California cops warn of marijuana-laced candy- US

MONTEREY PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- Los Angeles County officials issued a warning for parents to be extra careful for Halloween, because tainted treats may end up in a child's trick-or-treat bag. 

Three children in Huntington Beach were hospitalized last week after eating what looked like ordinary cookies, but the treats were laced with marijuana.

Officials said the laced products were sold in marijuana dispensaries and could be circulating around.
"These lollipops, candy bars, they look pretty legitimate. The problem is if it gets in the wrong hands and a kid licks a lollipop, they get ill or intoxicated," said Cpt. Ralph Ornelas of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Authorities said parents need to know what to look for. For instance, a lot of the products are not clearly labeled. Some treats look like regular cookies or candy, but they certainly don't smell normal.
"If something is homemade, I typically throw it away. If it's something where the wrapper is loose and it looks like it didn't come from a factory, I throw that away as well. If it's something I've never seen before, we throw that away. "said Lisa Mittleman, a parent. "They get plenty, so even if I throw a quarter of it away, it will be fine."

Officers said parents can call the police if they see any suspicious treats.