An Iowa father is now facing child endangerment and drug charges after his 4-year-old son ingested a THC-infused chocolate bar last month. The incident underscores the recurring emergencies involving children and cannabis-infused products, prompting concerns about the accessibility and inadvertent consumption of such items by young individuals.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services initiated an investigation into a 26-year-old man after his son ingested THC on November 19, as reported by the Independence Police Department. The child was promptly treated at a hospital and later discharged.
The father was arrested on December 9 and is charged with several felonies, including possession with intent to distribute psilocybin or magic mushrooms, failure to affix a drug tax stamp, and child endangerment resulting in bodily injury. Additionally, he faces multiple misdemeanor charges, such as possession of marijuana on the 2nd offense and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Cases of children accidentally consuming marijuana edibles resembling candy or snacks have been reported nationwide. In 2019, nine Florida elementary school students were hospitalized after ingesting marijuana-infused candy shared by a peer. The incident served as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with the unintentional consumption of such products by children.
Moreover, the issue extends beyond marijuana, as illustrated by instances involving opioid-laced substances. Recently, in Virginia, multiple fourth graders became sick after consuming gummy bears, leading to the arrest and charging of two individuals. While no foreign substance was found in the gummies, the bag they were served in tested positive for the potent opioid fentanyl.
In the most recent Iowa case, court documents filed in Iowa District Court revealed that the 4-year-old boy consumed a THC-infused chocolate bar on the morning of November 19. Following the incident, he was taken to a clinic and later transferred to the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.
Upon obtaining a search warrant, authorities searched the residence where the child’s father resides with his girlfriend. The search yielded 10.7 grams of mushrooms and 3.5 grams of marijuana-positive green plant material. Drug-related paraphernalia, including a broken bong with drug residue, a glass pipe with drug residue, a digital scale, silicone wax jars, and plastic bags, were also found.
During an interview with law enforcement, the father admitted to obtaining the mushrooms and marijuana from friends and family. He recounted discovering his son “passed out” on the couch on the morning of November 19, with his hand in a bag of chips. Subsequently, he found the wrapper for a THC-infused chocolate bar in the kitchen.
The father reported that the child exhibited symptoms of being “high,” prompting him and his girlfriend to seek medical attention for the child. The legal representation for the boy’s father remains unclear at this time.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing children from accessing and inadvertently consuming cannabis-infused products, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness, responsible storage, and preventive measures to protect young individuals from the potential risks associated with these substances.