Marijuana Edibles Send Middle Schoolers to Hospital, Spark National Concerns
A disturbing incident at a New York middle school has ignited renewed concerns about the accessibility and potential dangers of marijuana edibles, particularly for children and adolescents. This week, a student at William Floyd Middle School in Moriches, New York, allegedly shared marijuana-infused gummies with at least a dozen classmates, resulting in a mass hospitalization event and prompting urgent discussions about drug education, regulation, and parental responsibility.
The incident unfolded on Monday morning, when several 13- and 14-year-old students began experiencing adverse effects after consuming the gummies. Suffolk County Police Department confirmed the details in a statement, noting the rapid response required to address the situation. According to James Montalto, a spokesperson for the school district, eleven students were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. One student was released into the custody of their parents, presumably after displaying less severe symptoms.
The school district emphasized the seriousness with which they are treating the situation, assuring the public that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken, although specific details cannot be disclosed due to student privacy laws. Montalto further stated that the school plans to reinforce its existing anti-drug programs and conduct grade-level assemblies to educate students about the dangers associated with drug use, specifically highlighting the risks posed by edible marijuana products.
While the investigation is ongoing, key questions remain unanswered. It’s currently unclear how the student obtained the edibles, and authorities are working to determine whether the student was aware of the gummies’ contents before sharing them with classmates. Regardless, the incident underscores a growing national trend: the increasing number of children accidentally or intentionally ingesting marijuana-laced treats.
The legalization of medical and recreational cannabis in numerous states has inadvertently contributed to the problem, making these products more readily available and increasing the likelihood of accidental consumption. A 2023 study published in the journal Pediatrics paints a stark picture, revealing a dramatic surge in cases of children under the age of 6 ingesting cannabis products, jumping from 207 in 2017 to a staggering 3,014 in 2021. The study found that toddlers aged 2 and 3 were the most vulnerable group, and the vast majority of these incidents occurred within the home, suggesting inadequate storage and accessibility.
The New York incident is not an isolated case. Reports from across the country highlight the potential dangers lurking in seemingly harmless treats. In California, during a Halloween trick-or-treating event at Earhart Elementary School in October 2023, at least two children received THC-infused candies packaged to resemble Starburst. One child required medical attention after becoming ill. Just two months later, an Iowa father faced felony charges after his 4-year-old son consumed a THC-laced chocolate bar and needed hospitalization. Around the same time, three students at a Florida middle school were hospitalized after ingesting edibles containing an unknown substance. These examples highlight the diverse pathways through which children can gain access to these potentially harmful products.
Dr. David Vearrier, a toxicologist and emergency medicine physician at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, has warned about the potentially severe side effects of marijuana edibles in young children. He notes that common reactions include mental status depression, excessive sleepiness, and, in some cases, decreased breathing. Acute agitation can also occur. Because children are smaller than adults and often unaware of the potency of edibles, they are more likely to ingest a higher milligram/kilogram dose, increasing their risk of toxicity. The design of edibles, often mimicking familiar treats like gummies, chocolates, lollipops, drinks, chips, and cookies, further exacerbates the problem.
Marit Tweet, an emergency medicine physician and medical toxicologist with the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, emphasizes the ease with which children can mistake these products for regular snacks, leading to unintentional consumption. The deceptive packaging is a significant concern.
Recognizing this threat, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have taken steps to address the issue. In 2023, they issued cease and desist letters to six companies marketing marijuana products that closely resembled popular snacks like Doritos, Cheetos, and gummy bears, mirroring the problematic packaging seen in the California case. However, the FTC’s authority is limited, and they can only "strongly encourage sellers to review all of their marketing and product packaging."
Some states are taking a more proactive approach. Illinois, for example, has implemented regulations requiring edible packaging to be designed in a way that doesn’t appeal to children and restricting the total amount of THC permitted per package. This represents a crucial step toward mitigating the risk of accidental ingestion.
The incident at William Floyd Middle School serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges presented by the growing prevalence of marijuana edibles. It underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach that includes robust drug education programs in schools, stricter regulations on the packaging and marketing of edible cannabis products, responsible storage practices at home, and ongoing public awareness campaigns to inform parents and caregivers about the potential dangers. As more states consider or implement cannabis legalization, it is imperative that policymakers prioritize the safety and well-being of children by enacting comprehensive safeguards to prevent accidental or intentional exposure to these potentially harmful substances. The well-being of our young people depends on it.
