With Halloween just around the corner, Arkansas Tobacco Control is urging parents to be on the lookout for candy-like products containing THC that could be dangerous if accidentally eaten by children.
The state first moved to ban these products in 2023 after an alarming increase in cases of children being poisoned and hospitalized. Despite the ban, some products remain on shelves, and officials warn they can be easy for kids to mistake for regular candy.
“These products often look like things kids normally eat at the gas station or grocery store,” said David Potter, regulatory enforcement director for Arkansas Tobacco Control. “If a child consumes them, it could mean a trip to the hospital.”
THC, a psychoactive hemp derivative, is found in unregulated products that often carry dangerously high dosages. A standard medical marijuana dosage is around 10 milligrams, but some candy-like items can contain hundreds or even thousands of milligrams of THC.
Some products mimic real candy branding, making them even harder to identify. Officials say parents should check for labels that include Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, THCa, THCP, HHC, or HHCP. Signs of ingestion can include dizziness, nausea, panic, hallucinations, or seizures.
Arkansas Tobacco Control plans to launch an awareness campaign, including distributing flyers in schools, to help families recognize these hazardous products.
“Parents need to look closely at what their children are eating this Halloween,” Potter said. “A moment of caution could prevent a serious emergency.”
For original reporting from KATV, click here.
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