CAUTION – THC-Infused Edibles Warning
With Halloween and trick-or-treat events coming up this weekend, the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, Community Overdose Action Team (COAT) and Montgomery County Prevention Coalition (MCPC) are warning the public of THC-infused edibles being packaged to resemble common snacks and candy. THC is the psychoactive compound of cannabis and can be extremely dangerous to children.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to be alert and inspect the products in their children’s treat bags.
Pictured above: THC-infused edibles confiscated by Dayton Police Department as part of an investigation earlier this year.
“THC-infused edibles are often packaged to resemble children’s favorite snacks. This is concerning because youth may have trouble discerning the difference between THC-infused edibles and actual food – especially children who cannot read but can recognize familiar packaging,” said Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Kent Harshbarger.
The Coroner’s Office, COAT and MCPC warn that the products packaged to resemble common snacks and candy likely have not undergone state regulatory guidelines for food quality and safety. Ingestion could result in adverse effects including overdose and illness.
A recent release from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office shared that “according to the Department of Homeland Security, the most common overdoses among children nationwide involve ingestion of edible cannabis foods and the overdoses continue to rise.”
In the event of a suspected overdose, call 911 immediately. Signs of a THC-related overdose include: extreme confusion, difficulty conversing, poor coordination, high levels of anxiety, paranoia, panic attack, fast heart rate, delusions or hallucinations, increased blood pressure, and severe nausea or vomiting.
Parents and guardians should carefully inspect the packaging of common snack foods and treats. Look for symbols such as “THC” or other mentions of cannabis on packaging. Look for signs of package tampering and avoid allowing children to accept and consume homemade treats.
If you encounter look-alike THC edibles, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office encourages you to file a consumer complaint on their website or by calling 800-282-0515.