Concerned parents across the country are spreading a virtual warning about the dangers found within our children's Halloween candy. The Jackson, MS Metro Police Department recently posted a photo on their Facebook page showing the psychoactive drug ecstasy, noting its strong resemblance to kid-friendly treats.
The photo is quickly going viral, with a message: "If your kids get these for Halloween candy, they ARE NOT CANDY!!! They are the new shapes of "Ecstasy" and can kill kids through overdoses!!! So, check your kid's candy and "When in doubt, Throw it out!!!" Be safe and always keep the shiny side up!!!"
Snopes.com is quick to point out that cases of drug-laced Halloween candy is rare, and the tablets in the photo represent a very expensive drug lot. However, parents should still take heed. Never underestimate those hateful people who would deliberately place harmful ingredients in candy, or substitute candy for harmful items altogether.
Courtesy of the LA Times, here are a few things parents can do to make sure the candy is safe to eat.
- All fruit should be cut and examined.
- Homemade treats should come from only someone the children and parents know.
- Make sure candy comes in its original, sealed packaging. Anything with holes or that appears tampered with should be discarded.
- Look for tell-tale signs that a candy is laced with marijuana. The packaging may look like a commercial brand candy but might have green packaging, a marijuana leaf emblem or the word “medicinal” somewhere on it. Drinks may also appear similar to sodas like Mountain Dew. Marijuana-laced candy includes goldfish and gummy bears.
Keep reading to see these candies for yourself…
Police departments across the country are currently warning parents: If your kids get these for Halloween, they are NOT candies — they're the new shapes of the drug ecstasy. The Jackson, MS Metro Police Department says, "So, check your kid's candy and "When in doubt, Throw it out!!!" Be safe and always keep the shiny side up!!!"
Though cases of drug-laced candy are rare, many ecstasy pills are bright in color and resemble sweet treats to coincide with their reputation as "party drugs."
This sign, paid for by the organization Smart Colorado, was placed on the roadside to warn the public about drug-laced foods come Halloween time.
Drug-laced candy aside, parents should never allow their children to consume Halloween candy outside of its original, sealed packaging.
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