Dozens of schoolchildren in Jamaica were taken to hospital after they accidentally ate sweets laced with cannabis.
More than 60 elementary school students, ranging in age from seven to 12 years old, were treated by medical staff on Monday.
Jamaica’s Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams, revealed to CNN that none of the affected children, ranging in ages from seven to 12, are currently in a critical condition.
Eating the candy caused the children to “vomit and hallucinate”, Williams confirmed.
She said: “Over 60 primary school students had to be taken to hospital. Parents please beware!!
“One little boy said he only had ONE sweetie. That’s how potent this product is.”
She also confirmed some of the youngsters required intravenous drip treatments.
Williams visited the hospital where the children were receiving medical care, writing in a separate post: “The doctors and nurses are doing all they can to ensure the students recover.”
According to images Williams posted on X, formerly Twitter, the sweets are called “Full Throttle Sour Belts” which are infused with THC, the major psychoactive component of cannabis.
They come in rainbow colored packaging, with the front indicating the sweets contain Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol.
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC, is a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis sativa plant, including both marijuana and hemp varieties, according to information on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.
The candy packaging also featured a government warning on the back that cautioned consumers to “keep out of reach of children” and clearly stated that it was “not intended for use by anyone under 21 years of age”.
When used appropriately in adults, consuming delta-8 THC can lead to relaxation, euphoria and pain relief.
According to Healthline, delta-8 THC can cause a variety of side effects, including red eyes, dry mouth, rapid heart rate, trouble with coordination, anxiety and memory loss.
It is less potent than another cannabis compound delta-9, which studies have said produces more profound symptoms of being high.
Jamaica decriminalized cannabis for individuals over the age of 18 in 2015.
The possession of two ounces (56 grams) or less was downgraded in classification to a petty offense.
