LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Children getting marijuana-laced candy was a Halloween concern for federal drug enforcement agents in Missouri.
The St. Louis office of the Drug Enforcement Agency sent out a warning to parents and caregivers about the dangers of drug-laced chocolate bars, lollipops and gummies. The warning said the treats can look like traditional candies, but can have harmful effects for children who eat them.
The advisory showed a picture of chocolate bars in familiar-looking packaging with labels reading Rasta Reese's, KeefKat, Buddahfinger, 3 Rastateers and Munchy Way.
The DEA said law enforcement across the country has seen an increase in seizures blamed on the marijuana edibles.
The agency said parents can look for signs of marijuana-laced and methamphetamine-laced candy including: Unusual wrapping, appearance, unusual colors, odd smell, misspelled candy labels, candy or food that is unwrapped or unmarked.
Smelling candy is NOT an effective way to see if it contains pot. Marijuana plants have a distinct and pungent odor. But when the active ingredient (THC) is cooked into food, that smell is gone. However, the effects caused by those ingredients are now in the food. Examples of such foods include candy bars, brownies, and gummies.
Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter tasting crystalline powder. Examples of such foods include gummies and hard candy.
The St. Louis DEA division says if you suspect drugs in candy, preserve the evidence. If a child ingests drug-laced candy, contact local police and get immediate medical attention. The agency says the Midwest has seen various types of marijuana-laced candies commercially produced and illegally distributed over the past few years.
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