PARENTS and carers in Worcester and Malvern are being warned about the circulation of cannabis edibles disguised as popular confectionery across the UK.
Multiple reports have been received around the UK, prompting West Mercia Police to issue the warnings on the Neighbourhood Matters page.
The cannabis edibles, which contain cannabis’ psychoactive compound THC, can take the form of chocolate bars and sweets, copying branding from popular confectioneries.
Because of the way the products are packaged, West Mercia Police fear they can be ‘particularly appealing to children and teenagers’ and may be used by criminal gangs in an attempt to ‘coerce and exploit’ them into engaging in other drug-related activities.
The cannabis edibles, which do not look or smell like cannabis, can have THC contents far exceeding that of traditional cannabis, increasing the physiological effects and therefore risks associated.
Although the purchase of psychoactive cannabis products is illegal in the UK, a rise in advertisements for the products on social media channels such as Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat increase the possibility of children being exposed to them.
Police stress there have not yet been any reports in Worcester or Malvern Hills District about these items being available but officers want parents, children and teenagers to be aware in case the situation arises.
