The Warren Police Department in Michigan has released a very scary sounding warning. Scammers are substituting frequent Halloween treats with harmful substitutes that people are marketing as THC-infused candy and mushrooms. The alert comes on the heels of a recently executed search warrant at a local home where these illegal and unregulated products were found. Public Information Officer John Gajewski of the Center for Safe States urged parents and caregivers to be extra vigilant, especially with Halloween just around the corner.
Gajewski warned parents not to let kids eat anything that’s unwrapped, or anything given out by someone they don’t know. He emphasized the importance of scrutinizing packaging for warning labels, stating, “Look for unusual symbols, unusual odors, anything that may indicate this isn’t normal.” That’s why your police department would like to educate parents and children this Halloween season. As candy consumption reaches an all-time high, they hope to urge everyone to be aware.
In related news, Arkansas state officials have been mimicking these alarms. David Potter is the director of regulatory enforcement for Arkansas Tobacco Control. He tweeted about the risks of unregulated, unsafe THC products disguised as candy. He urged everyone to check wrappers and packages before consuming candy to protect children from possible harm.
“We are deeply concerned that our candy packaging imagery or deceitful lookalike logos are being used … intentionally or otherwise, on unregulated products that have been demonstrated to be unsafe for children,” – Ferrara Candy Company.
The items found in Michigan were specifically labeled as containing THC and hallucinogenic mushrooms. Unfortunately, at this point there is zero evidence indicating that any of these items were meant to be handed out on Halloween.
Gajewski noted the need for heightened vigilance, stating, “We thought to ourselves, ‘Wow, if a group of trained investigators looked at this and didn’t pay any attention, what’s your average kid gonna do on Halloween?’” He stressed that it’s more important than ever for parents to be vigilant and proactive this season.
As it stands currently, the legality around THC use can range greatly depending on the state in the United States. Gajewski acknowledged this complexity, stating, “If you’re possessing these legally in your house, and you want to use them, that’s your business. But put them away, lock them up like medication, so that somebody, an adult or a child, doesn’t get them accidentally.”
The Warren Police Department and Arkansas Tobacco Control are currently in the process of educating the public. That’s why they’re urging you to know the risks posed by these dangerous look-alike candy products. Their messages are a helpful reminder to all this year’s trick-or-treaters and Halloween celebrators to be safe out there.
