In recent years, dangerous drugs such as THC and methamphetamine have been causing an increase in seizures. They are also being laced in popular candies. Brands such as Nerds, Jolly Rancher, Trolli, Airheads, and many more are being replicated to contain THC. Police reported they found these suspicious candy bags in a home in Michigan during an unrelated investigation. The packaging is said to be almost identical to the real thing.

This issue may affect children as young as the age of two during trick-or-treating. It can cause various health problems that a child’s body may not be able to withstand. Officer LT. John Gajewski at Warren Police Department says, “As eye-opening as this has been for the public, this has also been eye-opening for your average patrolman…” Across the country, people grow more concerned about these drug-infused replicas. The candies are falling into a legal grey area due to their abstract and hemp ingredients. In Arkansas, the Department of Finance and Administration sends out its own warning about THC edibles resembling popular brands.  The concern for children on Halloween continues as the news spreads. Dr. Natalie Azar, a medical contributor on NBC News, lists the potential symptoms and effects on children, saying, “nausea, vomiting, maybe a fast or even a slow heart rate. With extra exposure or intoxication, seizures and even coma can happen.” Azar also makes it clear how vulnerable children are because of their size and lack of brain development.

To ensure kids are safe, checking a child’s Halloween candy may be the right precaution to take. Checking the packaging for any labels or suspicious writing could just save a little one from harmful substances. If the package has drugs, it will most likely contain a THC or weed label. They are usually sealed differently as well.