Pot cookies send teens to hospital in Oshawa

Police say snacks stolen from parent with medical exemption for cannabis

“Drug use by students is a serious matter and is dealt with as such.”

DURHAM DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

Two teen students at Hillsdale Public School in Oshawa were hospitalized Wednesday after they consumed cannabis-laced cookies at school, police say.

An investigation by Durham Regional Police determined that the cookies were taken without consent from a batch made by one of the students’ parents, who has a medical cannabis license.

The student snuck several of the cookies into school and ate them with a friend.

Teachers became concerned when the two young students began to exhibit signs of impairment, according to a Thursday press release from the school board.

Both were taken to hospital by ambulance and monitored overnight for elevated heart rates.

“Drug use by students is a serious matter and is dealt with as such through progressive discipline and police intervention as necessary,” the Durham District School Board said in the release.

The release also stated that school staff worked with Durham police to “ensure the safety and well-being of the students involved.”

As part of the police investigation, the Children’s Aid Society will be contacted to conduct a review.

Durham police officers have also taken time to educate students, teachers, parents and other caregivers in the area about the risks associated with consuming psychoactive chemicals at an early age, according to a press release.