Cannabis Candy Lookalikes Prompt Pre-Halloween Safety Warnings

CHICAGO — Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a chorus of state attorneys general who have issued pre-Halloween warnings of the danger of edible cannabis products sold in packaging that resembles well-known snack foods and candy.

Raoul said unregulated lookalike products may contain significantly higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, than are allowed in edible cannabis products sold legally through Illinois dispensaries.

“Accidental cannabis overdoses by children are increasing nationwide, and these look-alike products will only exacerbate the danger by appealing to children and youth,” Raoul said in a statement.

A single package of edible cannabis sold at licensed retailers can contain no more than 100 milligrams of cannabis. But the illegal edibles, which could appear to be common brands such as Cheetos, Sour Patch Kids or Oreos, can have six times that much, with 600 milligrams of THC in a single bag of lookalike Cheetos.

“I urge all residents to be on the lookout for and avoid look-alike products, which are unregulated, unsafe and illegal," the attorney general added. "In particular, I urge parents and guardians to be aware of the dangers these products pose to children and young adults.”

There was no indication in the statement from the attorney general's office whether any lookalike products had been provided to unwitting children so far this year.

But Raoul's office cited data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers showing that there have been more than 2,600 calls to poison control hotlines related to young children ingesting cannabis projects during the first half of 2021.

Statewide, there have been 281 such calls during the first nine months of the year, a spokesperson for the Illinois Poison Center told the Chicago Tribune.

Poison center representatives encouraged anyone who believes their child has eaten or may have eaten even a small piece of a cannabis edible to call its hotline at 800-222-1222 before waiting for symptoms to develop.

Parents should also speak with their children and young adults in their household to offer age-appropriate guidance about the danger of lookalike cannabis edibles, according to the attorney general, who recommended that consumers only buy marijuana through state-licensed dealers.

Symptoms of consuming too much THC include lethargy, a loss of coordination, respiratory distress and a loss of consciousness, according Raoul's office. The attorney general's office encouraged anyone who comes across lookalike cannabis projects to file a consumer complaint online.

Related:

• Attorney General Warns Against Look-Alike Cannabis Packaging
• Drugs Masquerading As Candy: Officials Issue Warning
• Razor Blades, THC Gummies Found In Halloween Candy Bags
• Illinois Marijuana Sales Approaching $1 Billion For 2021 — Before Taxes