La Pine toddler out of hospital, mom charged in edibles overdose

A 2-year-old La Pine boy is out of the hospital and recovering from serious overdose symptoms after eating part of a THC-infused candy left on a table, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said Thursday. The toddler is in state DHS supervision and his mother faces child neglect and other charges.

Deputies and La Pine Fire medics responded around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday to an emergency call from a home on White Pine Way, where Katelynn Joy reported that her son had consumed the candy, Sgt. Kent Vander Kamp said.

First responders arrived to find the toddler “in distress,” and medics took the toddler to St. Charles Bend “with life-threatening overdose symptoms,” Vander Kamp said.

Investigating deputies determined the woman had left the THC-infused candy unsecured and unattended. Joy later found the partially eaten candy but “waited several hours, until the THC overdose symptoms worsened, before calling 911,” the sergeant said.,

They also determined that since the THC-infused candies in this case were homemade, the “ingredients or amount of THC are unknown,” Vander Kamp said.

Joy was cited in lieu of custody on charges of second-degree child neglect and endangering the welfare of a minor.

THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and is the mind-altering ingredient in marijuana that gives the user the intoxication “high,” he said.

“Unlike tobacco, marijuana edible products are not required to have printed health warnings or safety packaging and are often attractive to children when formed into candies, deserts or beverages,” Vander Kamp said in a news release. “Often the THC doses are made for adults and can be dangerous for children and animals.”

Some signs of a marijuana overdose or excessive consumption may include:

* Rapid heart rate, increasing the risk of heart attack.
* Hallucinations.
* Vomiting.
* Mental confusion.
* Panic attacks.
* Extreme paranoia.

“While we do not encourage drug use, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reminds our citizens to protect themselves, children and animals from THC exposure and overdose,” Vander Kamp said. “Please prevent access to marijuana and THC products from children and do not leave children unattended with these items.”

If you suspect a child or animal has consumed marijuana or THC infused products, Vander Kamp urged you to call 911 or your veterinarian immediately. The Poison Control Center is also available 24/7 at 800-222-1222 and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control is available at 888-426-4435.