Health experts are now warning parents to be on the lookout for marijuana edibles with a candy-like appearance, especially as Halloween approaches.
Health care professionals and law enforcement experts said they are concerned that children who go trick-or-treating may accidentally bring home edible marijuana products that look like gummies.
Additionally, experts are warning that children who don't know they are carrying edibles may unknowingly share them with other kids, which can cause health problems, especially for younger kids.
"You have to supervise what your children are eating now because, with these gummies out there, it's more dangerous than ever," retired DEA agent Bill Bodner told ABC 7.
Children Accidentally Consuming Edibles
The warning comes days after 17 students at the Walter Reed Middle School in Studio City were given medical care after consuming a "banned substance." First responders and authorities who responded to 911 calls said the students---aged 12 and 13---suffered "possible overdoses."
It was unclear where the students got the marijuana edibles.
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Also last week, five female students from the Nobel Charter Middle School in Northridge also received medical evaluations after suddenly falling sick. Firefighters who arrived at the scene said the girls were breathing when they were found. Three were taken to a nearby hospital while the other two were released to their guardians.
In that case, it was not immediately clear what exactly the girls consumed. However, the Los Angeles School Police said they were notified that the students had consumed "a banned substance." They added that they are working with police officers to investigate the incident.
How Can Edibles Affect Young Children
The dosages of marijuana edibles are usually tailored for an adult. This means a normal dosage for adults can be incredibly toxic to a child. Even small amounts can lead to a trip to the hospital.
Edibles can cause minor to serious adverse effects among consumers. In young children, an overdose can cause severe drowsiness, vomiting, seizures, or coma. What makes edibles more dangerous is that they enter the bloodstream slower than inhaled marijuana. This means consumers can inadvertently overconsume the products, per Healthline.
Furthermore, eating edibles can also have long-term implications for brain development in young children.
Related Article: A Parent's Guide to Avoid Teen Substance Abuse
