On heels of police finding marijuana candy, CCC reminds adults to check candy, lock up product

BOSTON—As October 31, 2019 marks the first Halloween since licensed Marijuana Establishments opened in Massachusetts, the Cannabis Control Commission is reminding parents to lock up their marijuana products and check children’s candy to prevent accidental underage consumption when the holiday is celebrated this week.

“Like all of the Halloweens that came before this one, parents should be on the lookout for products that are unsafe for kids after they trick-or-treat,” said Jennifer Flanagan, public health appointee to the Cannabis Control Commission. “Although the Commission has strong safeguards in place to deter underage access to marijuana products, there are illegal items out there that are made to appeal to youth. To prevent any accidental cannabis consumption by children this week, we encourage parents to check Halloween candy and keep their own legal purchases locked up and out of sight.”

The Commission’s adult-use cannabis regulations prohibit licensed Marijuana Establishments from manufacturing edible products shaped like people, animals, or fruits. Additionally, legal products are required to come in tamper or child-resistant packaging and contain the following universal symbols to help identify when an item contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active substance in cannabis:

Illicit market marijuana products, however, come in unregulated packaging, do not feature Commission warnings, and may resemble candy, snacks, or other commercial goods. For example, this month the Peabody Police Department reportedly seized illegal, marijuana-infused “Wonka Bars,” “Nerds Ropes,” and “Wicked Krispies.”

The Commission continues to encourage parents to talk with their children about the risks of consuming adult-use marijuana while underage. The agency’s “More About Marijuana” public awareness campaign offers tips and helpful starters to get the conversation going at MoreAboutMJ.Org.

If a child ingests marijuana accidentally, parents may call the free, poison control hotline at (800) 222-1222. If the reaction seems serious, parents should call 911 or go to the emergency room.