Two Children Hospitalized After Consuming THC-Infused Candy From Food Bank Handout

ROY, Utah – Two children were hospitalized after consuming THC-infused candy that was inadvertently included in bags of food that were distributed in Roy.

Officials with the Roy City Police Department said they contacted over 70 families who received a distribution from a Utah Food Bank partner agency after they confirmed THC-infused “Medicated Nerds” were included in some of the bags.

“Right now across our country, the food banks are in the throes of a time we have never seen,” said Utah Food Bank President and CEO Ginette Bott. “We are working so fast, so diligently; the need has doubled in some areas — tripled in others. This is unexpected, and we will be more vigilant. Community donations are so needed because of COVID-19 relief — the donations enter our facility, and hit the pallet for delivery immediately.”

Volunteers handed out more than 60 bags of food, some of which contained the “Medicated Nerds” rope candy, according to police.

Each rope of candy contains 400 mg of THC, according to the packaging. Officials said an average daily prescription dose of THC for an adult is between 15 and 45 mg.

Over 60 bags of food were distributed to families at the Roy Baptist Church at 2025 West 5700 South on Friday. Police said each bag contained three or four “Medicated Nerds” ropes.

John Thomas, interim pastor of the Roy Baptist Church, said anyone is welcome to come and partake of the donations.

“I am grieved that something that was meant for good, turned out to be so harmful,” Thomas said.

Anyone who received a bag of food at that location on Friday was asked to call the Roy Police Department at 801-629-8221 if it contained the candy described above. An officer will respond to collect it with no questions asked.

Officials said this was the only location where the candy was distributed.

One child was taken to Primary Children’s Hospital for treatment while the other was taken to the Ogden Regional Medical Center.