A troubling case from Lufkin, Texas, has raised concerns after a toddler was rushed to the hospital with THC exposure, a chemical found in marijuana. The young boy was taken to CHI St. Luke’s Hospital on April 29, 2025, after his caretakers noticed he was not waking up properly.
Doctors and nurses in the emergency room discovered the child was only responding to painful stimuli, a serious medical red flag. He later tested positive for THC, the active compound in cannabis, and was immediately transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit at Texas Children’s Hospital in The Woodlands for specialised care.
How Did This Happen? What We Know So Far
According to local news station KTRE, Brianna Rene Lawrence, aged 19, was one of the adults who brought the toddler to the hospital. She later admitted to owning marijuana and THC vapes, which were found during a police search of her home in Lufkin.
As per the arrest affidavit, investigators found both marijuana and vape pens containing THC during their search. Lawrence has since been arrested and is now in Angelina County Jail.
What Charges Is She Facing?
So far, Brianna Lawrence is facing one charge: injury to a child by criminal negligence, which is a state jail felony in Texas. The charge suggests that although the act may not have been intentional, it still resulted in serious harm to the child due to negligence or failure to prevent access to harmful substances.
Lawrence has been in jail for two days, and her bond is set at $20,000.
What’s the Condition of the Toddler Now?
As of now, there is no official update on the child’s current health condition. He remains under care, and doctors are monitoring his response and recovery closely. More details may be released once his condition is stable and an investigation report is completed.
A Growing Problem: Children Exposed to THC
Medical experts are raising alarms about the rising number of children exposed to cannabis products, especially in states where marijuana is legal and easily accessible. While it remains illegal for recreational use in Texas, THC products can still be found, and accidental exposure is becoming more common.
Hospitals across Texas have reported a notable increase in pediatric THC poisonings, often caused by children accidentally ingesting edibles, vape oils, or marijuana-infused products.
Doctors emphasize that no amount of THC is safe for children. Even a small dose can affect their developing brains and body systems, often leading to serious hospitalizations and long-term effects.