Cannabis edibles
We’re urging parents to be alert to the dangers of cannabis edibles, with county lines gangs using the illegal sweets to entice children and then exploiting them.
What are cannabis edibles?
Cannabis edibles are cannabis-based confectionary that can often contain potent levels of mood-altering substances such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
They are often found in packaging designed to look like real sweets or chocolate, so it can be difficult to tell them apart at first glance.
They are illegal and anyone in possession of them risks arrest and prosecution under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
They are also dangerous and can be stronger than many other cannabis products.
What are the side effects of cannabis edibles?
Cannabis edibles are strong, and it can be easy to overdose on them, making them particularly dangerous. Side effects include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Disorientation and confusion
- Hallucinations
- Nausea/vomiting
- Lethargy
- Heart problems
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Changes in perception
What should I do if I think my child has taken cannabis edibles?
Find out as much information as you can: what packaging was the edible in, how many have they taken, when did they take them, and had they taken any other substances such as alcohol.
If the child is conscious and responsive but unwell, ring 111 for advice.
If the child is unconscious or very unwell, for example if their speech is slurred or they are unresponsive, call 999 immediately.
If the child is conscious and well in themselves, monitor them and then talk to them about the edibles once they are fully recovered.
What’s the link between county drugs lines and cannabis edibles?
County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas (within the UK), using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of “deal line”.
They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move (and store) the drugs and money and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons.
We are concerned about the growing link between county drugs lines and cannabis edibles. Children are not only being targeted as a new market but are also being enticed with seemingly legal confectionery as a means of recruiting them into their ranks as couriers and dealers, who have no previous record and due to their age are more likely to go under the radar.
While the edibles may appear safe or fun, children may soon find themselves being exploited by the group, with the gangs using a range of grooming techniques to control the children and get them to carry out a wide range of criminal activity on their behalf.
What are the signs of exploitation?
Signs of criminal exploitation include:
- Changes in mood or demeanour (i.e. acting secretive and withdrawn)
- Changes in the way they dress
- Unexplained or unaffordable new items such as clothes, jewellery, or trainers
- Regularly going missing for long periods of time or staying out late with no explanation
- Unexplained absences from school
- Carrying lots of cash
- A new phone or being in possession of more than one phone
What should I do if I think my child is being exploited?
If you think your child is being exploited, it’s important to speak out and get help as soon as possible. Contact your local police force on 101 (or if you believe your child is in immediate danger, on 999). Officers will take as much information from you as possible and look to speak to your child.
Exploitation is a crime and anyone who has been exploited will be treated as a victim.
We can also put you in touch with other organisations who can offer further advice and support to help reduce the risk of your child becoming involved in drug and gang related activity in the future.
What should I do if I think someone is dealing cannabis edibles in my area?
Anyone with information about any type of drug dealing in their area is asked to submit the information via their local police force website. You can also call 101.
All reports are vital in helping us to build up an intelligence picture of drug dealing related activity in the area.
You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or visit the Crimestoppers website.
