Public Awareness Alert: THC-Infused Gummies Pose a Serious Risk to Children

The Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the National Drug Council (NDC), and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), is raising public awareness about the increasing concerns over gummies containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). 

THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant, responsible for the ‘high’ associated with smoking marijuana or eating an edible.

“THC is illegal in the Cayman Islands,” explains Chief Medical Officer for the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Dr. Nick Gent, “and no amount of it is safe for children to consume”. 

Dr. Gent also cautions that packaging for these items sometimes refers to THC as “D8”, “D9”, and/or “D10” (as well as a combination of these) and may include statements such as “less than 0.3% THC”. Such percentages indicate the products contain cannabis extracts legal to sell in the USA, but not the Cayman Islands.  These percentages can also lead consumers to erroneously believe that the product is relatively safe.  “This is absolutely not the case,” Dr. Gent emphasises. “These products are created for the American market and for adult consumption. When children consume gummies or other edibles laced with THC, or its derivatives, it can lead to serious health complications, including extreme drowsiness, confusion, respiratory issues, and even more severe outcomes such as seizures or loss of consciousness.”

Recent investigations have revealed that THC gummies, which look like ordinary candy, are being consumed locally by individuals, including young children.  The candy-like appearance of gummies, combined with the deceptive packaging that appeals directly to children, increases the likelihood of consumption. Therefore, it is crucial that parents, teachers, and community members remain vigilant.

Dr. Samuel Williams- Rodriguez, Medical Officer of Health, elaborates:  “THC-laced gummies pose a significant danger, particularly to children, as they are packaged to resemble regular candy. Even small amounts of THC can have serious effects on a child’s health. We urge parents and caregivers to be proactive and aware of the products their children may have access to given how appealing these gummies can be to children due to their candy-like appearance.”

“Mid-term break is approaching, a time when many children and teenagers may be at home without full supervision, making them more vulnerable,” explains Ms. Brenda Watson, Director of the National Drug Council.  “It’s vital to understand that this is fundamentally a public health concern,” she adds.

“As we enter the festive season of Halloween, Pirates Week, and Christmas - celebrations often filled with an abundance of sweets - our focus is on the potential risks posed by THC-infused gummies that may be unknowingly given to children,” warns Dr. Williams-Rodriguez.  “Persons who are giving out candy to children, as well as those who are in a position where candy is being distributed to children (by both adults and other children), need to take special care as the resemblance of THC-infused products to regular candy makes it difficult to distinguish between the two, heightening the risk of accidental ingestion”.

The Public Health Department, in partnership with the NDC and RCIPS, and with the support of the Ministry of Education will be conducting an increased awareness campaign in schools. This campaign will focus on educating both students and parents about the dangers of THC edibles and how to identify suspicious items.

“As part of our commitment to building a safer, healthier society, we remain focused on equipping youth and their families with the knowledge and tools to navigate emerging risks,” stated Ms. Watson. “We will continue to empower communities through our evidence-based programmes and ongoing drug prevention initiatives. It is our collective duty to safeguard the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our young people, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive. Our efforts emphasise the importance of vigilance and proactive engagement.”

Moving forward, the Public Health Department, Ministry of Health and Wellness, the NDC, and RCIPS will continue working closely to raise awareness and prevent the spread of THC-laced edibles. “It is vital that we protect the health and safety of our children and communities,” Dr Gent adds. “The Ministry of Health & Wellness is fully supporting these initiatives. By working together with public health officials, law enforcement, and the NDC to educate the public on the dangers of illicit substances we aim to eliminate the threat of THC-infused products from further reaching our communities.”

Chief Superintendent, Brad Ebanks, from the RCIPS stressed the importance of community vigilance: “We urge parents to talk with their children about these types of drugs and emphasise the danger they present when consumed.  If any parent or child has come into contact with these types of drugs, please contact 911 or your local district police station. The RCIPS continues to work with CBC (Customs and Border Control) and other relevant government entities to address this concern in our community.”

“As part of our ongoing efforts to protect the Cayman Islands from illegal substances, Customs and Border Control remains committed to working collaboratively with our partners to ensure these harmful products do not reach our communities,” stated Ms. Tina Campbell, Assistant Director of CBC. “We are actively engaged in intercepting THC-laced products and other illicit items at our borders and will continue to do so with heightened vigilance. Protecting the health and safety of our youth is a shared responsibility, and CBC will do its part to support the safety and well-being of all Caymanians.”

If you suspect that your child may have consumed THC-laced gummies, please contact your healthcare provider.

Contact Information:

• Ministry of Health & Wellness: 244-2377

• Public Health Department: 244-2621

• National Drug Council: 949-9000

• RCIPS: 949-7777

SIDE BAR:

Key Guidelines for Parents and Schools

1. Inspect all treats carefully – Before allowing children to consume any candy, examine each item to ensure it has not been tampered with.

2. Avoid unwrapped or homemade treats – Stick to commercially wrapped candies from reputable sources.

3. Discuss the risks with children – Make children aware that not all candy is safe, and they should only accept items from trusted sources.

4. Report suspicious items – If you come across candy that appears to be tampered with or contains unknown substances, report it immediately to the RCIPS.