The Kansas State Child Death Review Board has released its 2025 annual report analyzing the deaths of Kansas children. The report also calls attention to the growing threat posed to Kansas children by illegal drugs, including fentanyl and marijuana products. Drug-related deaths among Kansas children are surging, with 65 deaths of children recorded, due to overdoses. Fentanyl is now the most lethal threat, responsible for 48 child deaths between 2020 and 2023., up from zero just four years prior. Marijuana remains the most commonly detected substance in toxicology findings of children at the time of their death. In 2023 alone, 23% of children tested, were positive for marijuana, many in combination with other dangerous substances. Forty-two percent of children who died from drug-related causes also tested positive for marijuana. However, it is important to note that the DEA states there have been no reports, up to this point, of any deaths due solely to marijuana overdose.
The findings come two months after a series of statewide raids on vape shops and dispensaries selling illegal marijuana products, THC, vape cartridges and other prohibited products. Many of these items were marketed and sold in ways that made them easily accessible to minors.
