As Halloween approaches, police across the country are warning parents to double-check their kids’ candy after counterfeit sweets were found packaged to look like popular brands but actually contained THC and hallucinogenic mushrooms.
In Michigan, the Warren Police Department uncovered fake candy and snacks during a search warrant that turned out to be laced with psychoactive ingredients. Officers say the packaging looked almost identical to real products. “If trained investigators could miss it, imagine a kid on Halloween,” said Lt. John Gajewski.
Although there’s no evidence these items were meant to be handed out on Halloween, officials are urging parents to be cautious. They recommend locking away any THC-infused items at home just like medication and checking all candy for odd smells, unusual labels, or misspelled words.
Arkansas officials are echoing similar warnings after finding THC-laced snacks at local gas stations and convenience stores. “These products look just like the candy kids normally buy,” said Arkansas Tobacco Control’s David Potter.
The companies whose packaging was copied, including Ferrara Candy Company, say they have no connection to the fake items and stress that their legitimate products sold in stores are completely safe.
Law enforcement’s message is simple: stick to factory-sealed candy from trusted sources, and if anything looks off, toss it out or call police.
