Parent Safeguarding newsletter July 2023 - Flipbook - Page 2
INCREASE IN THE USE OF ‘EDIBLES’
What are edibles?
Edibles are foods containing cannabis. They can be homemade such as brownies, cakes or bought items like
sweets, chocolate, gummies or even yoghurts. Edibles have also been seen in drink format known as THC Lean.
THE CONCERN
THE DANGERS
Edibles may appear innocent from their
packaging but in reality they present a high
risk for those who take them and others who
may accidentally consume them without
knowing what they are. It can be difficult to
know the strength and exact content of
edibles. Some may be injected with other
dangerous substances and chemicals. There
are many health risks associated with
cannabis including increased heart rate and
blood pressure, panic attacks, psychosis,
hallucination, confusion and paranoia and if
used regularly, it can have a negative impact
on mental health.
National intelligence suggests that the use of
edibles by young people has been increasing
and that bought types of edibles are
becoming more popular and can often go
‘undetected’ as the packaging closely
mirrors well-known brands such as Haribo,
Nerds or Doritos and deliberately targets
young people.
The effect of consuming edibles takes longer
than smoking cannabis so young people
many think it hasn’t worked and consume
more resulting in a higher risk of overdose.
WHAT CAN YOU DO
We recommend monitoring food packaging/wrappers, looking for wording such as CBD or THC suggesting the
items are cannabis oil infused. Please be mindful of the medical needs should a child present with symptoms, or
if you suspect they have consumed a drug-laced substance. In a medical emergency call 999. If you are made
aware of any social media accounts advertising these items, we ask that you report this information to the
police, school or Crime Stoppers
FURTHER SUPPORT
Wolverhampton 360— 0300 123 33 60.
Talk to FRANK – the government’s drug advice website/helpline and
their specific page on cannabis - https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/
cannabis For friendly, confidential advice,
Talk to FRANK on 0300 1236600.
