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A local parent could be facing charges of child endangerment after a group of third graders at Jacoby Creek Elementary School unwittingly ate gummy candies laced with cannabis last month.

Detective Sgt. Chris Ortega with the Arcata Police Department tells the Outpost that his agency has has forwarded the case for review to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for possible charges against the parent who allowed the weed-laced gummies to be obtained and brought to school.

As previously reported, teachers and students at the Arcata elementary school experienced a scare when five third-graders began to show signs of intoxication. Three of the five were taken to the emergency room, with one being admitted to the intensive care unit before getting released, according to Ortega.

The two other affected students were taken home to be monitored by their parents.

Ortega said the case has also been cross-reported to Humboldt County Child Welfare Services for additional follow-up. 

While there are no credible cases of a person dying from a cannabis overdose alone, ingesting too much of the psychoactive compound Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinoid (aka THC) can lead to acute cannabis intoxication, which can cause a range of symptoms, from loss of coordination and sleepiness to respiratory issues. These symptoms can be especially acute in kids under 12, according to Children’s Hospital Colorado. Studies have shown that acute cannabis intoxication can even lead to seizures in children. 

Ortega added a public service message, saying the Arcata Police Department wants to remind the public to keep all toxic and/or intoxicating substances out of sight and out of reach from children.

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PREVIOUSLY: Jacoby Creek Students Taken for Medical Attention After Third-Grader Inadvertently Shares Weed Gummies