Rutgers Experts Available to Discuss Drugs that Resemble Halloween Candy
NEWARK, NJ (October 22, 2018)—Rutgers University experts are available discuss why parents should be vigilant this Halloween, so their trick-or-treating children can avoid edible marijuana that resembles gummi bears, cannabis-laced pills shaped like Hello Kitty, and colorful ecstasy pills that can be mistaken for candy.
“A young child cannot distinguish an edible marijuana product, which can look like candy, from regular food. In addition, these products may be highly concentrated, causing severe effects,” said Bruce Ruck, managing director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School’s Department of Emergency Medicine.
“Keeping a watchful eye for signs of tampering or contamination is always important when children are trick-or-treating. Signs may include opened wrappers, wrapping that doesn’t match the candy inside, misspelling on the labels, or a strange appearance or odor of the candy itself. Remember to read all packaging before allowing children to eat what’s in their Halloween bags.”
If a child has eaten a potentially dangerous product, parents should call the Poison Control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate, free advice around the clock.
Ruck is available to comment at [email protected], or contact Alicia Gambino, New Jersey Poison Control, at 973-972-9280 or [email protected].
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