this represents a preventable emergency. Halloween only amplifies these risks, when candy and treats are everywhere.”

Hidden Dangers:

• Marijuana edibles: Gummies, chocolates and baked goods containing THC often mimic popular candies.
• Nicotine products: Pouches and e-cigarette pods come in colorful, candy-like packaging.
• Medications: Pills and chewable vitamins can resemble mints or sweets.

Safety Tips for Families:

• Check treats carefully: Discard anything unwrapped, unfamiliar or suspicious.
• Secure adult products: Lock up edibles, nicotine products and medications.
• Talk to kids: Remind them not to eat candy unless it is given by a trusted adult.
• Act quickly: If a child ingests something unsafe, call the Oklahoma Poison Center immediately.

The Oklahoma Poison Center is available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222 to provide fast, free and confidential advice from pharmacists and registered nurses. For more information on poison prevention, visit oklahomapoison.org.

About Oklahoma Poison Center:

The Oklahoma Poison Center is dedicated to providing expert advice and support in cases of poisoning and exposure to harmful substances. Our mission is to prevent poisonings and reduce their impact through education, prevention, and providing emergency treatment recommendations. The Oklahoma Poison Center is a program of the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy. For more information, visit oklahomapoison.org.