Press release from Gloucester County Board of Freeholders
Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger and Freeholder Jim Jefferson, Liaison to the Addictions Task Force, are asking parents and trick-or-treaters to practice safety while trick-or-treating this Halloween.
“Halloween is really fun and we want everyone to have a great time and be safe,” said Freeholder Director Damminger. “It gets darker earlier in the evening so it is important to wear colors that are visible to drivers, to cross the streets safely and children should have their parents or another adult check their candy before they eat it.”
According to the state Department of Health, there is a significant presence of marijuana candy and other edible forms in New Jersey and nearby states. The presence of these edible forms of marijuana poses a great risk to users, especially to children, who may accidentally receive marijuana candy during Halloween.
Marijuana candy is illegal in New Jersey. It contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main active ingredient that causes a high. Marijuana candy often imitates hard or gummy candy or chocolate. THC levels in marijuana candy can be as high as 90.
“Parents need to be aware and check for unusual candy packaging,” Jefferson said. “If they suspect their child has received marijuana candy they should immediately contact their local police department.”
Because of the similarities between marijuana candy and brand name candy, it is often difficult to distinguish the difference based on appearance alone. In addition to the packaging, marijuana candy can have an odor similar to that of the marijuana plant.
