Dangers of Gummies and Vaping

December 19, 2022

Dear Families of Holly Area Schools,  

At Holly Area Schools, the health, safety and well-being of all Bronchos is our number one priority. Over the past few weeks, a few of our students at Holly High School have become ill due to ingesting edible marijuana (i.e., edibles or gummies). In two cases, students had to be transported to the hospital as a result.  This has become a sad reality in school districts across our nation.  

We are reaching out to you today because our students feel a consistent level of support and are given a uniform message regarding the dangers of vaping, gummies and other edibles when schools and parents work together. 

I would like to remind our families that it is not legal for students to possess, ingest, or be under the influence of marijuana at school or at any school-related activity or event.  Likewise, it is not legal for students to furnish edibles to other students.  Whether it be edibles (gummies), vape products, or other drug-related products, students will be subject to serious disciplinary consequences including up to expulsion, and law enforcement may become involved.

The expanded use of recreational marijuana has led to increased availability of cannabis edibles. The use of edibles (as well as vaping of marijuana) among teenagers and its negative impacts on them has been an increasing trend over the years.  Recent studies have shown that Marijuana use among young people across the U.S. is at a record high.  

Unfortunately, many teens view vaping and/or consuming edibles (gummies) as less dangerous than directly smoking marijuana.  They are actually underestimating the harm from THC overconsumption.  A gummy can contain several doses of THC.  A vape can contain extraordinarily high levels of THC.  The New York Times says, “With THC levels close to 100 percent, today’s cannabis products are making some teenagers highly dependent and dangerously ill.” 

These types of behaviors can have additional negative consequences for teens and create hardships for families.  A parent in southeast Michigan was recently charged by a court when her daughter brought marijuana-infused edibles to school resulting in other students getting sent to the hospital.  Even worse, another parent in a Virginia community is facing felony murder charges after her young child accidentally ingested THC gummies and died from THC poisoning. While this is a very somber example, it is very important that this issue receives the serious attention it deserves. 

We ask for your help in closely monitoring your children and that you speak with them about the dangers of vaping and edibles.  Parents who have these products in their homes should also know where they are stored so teens can’t access them. 

Below, we provide some important information and resources for you regarding this topic: 

• Drug Alert: Marijuana Edibles
• Edible Marijuana Dangers: How Parents Can Prevent THC Poisoning
• How to Talk to Teens About Edibles
• CDC Marijuana and Public Health
• Talking to Your Child About Drugs
• Common Emoji Codes That May Represent Drugs
• Vaping: What You Need To Know

If your student is struggling with substance abuse, the district has partnerships and resources to help you. Please visit the Holly Area Community Coalition, Holly Area Youth Assistance, and Oakland Community Health Networkwebsites for additional information and resources.

It is our priority to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for all of our Broncho students.  

We appreciate your support in helping us with this effort.  

Working together, we are #BronchosUnited.  

Sincerely,

Scott M. Roper, Superintendent - Holly Area Schools
Jerry Narsh, Chief of Police – Village of Holly