SRMT Police Commission Community Notice on Cannabis Edibles
Mar 10, 2021
Over the past few months, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Commission (Commission) has learned the Saint Regis Mohawk Police Department (SRMTPD) has come across individuals, under the age of 18, in possession of cannabis products resembling popular branded food and candy. These edible items often contain several times the recommended adult dose of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of the hundreds of chemicals responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. These products pose potential public health and safety risks.
The Commission has received reports involving young children who have mistakenly ingested edible marijuana products resulting in the need for medical attention and/or hospitalization. Let this serve as a warning for parents who have these edible products in their home. If the packaging and the candy or treat inside resembles any food or candy kids are familiar with, then they are more likely to see it as normal food and be tempted to eat it.
The most common overdose incidents in kids happens when marijuana is combined with food. Edibles take longer than smoked marijuana to have an effect (anywhere between 1 to 4 hours), this can lead to more being eaten before any effects are felt. The Commission encourages anyone who has children in their homes to keep edibles and all types of cannabis products out of reach and out of sight. Items should be kept in child-resistant packaging that conceals the contents so it cannot be seen.
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department and the Commission hold the safety of children as one of our highest priorities and reminds the community and public that cannabis is still illegal in the southern portion of Akwesasne. Individuals found to be in possession of THC containing substances are subject to arrest.