Students hospitalized by ‘unknown substance’ knew they were ingesting drugs, police say
Police say the Cabarrus County Schools students who were hospitalized after ingesting an “unknown substance” on Friday knew what they were eating: THC edibles.
Now, the two students who brought the edibles to C.C. Griffin Middle School are facing charges for possession with the intent to sell and deliver the edibles and mushrooms, according to a news release from the Concord Police Department.
Paramedics on Friday treated an unknown number of students at the school, according to the Cabarrus County Schools’ statement. Later, “out of an abundance of caution,” seven were taken to Atrium Health Cabarrus.
Parents told WSOC they suspected the reactions were connected to treats shared during class. The students planned to buy and eat the Rice Krispy Treat-like edibles, police said, and they passed them on to other classmates.
“None of the students that ingested the edibles unknowingly ingested the edibles,” he said. “In fact, everyone we spoke with knew they were taking THC edibles.”
Some students told police they also ate psilocybin mushrooms.
It is unclear how many students police spoke to, but WBTV reported that officers suspected seven to 20 ate the edibles.
Police said one student is being charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver a Schedule VI drug — the THC. The other is being charged with one count of possession with intent to deliver a Schedule I drug — the mushrooms.
Alleged assault on campus
School administration also worked with the police department on an alleged assault on a school resource officer at C.C. Griffin the same day, City of Concord spokesperson Lindsay Manson told the Observer.
The officer used a Taser as the student repeatedly punched him, including in the head, Manson said in an email.
“Charges against the student are being filed with the Department of Juvenile Justice,” Manson said.
“Creating safe learning environments and protecting the safety of students and faculty is our top priority,” Manson added.
This is a developing story. Check back to charlotteobserver.com for updates.
This story was originally published December 1, 2023 at 6:39 PM.
