3 Toddlers Hospitalized After Eating THC-Laced Goldfish Crackers, Daycare Owner Arrested

Three toddlers at a daycare center facility in Virginia were brought to the hospital after consuming THC-spiked goldfish crackers. THC is a psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that makes people high. 

The toddlers, aged one, were rushed to Stafford Hospital Center on March 2 after their parents noticed "lethargic and uncoordinated behavior and glassy, bloodshot eyes," the Stafford Sheriff's Office stated in a press release.

THC and its effect on kids

According to Medical News Today, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the natural compounds found in Cannabis or marijuana. It has the potential to treat glaucoma, muscle spasticity, low appetite, and insomnia. Patients may also use it to treat nausea, pain, and anxiety.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a person consuming THC may experience temporary side effects such as dry mouth, red eyes, memory loss, slower than average response, increased heart rate, general feeling of being high, and issues with coordination.

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THC-laced Goldfish crackers

As per New York Daily News, the medical staff tested the children and confirmed exposure to THC. Investigators then went to the Windsor Forest Subdivision Home, a daycare for the kids.

The detectives searched the premises and collected goldfish crackers around the high chairs of the toddlers. The crackers were sent to the lab, and the presence of THC was confirmed. Authorities have not released information on how the drug got into the crackers.

Child Protective Services (CPS) was notified and is now involved in the case.

The daycare center voluntarily surrendered its license, and the owner, Rebecca Swanner, 60, was charged with three counts of cruelty and injury to children. The magistrate later released her after paying a $2,000 unsecured bond.

THC poisoning in children

According to Healthy Children.org, the number of kids unintentionally ingesting marijuana-laced products is rising, especially in states where marijuana is legalized. The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported more than 3,000 exposures to edible marijuana products involving children in the United States ages 12 and under as of 2020. Most of these exposures involved kids five years old or younger.

The availability of tempting treats that contain THC is on the rise as marijuana has become legal for medical and recreational use in most U.S. states. As the tempting treats increase, there is an accidental poisoning risk that these goodies pose to kids who get hold of them.

Marijuana is dangerous to children. Hence, parents must know how much THC is contained in edible products and how it is absorbed into the body.

Parents or caregivers should also know that just one THC-laced cookie contains the recommended adult dose of THC several times. Overdose effects of THC edibles cause panic attacks, paranoia, dizziness, weakness, poor coordination, excessive sleepiness, heart problems, apnea, and intoxication among children.

Health experts advise parents to keep THC edibles out of children's reach and lock them out to prevent accidental ingestion. They also recommend storing it in child-resistant packaging or containers.  

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