After supposedly ingesting Marijuana-laced gummy bears, several students from a high school in the Chicago suburbs had to be rushed to a local hospital. CBS Chicago reports that a total of 14 students from the Naperville North High School had to be taken to the Nurse’s office, 13 of whom had to be later transported to Edward Hospital for further medical inspection.
Although the students informed Police that the gummy bears had been laced with Marijuana, Police investigators have not confirmed the report and have instead confiscated samples of the gummy bears for inspection. Naperville Police commander Jason Arres reported on the incident.
“Students told police that they thought the gummy bears were laced with something with marijuana, like a liquid-based marijuana substance. However, we have not confirmed that. This is simply what we are being told by some of the patients.”
The Director of the EMS at Edward Hospital, Dr. Daryl Wilson, pointed out that the students’ symptoms indicated that they had ingested a “non-toxic intoxicant.” Each of the 14 students reported having consumed only one gummy bear. Dr. Wilson seemed pretty sure that the students knew what they were taking.
“You eat gummy bears, those are pretty tasty. Why would you want to have just one — unless you know there’s something else in the gummy bear?”
Jennifer E. McNulty, the medical director of Pediatrics at Edward Hospital said on Wednesday that based on her observation and her medical expertise, she was confident that the gummy bears were laced with marijuana or marijuana oil. McNulty also added that locals had to deal with rise in use of heroin and other narcotics, Chicago Tribune reports.
“I think this is just another sign that kids are using drugs.”
Naperville School District 203 released a statement after the incident. They reported that 12 students were being treated “as a result of consuming gummy bears that may contain another substance.” The students are said to experiencing symptoms such as fast heart rate, dizziness, and dry mouth. Naperville School District 203 stated that two of the 13 students transported to Edward Hospital were undergoing evaluation while the other 11 had been released. The School District ended its conversation with a note urging parents to have a proper conversation with their children and pointing out that they were conducting a proper investigation as to the matter.
“We encourage all parents to have conversations with their children about making healthy choices. Our community is fortunate to have a number of resources available through school and other community partners to support the wellbeing of students.”
“We continue to review the specifics of the situation and will address it appropriately. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school’s principal.”
The Police say that they are currently conducting an investigation on the matter. CNN reports that a 17-year old male student has been taken in custody but was later released after questioning.
Supt. Dan Bridges of the Naperville School District 203 spoke to CBS Chicago about the incident saying he was disappointed and that this should be treated as an opportunity for parents to have a conversation with their children.
“Anytime we have students who are put in a situation where their health is at risk, their health is questioned, I am disappointed.”
Supt. Dan Bridges also added that the School District was currently assisting Naperville Police in their investigation. However, should the provider of the candy be found, it isn’t clear as of yet whether the police will be pressing criminal charges or if the School District will be handling the matter internally.
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