MORRIS COUNTY — The use of marijuana candy is rising in New Jersey, prompting the Morris County prosecutor and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police to issue a Halloween alert.
This poses serious health risks to users, especially children during Halloween. It is possible that children could accidentally receive marijuana candy. Adults should check for strange odors in candy received by children. Currently there is no information indicating that anyone would intentionally give out marijuana candy.
THC level in these products may be as high as 90% compared to 10 to 20% found in marijuana cigarettes. Marijuana candy is made with oil from marijuana plants. This oil is added to the candies during production. Marijuana chocolate is made by mixing marijuana oil with melted chocolate. Some marijuana products have different levels of THC, and the levels of products sold on the black market may be unknown.
There has been an increase in the variety of edible marijuana products available, including candy.The higher levels of THC in these products presents increased risk if ingested by children.
- Fact Sheet:
- Indications & Physical Effects
- Dizziness
- Shallow low breathing
- Red eyes/dilated pupils
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Slow reaction time
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Short term memory loss
- Distorted sense of time
Identification
- Packaging may resemble popular brands
- Emits an odor of marijuana when opened
Long Term Health Risks
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- Breathing problems
- Cognitive impairment
- PsychosisRecommendations
- Wear vinyl or non-latex gloves when handling possible marijuana candy and throw the gloves away after use
- Thoroughly wash hands after removing gloves and before eating, drinking, or smoking to prevent potential ingestion of drug particles
- Contact Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department when you observe possible illegal drug-related activityIt should be noted that the Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA) was signed into law in New Jersey to protect those who are authorized to use or produce marijuana for medical purposes from criminal proceedings. For more information, click here.
The Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA) has launched a statewide awareness campaign, “Addiction Does Not Discriminate” to help fight drug abuse by showing that no one is immune to the deadly drug problem. This program provides New Jersey residents with information on preventing abuse, recognizing those at risk, and finding treatment. Click here.
