In a disturbing incident, a six-year-old boy in North Carolina was rushed to the hospital after unknowingly consuming a high dosage of THC-laced candy purchased at a local convenience store. The child, who consumed about 40 pieces of the candy, experienced excruciating pain and exhibited strange symptoms.

The incident occurred when the boy's mother, Catherine Buttereit, purchased what she thought were Skittles at The Common Market in Charlotte's South End neighborhood. However, the candies turned out to be Delta-9 edibles distributed by The Plug Distribution. Buttereit claims she was never informed about the product nor asked for identification at the counter.

It was the boy's fascination with the candy, which he had seen in a YouTube video, that led to him begging his mother to buy them. While other family members tried one or two pieces without any adverse effects, the young boy ended up consuming a significant amount – about 13 times the adult dosage.

Soon after ingesting the candies, the boy started to exhibit unusual behavior, complaining of burning sensations in his pelvic area, freezing chest, headaches, and an upset stomach. Despite wearing a smirk on his face, his concerned mother recognized the seriousness of the situation when he mentioned that the water she gave him tasted "disgusting," a recognizable symptom of poisoning.

Realizing that something was seriously wrong, Buttereit called 911 for immediate medical assistance. Subsequently, her fiancé read the ingredients on the candy bag and discovered it was laced with Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis and hemp plants.

The boy was rushed to the emergency room, where doctors expressed concerns about the long-term effects of consuming such a high dosage of THC at such a young age. After spending six hours at the hospital, he slept for 17 consecutive hours before being allowed to return home, where he continued to rest.

This incident highlights the issue of THC-laced products being sold disguised as popular snack brands like Skittles, Airheads, and Oreos. North Carolina has been cracking down on these counterfeit products, as they pose a significant risk to children and teenagers who may mistake them for harmless treats.

According to America's Poison Centers, reports of cannabis edible poisonings in children aged 12 and under have skyrocketed by nearly 700% since 2018. In 2022 alone, there were 6,379 documented cases of cannabis edible poisonings reported to poison control centers, a substantial increase compared to the 816 cases reported in 2018.

Authorities have emphasized the need for stricter regulations and increased awareness to prevent such incidents from occurring. These THC-laced products are often found in vape and tobacco shops located near educational institutions, posing a particular risk to young individuals.

As for the young boy involved in this incident, the long-term effects of consuming such a high dosage of THC remain uncertain. However, his mother expressed relief that he no longer feels any pain and hopes that his recovery will be swift and without lasting consequences.

This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of vigilant supervision and increased efforts towards eradicating the deceptive sale of THC-laced products, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, especially children.