#HighAndLocked #HighAndLocked

Parachute’s national campaign raises awareness about how to properly store cannabis edibles so children don’t inadvertently eat them.

The first phase of #HighAndLocked launched across Canada in March 2020 and ran again in March 2021, to coincide with National Poison Prevention Week. In 2022, we launched a new set of images and videos promoting our #HighAndLocked safe storage messaging.

In 2022, #HighAndLocked was a finalist in the International Safety Media Awards in the Best Campaign category. Presented at the biennial World Safety Conference, the international awards, dubbed the “Safety Oscars”, honour the best in safety campaigns from around the world. 

This “HighAndLocked” campaign is aimed at the “chief safety officer” of a family household: the parent or caregiver who takes on the job of removing hazards that can harm a child.

The #HighAndLocked campaign features a variety of parents at home using a locked pouch, reaching up to put it away – and exposing a bit of tummy as they put their “hands in the air.” The campaign has been featured in Today’s Parent, Canada’s leading parenting magazine and website, and appeared on shopping mall digital displays throughout Canada, thanks to generous donations from our media sponsor Branded Cities.

Why edible cannabis poses a greater risk for children

With the legalization of cannabis in Canada in 2018, and the extension of that legalization to edibles in 2019, Canada’s poison centres and federal health officials want to ensure that adults understand the additional risks to children of inadvertent cannabis consumption.

Edible cannabis is a particular concern because it’s manufactured to taste good and can look like treats. A child might consume them in great quantities. Even adults, without labelling, may not be able to spot the difference between a candy and an edible, or a brownie with or without cannabis added.

Children are vulnerable to poisoning from the chemicals in cannabis because of their small body size and lower weight. As well, edibles can have a stronger, more prolonged effect on the body than other forms of cannabis.

This program was made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada; the views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.