7 Prince George students made sick by THC-infused candies eaten at school

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Seven students got sick after eating THC-infused candies at their Prince George County middle school on Friday.

The afternoon of Friday, Nov. 7, office staff at N.B. Clements Junior High School were informed that several students were not feeling well, according to a press release from Prince George County Public Schools.

Students were interviewed and it was discovered that they had eaten "gummy-type candies" that were infused with tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, which is one of the primary psychoactive ingredients in cannabis products.

"As a precautionary measure, we requested emergency services to visit our school and perform checks of seven students who felt unwell after ingesting these THC-infused candies, and we appreciate their prompt response to this matter," the school division said in the release.

Richmond’s new animal cruelty registry hopes to prevent convicted felons from doing more harm

The candies were found in the possession of an unidentified student and confiscated. As the school district's Student Code of Conduct -- as well as state law -- prohibit these products from being brought onto school grounds, "those responsible for distributing these THC-infused candies on school grounds will be subject to discipline," per the release.

"Our school will continue to work with the Prince George County Police Department as we investigate this incident," school officials added.

The school district said Friday's incident should serve as a cautionary tale.

"Today should serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by substances that may appear harmless but contain ingredients unsafe for children," the school division said. "We ask families to speak with their students about never accepting or consuming any food, candy, or drink from others unless it comes from home or a trusted source."

Motorcyclist seriously injured in crash that closed Route 10 West in Chesterfield

Any parent who has concerns about their child's well-being, or who would like help approaching discussing substance safety with their kids, can reach out to school administrators and counselors for assistance.

Additionally, if any parent or child knows about anything that presents a safety concern to the Prince George County Public Schools community, they are asked to either share what they know with a teacher, counselor, or administrator, or to report it to local law enforcement.

No additional information on this incident is available as of the time of reporting.