As trick-or-treaters gear up to fill their bags with sweets tonight, doctors are raising concerns about THC-laced candy mistakenly mixed with regular treats this Halloween.

On Thursday, children across the Tampa Bay area will be gathering candy throughout neighborhoods, but doctors are cautioning parents about the potential risk of emergency room visits due to accidental THC consumption. Dr. Michael Haynes of HCA Florida Brandon shared with Fox 13 Tampa Bay that he’s treated patients as young as three for unintentional ingestion of THC edibles.

“We’ve had cases where kids thought it was leftover Halloween candy but ended up eating marijuana edibles instead,” Haynes explained. He noted that in 2021, nearly 600 cases were reported statewide, and this year, incidents have nearly reached that figure in just six months.

The packaging of THC edibles can look deceivingly similar to ordinary candy. Edibles like “Fruitti Rocks” closely resemble Trix cereal, making it challenging for children—and even adults—to differentiate.

Ellen Snelling, board chair of the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, stressed the need for parents to stay vigilant, particularly around Halloween. “If a child sees a colorful, fruity package, they’ll open and eat it,” Snelling warned, adding that accidental ingestion can lead to severe consequences, including hospital stays.

Symptoms of THC poisoning in children may include slow breathing, confusion, and nausea. If any of these signs appear, medical attention should be sought immediately.

(Image credit: Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)