In the last year there has been an increase in copycat edibles - meaning, candy that looks almost exactly like a popular branded candy or snack, except that it also contains THC (the substance in marijuana that produces the high).  We need to know what these packages look like to stay vigilant, especially at Halloween.  

A study by NYU found that copycat products averaged 300-600mg of THC per package, well above the legal limit (100mg per package) in states that have legalized marijuana.  These dosages are especially harmful to children, and yet the packaging makes it incredibly difficult to catch the presence of THC. Sometimes there is the word "medicated" on the package and usually a small marijuana leaf.  Please see the photos above to help you check your children's candy on Halloween.

This has happened right here in Pelham - a 5 year old was given a Life Saver Gummies package by an adult.  He is okay, but it was an incredibly frightening experience for this family, and one they would like to make sure doesn't happen to anyone else.  Both VOP and VOPM Police Departments are working with their respective elementary school principals to integrate this awareness into their DARE/Halloween presentations.

There is advocacy underway to urge Congress to change laws around packaging and branding, but that will take time.  The best way to keep our kids safe now is to know what to look for, to tell our older kids about this, and emphasize with our younger kids the importance of an adult checking the Halloween "loot" before they eat it.

If your child does ingest THC, call poison control: (800)-222-1222, or go directly to a hospital, or call 911 for help.
It is also helpful to note their symptoms, try to figure out how much they ate, and get the packaging.