In-Home Daycare Owner Charged After 2 Children Allegedly Ate Marijuana Gummies: Reports

Mar. 15, 2025

Stock image of marijuana gummies.

An owner of an in-home daycare in Arkansas has been charged after authorities say two kids allegedly ate marijuana gummies while in her care, according to multiple reports.

Stock image of marijuana gummies.Getty

Getty

The parents, who said they did not have marijuana in their home, added that the daycare owner did not have their permission to give their daughter medication without parental consent, per the outlet.

Days later, a second set of parents reported to authorities that their 15-month-old boy was not acting right when they picked him up from the daycare. His blood test from a pediatrician later came back positive for marijuana, and the parents also said they did not have marijuana in their home, the outlet said.

During an interview with authorities, according to the outlets, McPherson reportedly said she stored her THC gummies in her kitchen area — the same location where the roughly 8 daycare kids would be located — and that she brings the gummies to Arkansas from Missouri.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Sunday, Aug. 25. It is currently unclear if McPherson has legal representation to comment on her behalf.

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Back in July, theFood and Drug Administrationnoted that it wascracking down on productswith delta-8 THC that resembled snacks commonly marketed to children.

At the time, theFederal Trade Commission(FTC) and the FDA pointed out how some edible cannabis products are packaged, with the FTC stating that “the companies that sell the genuine food products have nothing whatsoever to do with these look-alikes.”

“Companies that market and sell edible THC products that areeasily mistakenfor snacks and candy are not only acting illegally, but they are also putting the health of young children at risk,” Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement. “Those that prioritize profits in front of children’s safety are at serious risk of legal action.”

In October 2023,six childrenat a Boys & Girls Club in Lauderhill, Florida were reportedly hospitalized for ingesting candy later believed to be cannabis-infused. In the months since,four third gradersin California were hospitalized after eating edibles, and a mother in Memphis said her 2-year-old child consumedTHC gummiesat a daycare.

source: people.com