Parents Advised to Monitor Children's Candy

Santa Barbara- February 25th, 2010

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department is advising parents to be aware that some candy may do more than cause cavities.

On Wednesday, February 17, 2010 Sheriff’s Narcotics Detectives made several arrests at two illegal marijuana dispensaries in Goleta and Summerland (see http://www.sbsheriff.org/pr/02181001.html). During the investigation, Narcotics Detectives seized more than 130 marijuana plants at both locations as well as 20 lbs of processed marijuana packaged for sale.

Detectives also seized large amounts of edible marijuana products which included lollipops, candy bars, cookies, brownies, and truffles. Due to the packaging of the cannabis laced items, they are particularly hard to discern from everyday sweets that do not contain marijuana or other drugs.

Sheriff’s School Resource Deputies previously seized similar products when a student became ill after consuming a marijuana-laced lollipop that had been given to her. Witness statements and other investigations indicated that quantities of marijuana-laced edibles had been obtained from one or more dispensaries by a person with a marijuana identity card who then distributed the candy to high school aged students who did not have a doctor’s recommendation to use marijuana.

Due to the number of dispensaries in Santa Barbara County there is a possibility similar products may end up in the hands of juveniles. In an effort to prevent this from happening again, the SBSO is releasing photos of the edibles to help parents identify these items.

For more information regarding news related issues
please contact Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer.

Business Hours: (805) 681-4100
EMAIL:pio@sbsheriff.org