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12th May 2021

Two children, aged 3 and 4, hospitalised after consuming suspected cannabis jellies

Stephen Porzio

Kilkenny assault teenage girl investigation

Gardaí have said they are investigating the incident.

Two children, aged three and four, have been hospitalised after consuming jellies that possibly contained cannabis component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The incident occurred at a premises in the Coolock area of Dublin sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and the children have been taken to Temple Street Children’s Hospital where they are continuing to receive medical attention.

Gardaí are investigating the incident and have said no arrests have been made at this stage.

A person, not related to the children, is assisting Gardaí in Coolock with their enquiries.

In accordance with agreed protocols, child and family agency Tusla has been notified of the incident by Gardaí.

In a statement, a Garda spokesperson told JOE: “The use of cannabis-infused edibles, such as jelly sweets, chocolates, cookies, and confectionery, is a relatively new trend in Ireland.”

Gardaí have warned that cannabis-infused edibles could be confused with regular confectionery due to the similarities in the packaging of the products and urged people who become unwell after consuming drugs to seek medical assistance by dialling 999 or 112.

“An Garda Síochána advises that it is an offence to cultivate, import, export, produce, supply and possess cannabis except in accordance with a ministerial licence,” the Garda spokesperson said.

“Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Under the Misuse of Drugs legislation products containing THC are strictly controlled and possession is unlawful except under licence.”

Gardaí also referred to a warning issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) last month regarding sweets containing cannabis.

Chief Executive of the FSAI Dr Pamela Byrne said in the warning: “Sweets containing cannabis components are being sold online or by other means. They are dangerous, particularly for young people and those with prior health conditions who may consume them unwittingly.

“This new development is a sinister attempt to sell narcotics in the form of sweets and those involved are obviously not concerned about the consequences of these products getting into the hands of vulnerable people like children who could consume these products unwittingly to the detriment of their health.”

Read the full FSAI warning here.