Reports from Pennsauken indicate that four middle school students were hospitalized after ingesting cannabis-infused gummies on Valentine’s Day. The incident occurred when a student brought the gummies from home and shared them with others, either before or during school hours, as per Dr. Ronnie Tarchichi, superintendent of Pennsauken Public Schools.
Upon observing unusual behavior, school staff promptly intervened. The Phifer Middle School students were first taken to the school nurse and later transferred to a medical facility. According to Dr. Tarchichi, the students were sent to the hospital in adherence to district policy and are expected to recover without significant complications.
Nationwide data from 2017-2021 indicates that around 7,000 children visited emergency rooms due to exposure to cannabis edibles. Among them, 573 were admitted to critical care units, highlighting the potential risks associated with accidental consumption. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported a notable increase in cases involving children under six years old, rising from 207 in 2017 to 3,014 in 2021.
In New Jersey, regulations stipulate that cannabis dispensaries must be situated at least 1,000 feet away from schools. However, Dr. Tarchichi expressed concerns about the proximity of these establishments to schools, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance among parents and guardians.
In a letter to families dated February 14, Dr. Tarchichi stated, “Educators across the country have seen a significant increase in what children are inhaling and eating now, especially with the opening of new Marijuana/Cannabis dispensaries all over.”
Pennsauken High School and Burling Alternative High School currently implement security checks on students each morning to prevent drugs on campus. The district plans to extend these measures to Phifer Middle School starting in September.
The legalization of recreational cannabis consumption for individuals aged 21 and older in 2021 has led to increased accidental marijuana poisonings in children. To address this, the CDC recommends that adults who use cannabis products store them in childproof containers out of reach of children and pets. The incident underscores the importance of continued efforts to educate and safeguard students against the unintended consequences of cannabis accessibility.
