On May 13, 2025, eleven students aged 11 to 14 from Fort Dearborn Elementary School in Chicago were hospitalized after consuming THC-infused cookies brought to school by another student, underscoring growing concerns about youth access to cannabis edibles as states like California move to permanently ban hemp-derived THC products. A total of 22 students ingested the edibles, leading to the hospitalization of half of them at Christ Hospital. All affected students have since been released.
The school’s principal informed parents about the incident through a letter, emphasizing the strict prohibition of banned substances on campus and urging discussions with children about the dangers of such products. The Chicago Public Schools’ Office of Safety and Security has been notified, and investigations are ongoing.
Parents have expressed concerns regarding how the student obtained the edibles and are calling for increased vigilance to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Published On: May 18, 2025
Source: People.com – 11 Kids Hospitalized After Eating Marijuana Edibles at Elementary School