Jamaica: Over 60 Primary School Kids Sent to Hospital After Eating Cannabis Candy

In a concerning incident that unfolded on Monday, more than 60 Jamaica primary school kids were hospitalized after inadvertently consuming candy infused with cannabis.

This alarming occurrence shed light on the accessibility of such products to minors and raised questions about the enforcement of regulations surrounding marijuana use.

The Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams, disclosed to CNN that none of the affected children, aged between 7 and 12, appeared to be in critical condition, as attested by medical professionals.

The cannabis candy, which bore a vivid rainbow-colored packaging, triggered symptoms such as vomiting and hallucinations among the young students.

Minister Williams took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to alert the public, stating, "Over 60 primary school students had to be taken to the hospital. Parents, please beware!! One little boy said he only had ONE sweetie. That's how potent this product is."

Her concern was underscored by a photograph she posted of the cannabis-laden candy, accompanied by the revelation that it contained Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive component found in Cannabis sativa, which includes both marijuana and hemp.

Delta-8 THC, as identified by the USFDA, possesses psychoactive and intoxicating properties.

The candy's colorful packaging concealed the presence of this potent substance, which is not meant for consumption by children.

Unfamiliar Vendor Sold Cannabis Candy to Jamaica Primary School Kids

The incident unfolded when an unknown vendor sold this product to the students, as described by Suzette Barnes-Wilson, the principal of Ocho Rios School.

The effects of the cannabis-laced candy became apparent several hours later, with the children experiencing severe nausea and hallucinations, BNN noted.

In response, the school authorities promptly engaged the Ministry of Education, law enforcement, and the Ocho Rios Health Centre.

Subsequently, the children were transported to the hospital for necessary treatment.

The Jamaican Teachers' Association responded to this incident with grave concern, highlighting the ease with which such products are accessible to minors and calling for more stringent enforcement of marijuana-related laws.

President Leighton Johnson expressed dismay over the prevalence of substance abuse among students, even those as young as in the seventh grade, and noted that this incident represents an alarming escalation, placing primary-level students at risk.

Each Cannabis Candy Consumed by Jamaica Primary School Kids Contains 100 Milligrams of THC

Minister Williams revealed an image of the candy packaging that had been reported to her ministry, depicting "full throttle rainbow sour belts," each containing a substantial 100 milligrams of THC, considered a potent dose even for experienced adults, per Reuters.

She underscored the severity of the situation by stating that a single piece of this candy had led to hospitalization for one young boy, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue.

Jamaica had previously decriminalized the possession of up to 2 ounces (57 grams) of marijuana for religious, medicinal, and scientific purposes in 2015. The nation also established a regulatory body for its burgeoning legal medical cannabis industry.

In the wake of this incident, the Ganja Growers and Producers Association of Jamaica has advocated for a public education program to promote responsible cannabis consumption among adults and to prevent access by children.

Additionally, they have urged the implementation of more stringent packaging regulations to avoid such unfortunate events in the future.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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