Police and Public Health department warn of drug laced gummy bears

Doctor Mélissa Généreux, Director of Public health with the CIUSSS de l’estrie – CHUS, the regional healthcare institution, issued a public warning on Thursday that gummy candies laced with THC, the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects, are in circulation in the Asbestos area. The announcement comes following a situation on Monday where a person in the region under the age of 18 ate some of the candy.

“If you see young people with gummy bears, particularly in the des Sources MRC, we encourage you to be vigilant,” Dr. Généreux said, explaining that the candies cannot be distinguished from traditional gummy bears with the naked eye but that tests show they contain a significant amount of THC. “They are

attractive and that could encourage some young people to eat many at once, which could result in very serious intoxications or psychosis.”

The public health director was short on details with regard to specific case of intoxication, explaining that the department is cooperating in an investigation into the matter by the Sûreté du Québec.

“Unfortunately, and I think this was the strategy of the person who had the bad idea to create this product, there is no way to tell the difference with the naked eye between a traditional gummy bear and the contaminated ones,” Dr. Généreux repeated, explaining that the is particular concern about this product falling into the hands of very young children.

While the investigation into the source and distribution of the candies continues, the public health director encouraged parents and people living in the Asbestos region and in the rest of the Eastern Townships to be vigilant and warn children about the dangers.

“If you are with a young person who you think may be intoxicated, the best thing to do is call 811,” Dr. Généreux said, explaining that the nurses on the line will be able to evaluate the symptoms and help decide whether medical intervention is needed.

The public health department is also working with the Sherbrooke and Memphremagog police forces on this investigation.