Pubdate: Tue, 28 Oct 2014
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2014 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.utsandiego.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386
Note: Seldom prints LTEs from outside it's circulation area.
Author: Karen Kucher

HALLOWEEN ALERT FOR POT CANDY

SHERIFF'S OFFICIALS ADD MARIJUANA EDIBLES TO ANNUAL ADVISORY

Sheriff's officials are warning parents to be on the lookout for 
candies infused with marijuana when their children go out trick-or-treating.

Some treats that look like regular chocolate bars, brownies or jelly 
candies may actually contain THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, 
and can make a child sick, said sheriff's Lt. Chris May.

Officials say that some products laced with marijuana may be 
difficult to spot, and they are concerned that just a small bite of a 
marijuana cookie or gummy bear could have a big effect because of the 
concentration of THC some include.

May said no marijuana-laced items were reported to be found by 
trick-or-treating children last year, but deputies increasingly are 
coming across cases involving what are called edibles, even on school 
grounds. Because of that, officials decided to include the warning 
about pot-laced candy in their annual Halloween safety warning.

It's a sign of how things have changed.

"When I was young, my parents would check for razor blades in 
apples," May said.

He said parents need to stay involved with their children and make 
sure that what is in their candy bags is OK for them to eat.

Officials suggest parents inspect all candy before letting children 
eat it, and to throw out what appears to have been tampered with. 
They also suggest parents throw away unwrapped candy, homemade items and fruit.

If a child starts acting strangely or feels ill after eating candy, 
officials urge parents to take them to the doctor or call Poison 
Control at (800) 222-1222. And, if parents come across marijuana 
candy in their children's bags, they are asked to call the Sheriff's 
Department at (858) 565-5200.

Other Halloween safety tips offered by the Sheriff's Department:

Choosing a costume color that is visible at night.

Adding reflective tape to costumes or bags.

Carrying a flashlight after dark.

Putting a name tag with your phone number on young children's costumes.

Making sure costume props are short and flexible to avoid poking hazards.

Trick-or-treat with a group.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom