Six students at Edison Elementary School in Detroit were rushed to a hospital yesterday after eating what school officials say were marijuana-infused edibles. Two of the children had more serious symptoms, and a staff member reportedly administered naloxone (Narcan) to one student, although officials say it is still unclear why Narcan was used. All six students, reported to be about 11 to 12 years old, were taken to a nearby hospital and are under medical care while the school and police investigate.
What officials say
According to Metro Detroit News, the incident happened during the school day at Edison Elementary, located near Grand River and Southfield. The outlet reports that two students showed serious symptoms and that school staff gave Narcan to one child. Officials told Metro Detroit News that an investigation is underway to determine how the edibles got into the building. The same report identifies the children as roughly 11 and 12 years old and notes that all six were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
District response and location
The Detroit Public Schools Community District lists Edison Elementary School at 17045 Grand River Avenue on its school page. As reported by ClickOnDetroit, district officials urged families to keep cannabis products locked up at home and to talk with children about not accepting or sharing food at school. The district and local outlets also reminded families that the Poison & Drug Information Center is available at 1-800-222-1222 if a child may have ingested a THC product.
Why edibles are dangerous for children
A clinical review published on PubMed Central warns that edible cannabis can cause delayed and prolonged effects, and that children are at higher risk for severe central nervous system depression and other complications. As reported by WILX News 10, similar school-lunch incidents in Michigan have already sent students to the hospital this year and prompted renewed warnings from health officials. Pediatric experts recommend treating edibles like any other medicine: keep them locked, in child-resistant packaging, and out of reach.
What parents should do
If you suspect a child has eaten an edible, call the Poison & Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222 and seek emergency care if the child is difficult to wake or has trouble breathing. The district and health experts say that secure storage at home, along with clear conversations about not sharing food, remains the best prevention. Officials say the investigation into Tuesday's incident is ongoing, and police and school administrators have not released details about how the edibles entered the school.
