Moorhead Police warns parents to check their students backpacks after a dozen students fall sick from THC candy

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Twelve students at Horizon Middle School fell ill after they consumed what was said to be candy. But Moorhead Police discovered that the candy was actually THC.

“This was more than just a little weed. And that children were directly exposed to THC-infused products that were very evidently packaged to look like candy. And actually appeared like candy outside of the packaging,” said Chris Helmick, Moorhead Police Chief.

According to Minnesota law, items that are shelved can have 5 mg of THC per serving or 50 total mg of THC per package. But the THC that students consumed had 300 mg of THC per serving, and 3,000 mg of THC in the package.

“Parents should be looking through backpacks and looking for things like this. And again, if I can think that it’s candy, obviously, a parent can fall for that as well. So, really take a close look at exactly what their kids are in possession of and ask questions,” said Helmick.

Investigators also recovered over $73,000, 1,900 cartridges, and an excess amount of THC products. Many of the products contained flower, edibles, wax, and were in ready-to-sell candy-looking packages, which are prohibited in Minnesota.

“Presence of these items are very concerning. And we will continue to do everything in our power to prevent things like this from happening again in the future. And we will continue to work with Moorhead schools if incidents like this happen again,” said Helmick.

The parents of the student, Martin Hulst and Amanda Hulst, are charged with Felony 1st Degree Controlled Substance. While the Clay County States Attorney is determining what charges the student may face.

Moorhead Police Chief says there is no ongoing safety threat, but the investigation remains ongoing.