Gardai issue further warning about cannabis-infused sweets

Gardai in Laois and Offaly have issued a further warning about the dangers posed by cannabis-infused edibles, which they say is a relatively new trend in Ireland.

Among the drug seizures made by the local Garda Divisonal Drug Squad over the past 14 months were cannabis-infused jellies and sweets.

This issue made national headlines in recent weeks when two young children were hospitalised in Dublin after consuming sweets which contained cannabis.

Local Gardai have said that cannabis-infused edibles such as jelly sweets, chocolates, and cookies can easily be confused with regular confectionery due to the similarities utilised in packaging the products.

Any product infused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977/1984, and their possession is illegal. Under the Misuse of Drugs legislation, products containing THC are strictly controlled and their possession is unlawful, except under licence.

Gardai have further advised that it is an offence to cultivate, import, export, produce, supply and possess cannabis except in accordance with a Ministerial licence.

An Garda Siochána encourage persons who become unwell as a consequence of consuming drugs to seek medical assistance immediately by dialling 999 or 112.

A number of drug cases are currently before the Courts in the Laois/Offaly Garda Division.