Halloween Safety
Over the past few days, I have read many articles circulating through Facebook and the news media about ecstasy infused candy and Halloween. I thought it couldn’t be true. After research I was shocked to find that this was common, even in my small town. An interview with the McAlester Oklahoma Police Chief Pierce stated:
“…An officer responded to a call Sunday night and found two small bags of what was identified as candy-shaped ecstasy pills, on the corner of North 12th Street and Cherokee Avenue, in Hartshorne. The police chief warned parents to double-check their children’s candy bags when they go trick-or-treating.
“It’s very important, because Halloween is right around the corner,” Pierce said. “They make stuff that looks like candy and kids don’t pay attention to that kind of stuff.”
“Just watch for that kind of stuff and if it’s not in an actual candy wrapper, make sure to alert the authorities,” he added.
The picture above shows an example of the candy form of ecstasy, put into little bags.
Warnings about Halloween candy isn’t new news—and has increased since Colorado legalized marijuana in 2014. And in a recent move, just weeks before Halloween, Colorado marijuana edibles that look like children’s candy.
While it may be unlikely for people to pass out drugs to children for Halloween, parents can never be too cautious. Edible marijuana comes in all forms ranging from gummy bears, lollipops to all kinds of assorted candy. It is very important that parents keep a close eye on the candy that children receive on Halloween. You never know what could be lurking in their candy bag!
These substances are extremely dangerous to children. Genie E Roosevelt, M.D., M.S.P.H. stated in a CBS news interview that,
“Marijuana exposures in young children have resulted in respiratory compromise requiring the use of a ventilator and intensive care unit admission in a handful of cases.”
For precaution, follow these guidelines set by the FDA to be as safe as possible!
Here are some Halloween safety tips from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
- Children shouldn’t snack on candy while trick-or-treating—wait until they get home so a parent can inspect the candy.
- Kids should not accept homemade treats—stick to candy that is commercially wrapped.
- Check candy packaging for signs of tampering and throw out anything that looks suspicious or has holes or tears in the wrapper.
