Officials warn parents of possible marijuana candy, edibles
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J (WTXF) - One New Jersey county is warning parents and children to be on the lookout this Halloween for candy made with marijuana.
Acting County Prosecutor Robert W. Johnson and Chief of County Detectives Paul S. Skill issue a warning to all residents of Cape May County to be aware of the potential of acquiring marijuana candy and other forms of edible products, which may contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is the main ingredient in marijuana that causes a high and is dangerous to anyone who may consume these products either knowingly or unknowingly. These products are illegal in the State of New Jersey however they are being illegally transported into the State, Police say.
Police warn that the presence of these edible drugs in New Jersey poses a great risk to users, especially children who may accidentally receive marijuana candy during Trick or Treat. These marijuana candies often imitate popular brands of hard candy, chocolates, and gummy candies.
Police recommended that any unusual looking candy, especially homemade packages and plastic baggies be rigorously inspected. If any packages appear to be suspicious, it should be discarded immediately. Often times, marijuana candy and brand name candies will have very similar packaging style, size, and color, sometimes only being distinguished by the intentional misspelling or re-spelling of the candy name using slang terminology for marijuana inserted into the name.
Possible indicators and physical effects of someone who may have ingested marijuana include dizziness, shallow breathing, red eyes, dilated pupils, dry mouth, increased appetite and slow reaction time. If for any reason you believe you or your child has received and or ingested any sort of marijuana candy immediately contact your local police department and advised them of the incident.