A child who went trick-or-treating in Massena, New York received a dangerous surprise on Halloween – a pack of weed edibles.
The pack contained 600 milligrams of sour “candy” in various flavors, with the packaging prominently displaying a marijuana leaf symbol, the abbreviation for California, and the word “edibles.”
The Massena Police Department took to Facebook to ask the public for help: “If you locate a similar bag of ‘candy,’ please bring it to the Massena Police Department with information on where you trick-or-treated.”
The pack did not have the word “marijuana” or the specific designation of THC, the active chemical in the drug. It seemed to be unopened when the police acquired it.
It is important to note that edibles are made for adult consumption based on average adult weight. Therefore, a single bite or gummy can have a much more significant effect on a child who weighs much less.
Dr. Tucker Woods, associate medical director and emergency department chair at New York City’s Lenox Health Greenwich Village, explained the potential harm: “These gummies are made for adults who weigh 120 to 160 pounds on average, so for a kid who weighs 28 pounds, one gummy could be enough to cause a coma or seizure.”
This incident in New York is not an isolated case. Just last month, eight children in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area were hospitalized after consuming edibles shared at a Boys & Girls Club event by a child.
It is alarming to see incidents where children are exposed to dangerous substances like weed edibles while participating in innocent activities like trick-or-treating. Parents and communities need to be vigilant in ensuring the safety of their children, especially during holidays when they are more likely to come in contact with unfamiliar treats. Education and awareness about the potential dangers of edibles and other illicit substances are essential in preventing such incidents. Let us all work together to create a safer environment for our children.
