Beware This Halloween: Parents Urged to Keep Edibles Away from Kids
As Halloween approaches, excitement fills the air in Bryan, Texas. Little ghosts and witches will soon flood the streets, bellies ready to be filled with sweets. But there’s a serious warning for parents this season: some children have mistaken edible marijuana products for regular candy, leading to risky situations.
A Scary Incident to Consider
Last week, a troubling event occurred at the IL Texas Campus in College Station. Three sixth-graders ate some THC-infused candy that looked just like beloved Sour Patch Watermelons. Unfortunately, the packaging they came from was labeled “Stoner Patch,” and it was a far cry from your usual Halloween treats. The package was found in a parent’s car, and the students thought they’d hit the jackpot on Halloween goodies after a local Truck or Treat event.
These THC gummies are not legal products, according to a local business, Elevated CBD + Smoke Shop, who emphasized that such items often come from the black market. Alex Aguilar, co-owner of Elevated, pointed out that these knock-off candies imitate popular brands and carry a significant risk. “The black market products that have been coming through mimic those big brands we know and love,” Aguilar explained. “The recent examples include products labeled like Sour Patch Kids or even Skittles.”
False Joy Can Lead to Serious Problems
The College Station Police Department recently highlighted this concern by posting images of black-market THC-infused snacks online. Some of the names on their list? “Sour Infused Gushers,” “Trips Ahoy,” and “Froot Loops.” These might look tempting—especially around Halloween—but they pose real dangers, especially to children who might accidentally consume them.
Elevated’s mission goes beyond selling products. Aguilar stressed the importance of education regarding these potentially harmful items. “Our goal is to ensure the public knows that if you’re going to buy these products, it should always come from a legitimate store,” he said. They follow strict laws requiring buyers to be at least 18 or 21 years old and ensure products are in child-proof packaging.
Know the Risks
It’s not just scare tactics—educational efforts come from organizations like the Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse (BVCASA). They caution that the effects of THC-infused snacks on children can be severe. “These concentrates are hallucinogenic, and their side effects can include paranoia, anxiety, and a rapid increase in heart rate,” said Brandie Valentine of BVCASA. In a heartbreaking incident recently, a four-year-old ingested a high level of THC and ended up in critical condition, highlighting just how important it is for parents to monitor these substances closely.
Staying Safe This Halloween
The takeaway here? **Be vigilant**. Both Elevated and BVCASA recommend that any substances that could be harmful to kids—be it edibles, medications, or alcohol—should be stored safely out of reach. “Parents should be proactive,” Aguilar noted, “by keeping harmful items secured and talking about the risks with their children.”
“It’s all about being responsible,” Valentine added. “Those products need to go where kids can’t get them—locked up.”
Inspect Those Treats!
With Halloween right around the corner, it’s also crucial to check the candy your little ones collect. Sneak a good look at every piece when you get home. “When you dump it all out, look carefully. Usually, if there’s something suspicious, it’ll show in the bottom corner of the front of the package as THC-infused,” Valentine advised. If you spot anything concerning, it’s best to throw it away immediately.
This Halloween, let’s ensure that the festivities remain joyful and safe for everyone! Keeping awareness high among parents and kids alike is one of the best ways to maintain that spirit.
