Students Hospitalized After Consuming Marijuana Edibles

Several Pennsbury School District students were treated by emergency medical personnel Thursday after ingesting suspected marijuana edibles.

The incident happened at at William Penn Middle School in Lower Makefield Township shortly before 1:30 p.m.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the middle school after reports of students vomiting and acting “delirious,” according to a source.

Lower Makefield Township Police Chief Joe Kelly said the students, who were between the ages of 12 and 13, fell ill after consuming suspected marijuana gummies brought to the school.

Three of the students were transported by ambulances from several squads to area hospitals for medical evaluation.

A fourth student involved was released into the custody of their parents, Kelly said.

All four students are expected to recover, according to the chief.

In a letter addressed to families, Pennsbury School District administrators said that the edibles were laced with THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.

District officials said that the incident is part of a broader issues facing schools.

“Like many schools, we are seeing an increase in the use of vapes, vapes with THC, and edibles in our high school and middle schools,” the letter stated. “Our student code of conduct clearly states that drugs are not permitted on school campuses and students will be disciplined accordingly.”

Police are currently investigating the source of the gummies and how the student obtained them, Kelly said.

Below is the full letter to parents from the district:

Dear Families of PSD Middle School and High School Students,

We are writing today to make you aware of an incident that occurred earlier today at one of our middle schools, where a small number of students allegedly ingested edibles laced with THC (the chemical component in marijuana) and became ill. The District immediately notified emergency medical personnel.

Like many schools, we are seeing an increase in the use of vapes, vapes with THC, and edibles in our high school and middle schools. Our student code of conduct clearly states that drugs are not permitted on school campuses and students will be disciplined accordingly.

On a related note, each fall, the Pennsbury Parent and Family Academy provides presentations to our families related to online harassment and substance use among teens. These topics are also covered with students as part of our curriculum. I encourage families to attend one of these academy sessions in the future to learn about some of the challenges we are facing in schools today. In the interim, we are sharing evidence-based resources designed to help parents and caregivers discuss substance use with children and teenagers.

We recognize that these topics can sometimes be difficult to discuss, but we are committed to addressing the issues facing our students and our schools. We are working hard to improve every aspect of the educational experience in Pennsbury, and we appreciate your continued support of our mission.

Sincerely,
Thomas A. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Reggie Meadows
PHS Campus Principal

Corey Turkish Principal
William Penn

Derek Majikas Principal
Pennwood Middle School