San Diego County CA– They look like chocolate bars, cookies, brownies and gummy or jelly candies. Children might mistake them as Halloween goodies, but these treats are not what they seem. Parents are advised to carefully check their children’s trick‐or‐treat bags for candies infused with marijuana.
THC, the active ingredient in pot, can make a child sick. In California, it is against the law to give a child a controlled substance such as marijuana. Doing so could result in felony child endangerment charges.
Products laced with marijuana look very similar to candy that is on the market, making it very difficult to spot the difference. The concentration of THC in the candies is also very potent. For example, the suggested serving size for a marijuana cookie or gummy bear is a small bite. A child would want to eat the entire cookie or gummy bear, not knowing it is laced with marijuana.

Follow these tips so your little ghouls and goblins stay safe on the spookiest night of the year:
Halloween Treats

• Give your children a meal before they head out to discourage them from eating candy while trick‐or‐treating.
• Inspect all candy before children eat it. Watch for signs of tampering, such as small pinholes in wrappers and torn or loose packages.
• Throw away unwrapped candy, homemade items and fruit.
• Remove choking hazards for young children such as hard candies, small toys, peanuts or gum.
• When in doubt, throw it out.
• If your child starts to feel or act strange after eating candy, take them to the doctor or call Poison Control at (800) 222‐1222. In an emergency, call 9‐1‐1.
• If any form of marijuana candy ends up in your child’s Halloween bag, call the Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565‐5200.

Getting Dressed

• Choose a costume color that is visible at night. Add reflective tape to the costume and trick‐or‐treat bag.
• Carry a flash light at night and make yourself visible to drivers.
• Put a nametag with your phone number on your children’s costumes.
• Make sure wigs, beards and masks do not cover your child’s eyes, noses or mouths.
• Check if the costume fits well to avoid trips and falls.
• Make sure the props your children carry, such as wands or swords, are short and flexible to avoid choking hazards.

Trick‐or‐Treating

• Trick‐or‐treat with a group and stay together.
• Never go into a stranger’s house or car for treats.
• Look and listen for traffic before crossing the street.
• Cross only at corners, not between parked cars or mid‐block.
• Always walk facing traffic if there is no sidewalk.