Marijuana candy increasing in NJ

Add this to the list of potential Halloween hazards this year: pot-laced candy.

Marijuana (Bruce Bennett, Getty Images)

The warning comes from the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) who report an increase of marijuana candy in New Jersey and nearby states.

The candy contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main active ingredient in marijuana plants that causes the high felt by users. It can be infused with any type of candy, including chocolate or hard or soft candy. The THC level in these products may be as high as 90 percent compared to 10 to 20 percent in marijuana cigarettes, according to information provided by the NJSP.

"We know that with Halloween coming up, there's also the potential that somebody could unknowingly receive a piece of this candy," said Capt. Steven Jones, a spokesman for the NJSP.

Marijuana candy can be especially hazardous for children since it looks just like real candy. "These things often will look and possibly even have some of the taste of regular candies," Jones said.

Jones said some of this candy may be arriving in New Jersey from states like Colorado, where marijuana is legal. In addition, there are companies who are making and selling candy with varying degrees of the THC ingredient.

While the NJSP is warning parents to be aware, Jones said there is no information that anyone would intentionally give marijuana candy to trick-or-treaters. He said marijuana candy is more expensive than real candy, and does not lend itself to giving out in large quantities to kids.

How can parents spot marijuana candy?

Jones said pot-laced candy has a strong marijuana odor. In addition, marijuana candy packaging may resemble popular candy brands.

Here are a list of indications and physical effects that people can experience after digesting marijuana candy, according to the NJSP: