PENNSYLVANIA, USA — With the approach of Halloween, Pennsylvania State Police Troop H is reminding families and schools of the increased presence of candy that is infused with marijuana or psilocybin (also known as magic mushrooms).
Troopers aren't implying that people are intentionally poisoning kids' Halloween candy, but are bringing awareness that there are drug-infused products out there that look almost identical to common candies. PSP is reminding parents, guardians and teachers the importance of thoroughly checking the contents contained in products consumed by children.
All the attached photographs are of narcotics-related seizures within Troop H which contain TCH (tetrahydrocannabinol – the main psychoactive substance found in cannabis) or psilocybin (i.e., “magic mushrooms”).
Marijuana and psilocybin edibles are food and drink products made with marijuana leaves, cannabis extracts, and psilocybin mushrooms that may be especially appealing to a younger audience due to bright and colorful packaging often mirroring name-brand candy or snack foods and beverages, according to PSP.
Teens and young adults may mistake them for candy or mistakenly believe consuming the drugs in this manner is “safer” than smoking; however, edibles often take longer to digest, which extends the period of time before the “high” is felt and may lead to an increase in consumption beyond the recommended dosage.
Anyone who may unknowingly ingest such substances should immediately contact 911 for medical assistance.
Marijuana intoxication symptoms in youth range from loss of coordination and mild drowsiness to being unable to wake up or having trouble breathing.
Marijuana overdose symptoms include extreme anxiety, panic attacks, psychotic reactions, impaired judgment, fast heart rate, chest pain, heart attack, seizures, high blood pressure, and unresponsiveness.
Psilocybin mushroom intoxication symptoms in youth include tremors, loss of appetite, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, nausea, blurred vision, dilated pupils, and loss of coordination.
Patient First is providing free X-rays of Halloween candy from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at all neighborhood medical centers.
