4 children sent to hospital after taking CBD gummies at Coventry camp

COVENTRY, RI (WPRI) – Four children were taken to the hospital after allegedly consuming CBD gummies at a Coventry summer camp.

Western Coventry Fire Capt. Robert Mann said first responders were called to the Camp Westwood YMCA around 11:30 a.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, Mann said the children were “very sick and vomiting.”

The children ranged in age from 12 to 15, according to Mann. One of the four children who took the gums had brought them to the camp.

Police are working to determine whether there is a criminal investigation and said they are awaiting test results from RIDOH to determine what exact substance was in the gums.

Pawtucket’s YMCA CEO Jeff Merhige told 12 News the camper gave the tires to fellow campers in the bathroom because counselors don’t accompany them to the stalls.

A counselor didn’t learn of the incident until after the children came out of the restroom and said they thought they had eaten CBD gum, according to Merhige.

Out of an abundance of caution, Merhige said the camp immediately called emergency services and the affected campers were taken to the hospital for observation.

“We continue to monitor this situation and commend our staff for being proactive in this incident,” Merhige said in a statement.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a derivative of cannabis. Although it does not cause a high, it is commonly used to treat conditions such as anxiety and insomnia.

In Rhode Island, consumables such as CBD edibles, beverages, oils, extracts and other products are legal. However, people must be at least 21 years of age to purchase or possess hemp-derived CBD products under the Hemp Breeding Act, as amended.

Children are at a much higher risk of serious health effects, according to health officials.

If a child consumes gum or any other cannabis product, the RI Department of Health says:

• Call a health professional or poison control immediately (1-800-222-1222)
• Call 911 if there are signs of serious distress, such as difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness
• Watch for these symptoms:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of coordination
  • Dizziness
  • Excessive sleepiness
• Find the packaging of the product that was consumed