by MARGATE, Fla. — Four students from Margate Middle School were hospitalized Wednesday after reportedly consuming laced edible snacks on campus, according to the Margate Police Department. Authorities say several other students may have also been exposed but did not require hospitalization.
Students Fell Ill After Eating Laced Snacks
Police said between seven and eight students consumed the edibles at the school located on Northwest 65th Avenue. Emergency responders were called to the scene after multiple students began experiencing unusual symptoms consistent with marijuana ingestion.
Four students were taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation, while the remaining students were released to their parents. Authorities confirmed that all of them were in stable condition as of Wednesday afternoon.
“At this point, it appears the snacks contained marijuana,” a Margate Police spokesperson said, adding that the exact source and composition of the edibles remain under investigation.
School and District Officials Respond
Following the incident, Broward County Public Schools released a statement confirming that both school and district administrators are working closely with police to identify the source of the edibles and ensure the continued safety of students.
“Parents are reminded to speak to their children about not sharing or eating food or candy that does not come from home,” the statement read. “Students should immediately report anything concerning to a trusted adult.”
Officials said school counselors and administrators are providing support to affected students and reinforcing classroom discussions about the dangers of unknown substances.
Police Investigating Source of the Edibles
The Margate Police Department is conducting interviews with students and reviewing surveillance footage to trace where the laced snacks came from. Detectives are also working to determine whether the edibles were homemade or commercially produced and if they were intentionally distributed to students.
So far, authorities have not announced any arrests or named any suspects. Police emphasized that they are treating the matter seriously, noting that selling or distributing marijuana edibles to minors is a criminal offense under Florida law.
Rising Concerns Over Edibles in Schools
This incident reflects a growing concern among educators and law enforcement over the increasing presence of THC-infused edibles in schools nationwide. The candies and snacks often look like regular treats — such as gummies, cookies, or chips — making them particularly risky for teenagers and younger children.
Experts warn that even small doses of THC can cause confusion, dizziness, rapid heart rate, or vomiting in minors. Because the packaging often mimics real candy brands, students may not realize what they’re consuming until symptoms begin.
Health officials recommend that parents discuss the dangers of edibles with their children and monitor for changes in behavior or academic performance that might signal substance use.
School District Emphasizes Prevention
In light of the incident, Broward County Public Schools said it will continue its anti-drug education programs and increase campus monitoring. Teachers have also been advised to remain alert to signs of intoxication or illness among students.
“The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority,” a district representative said. “We are taking all necessary steps to prevent incidents like this from happening again.”
Police urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and remind their children that even a small mistake — like accepting food from a peer — can have serious health consequences.
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Community Reaction and Next Steps
The community has expressed concern about how such substances entered school grounds. Some parents are calling for stricter backpack checks and enhanced security measures, while others have suggested expanding educational outreach to middle schoolers about the dangers of drug-laced products.
As of Thursday, all four hospitalized students were expected to make a full recovery, police confirmed. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials plan to release additional details once lab testing confirms the composition of the edibles.
What do you think schools and parents can do to better prevent incidents like this? Should there be harsher penalties for distributing edibles to minors? Share your thoughts in the comments on race-day-live.com
