Schools are supposed to be places where kids can be safe from illegal drugs. Unfortunately, five students at Boca Ciega High School were rushed to the hospital after eating candies laced with drugs.
The illegal candies that caused harm to the students' health were marijuana-laced gummy worms, 10 News reports. The victims were given the harmful candies by their classmates.
Drug Laced Gummies at Boca Ciega High School https://t.co/Gq9fmKgM0a on @bloglovin
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Authorities have already filed second-degree felonies for two students with a third one expected to be charged as well. These students might face school expulsion if they are found guilty, the Tampa Tribune reports. As for the students who were rushed to the hospital, they will be receiving disciplinary actions from the school district for eating candies laced with drugs knowingly.
Many parents and students are asking how these illegal candies are being brought to schools. "It is available online and can be brought into our area though it is still illegal in doing so just like it has always been," Sgt. Thomas Woodman told 10 News.
4 students at Boca Ciega High rushed to hospital after eating drug-laced gummies. https://t.co/KG6bNkzBe4 pic.twitter.com/z3avpXE45H — 10News WTSP (@10NewsWTSP) April 12, 2016
The illegal candies can also be very hard to detect because they look like ordinary candies. Another huge problem is that school nurses are not trained to spot drug use among students.
Fortunately, school nurses are trained to look for signs of impairment such as slurred speech and dilated pupils. School district spokesperson Lisa Wolf noted. Other signs of drug use include unusual smells, tremors and diminished coordination, HelpGuide shares.
