A 2-year-old girl in Duquesne was rushed to the hospital after eating a chocolate bar that contained THC, according to court paperwork. Duquesne police say the incident happened on April 27, and medical staff linked a seizure the child suffered to THC exposure. The toddler was treated and later released, but her mother, 29-year-old Justice Coleman, and grandmother, 50-year-old Rosa Coleman, are now facing charges that include endangering the welfare of children and prohibited acts.
Court paperwork reviewed by CBS Pittsburgh says Justice Coleman told officers her daughter climbed onto a dresser using a stool and grabbed the chocolate bar. Coleman reportedly said she had received the bar as a gift and had "forgot about" it. When Duquesne police executed a search warrant at the family’s Crawford Avenue home, they reported that marijuana and other paraphernalia were left out and easily discovered. Officers also say Rosa Coleman refused to hand over the candy wrapper, which led to an additional charge of tampering with evidence.
Edible exposures have surged nationwide
The Duquesne case is unfolding against a backdrop of rising problems with cannabis edibles and young children. A national review of poison-center data found that edible exposures in kids have spiked in recent years. A study in Pediatrics reported that cases involving children under 6 jumped from 207 in 2017 to 3,054 in 2021. That is a 1,375 percent increase, with two-year-olds the age group most often affected. Researchers noted that most exposures happened at home and that candy-like products with high THC doses can significantly increase toxicity risks for toddlers.
What health officials advise
The Food and Drug Administration has warned that THC edibles often mimic popular snack foods and can be easily mistaken for regular treats by kids. The agency urges caregivers to store any cannabis products locked up and out of reach and recommends calling 9-1-1 if a child shows severe symptoms, or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. In a consumer alert, the FDA noted thousands of poison-control reports involving edibles and advised that any child who may have ingested THC should receive prompt medical evaluation.
What comes next in the case
Court paperwork lists the specific charges against Justice and Rosa Coleman, but it was not immediately clear from reporting whether formal indictments have been filed or when an arraignment will take place. The family did not issue a public statement in coverage, and Duquesne police have not provided additional comment beyond the criminal complaint described in reporting. Upcoming entries in local court records will outline the next steps as the case moves through the Allegheny County system.
