Four Madison High School students were hospitalized Friday after ingesting what officials said were “edibles” disguised as candy.
The Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office said it received a call around 10:45 A.M. from the Madison Parish Emergency Room reporting that a teenage girl had arrived showing symptoms of a drug overdose. Deputies confirmed she had consumed an edible at school. When deputies arrived at Madison High a short time later, three other female students came forward with similar symptoms.
Sheriff Chad Ezell said two persons of interest are in custody. The case remains under investigation, and charges are pending.
“Edibles are illegal and can also be fatal,” Ezell said in a statement reminding the public of the risks associated with the substances.
Madison High School Principal Perry Revels also addressed the incident in a letter to parents and guardians. He said staff was alerted earlier in the morning that a student had ingested an edible resembling a sour punch gummy. He said the school immediately followed disciplinary and safety protocols and is working closely with law enforcement.
“Appropriate disciplinary and safety protocols were followed immediately,” Revels wrote. “The school is cooperating fully with local law enforcement and taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
Revels urged families to talk with their children about the dangers of consuming unknown food items, stressing that edible drugs are often packaged to look like snacks and can cause serious health effects. He advised parents to monitor their children’s snacks, be cautious of altered packaging, and reach out to school staff if they need resources.
He also said Madison High will continue educating students about drug use through health curriculum and wellness programs.
The four hospitalized students have not been identified and they are currently in stable condition.
