
Audio By Carbonatix
More than 60 Jamaican primary school kids were hospitalised after eating potent rainbow-coloured cannabis candy, the Caribbean country's education minister said on social media platform X, causing them to vomit and hallucinate.
"I feel confident that together we will strengthen our safety and security regime to combat the unconscionable sale of marijuana infused products to children," Fayval Williams said on Tuesday, noting the "most unfortunate" circumstances under which she met parents and stakeholders of Ocho Rios Primary School.
Late on Monday, Williams had shared an image she said had been reported to her ministry showing a colorful packet of "full throttle rainbow sour belts," each containing 100 milligrams of THC - considered a strong dose for experienced adults.
"One little boy said he only had one sweetie," Williams said, adding several of the school children had been given intravenous drips to speed up recovery. "That's how potent this product is."
Jamaica decriminalized possession of up to 2 ounces (57 grams) of marijuana for religious, medicinal and scientific purposes in 2015, and set up a licensing agency for the country's legal medical cannabis industry.
Radio Jamaica reported that the Ganja Growers and Producers Association of Jamaica was suggesting a public education program for responsible consumption by adults and to prevent consumption by children, as well as pushing for more packaging regulations.
Latest Stories
-
Gov’t to revive annual school sports as part of football development strategy — Kofi Adams
21 minutes -
CSOs raise alarm over revocation of civilian firearm licences, warn of administrative gaps in implementation
32 minutes -
Government creating opportunities for youth to curb drug abuse – Julius Debrah
35 minutes -
Chief of Staff calls for united action against drug abuse
35 minutes -
MPs should join upcoming national general cleaning exercise — John Oti Bless
43 minutes -
Asunafo North Municipal Assembly prosecutes sanitation offenders to deter others
45 minutes -
GhIE congratulates Ing Rev. Prof. Charles Anum Adams on election as WAFEO president-elect
56 minutes -
Police arrest convicted fraudster Eric Afoakwa while attempting to leave Ghana
1 hour -
Only court orders can override constitutional safeguards in arrests – Justice Abdulai
2 hours -
I never stopped anyone from travelling as AG – Dame condemns arrest of former NAFCO CEO
2 hours -
I’ll choose a stepfather any day; a stepfather shaped the man I am today – Konnected Minds founder
2 hours -
Parents should sue WAEC over examination leakages – Prof. Antwi
2 hours -
School admissions should be based on merit, not protocol – Prof. Opoku Antwi
2 hours -
When the waters recede, public health must lead
2 hours -
A friend inspired me to build a Caribbean restaurant in US – Prof. Opoku Antwi
2 hours