(Reuters) – More than 60 Jamaican primary school kids were admitted to the hospital after consuming potent rainbow-colored cannabis candy, according to the country’s education minister, Fayval Williams, who shared the news on social media platform X. The candy caused the children to experience vomiting and hallucinations. Williams expressed confidence in strengthening safety measures to combat the sale of marijuana-infused products to children, calling the situation “most unfortunate.” She met with parents and stakeholders of Ocho Rios Primary School to address the issue.
Williams posted an image on Monday that was reported to her ministry, showing a packet of colorful candy known as “full throttle rainbow sour belts.” Each of these candies contained 100 milligrams of THC, a strong dose even for experienced adults. Williams highlighted the potency of the product, stating that one child claimed to have consumed only one candy. Some of the affected children required intravenous drips to aid in their recovery.
In 2015, Jamaica decriminalized the possession of up to 2 ounces (57 grams) of marijuana for religious, medicinal, and scientific purposes. The country also established a licensing agency for its legal medical cannabis industry.
Radio Jamaica reported that the Ganja Growers and Producers Association of Jamaica is proposing a public education program to promote responsible consumption of marijuana by adults and prevent its consumption by children. The association also advocates for stricter packaging regulations.
(Reporting by Sarah Morland; Editing by Josie Kao)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
