On Valentine's Day, four students from Phifer Middle School in Pennsauken, New Jersey were hospitalized after eating gummies laced with a substance believed to be marijuana. Pennsauken Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ronnie Tarchichi claimed that he believes a student got the gummies from their parents, and then brought them to school to share with classmates. 

If you're suspected of letting your child give marijuana or other drugs to minors, you could face criminal charges. If that happens, call the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or reach out using our online contact form. 

Not Your Typical Valentine's Day Candy 

A February 15, 2024 letter from Superintendent Tarchichi described the incident that occurred one day earlier. According to this letter, a student brought gummies to school that they shared with classmates either before class or sometime during the morning. School staff observed unusual behavior in the students who ate the gummies and sent them to the school nurse who then sent them to a medical facility. 

While it's suspected that the gummies contained cannabis, THC, or a similar substance, the Pennsauken Police were still awaiting lab results as to the ingredients of the gummies. 

Parental Liability for a Child's Drug Crime 

Based on the information currently available, it's unclear exactly how the middle school student obtained the gummies. Even though the student may have obtained them from a parent, it's unknown if the parent gave them to their child or if the parent left them in a location where the child could find them. 

If it's found that the parent gave their child the gummies, then there's a fair chance the parent could be criminally charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Even the second scenario could result in the parent facing criminal liability if their child commits a crime involving those gummies.  

Facing Criminal Charges Because Your Child Got in Trouble With Your Recreational Marijuana? 

Now that recreational marijuana is legal in New Jersey, it's easier for adults aged 21 and older to buy and use these products. However, parents need to be careful when storing these at home if they have children. This is particularly true when they're in the form of candy or other foods the child may enjoy eating.  

Depending on how they're stored, parents may be legally responsible if their child finds the recreational marijuana and gives it to other children. If you think you might be in trouble with the law because your child took your edibles or other recreational cannabis and gave them to other minors, you need to get in touch with the Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm as soon as possible. Use our online contact form or call us at 888-535-3686, and we'll help you get through this unfortunate situation.