Emergency crews were called to EST 2016 on Saturday after people reported feeling ill. EST Fest is an 18-and-over event, however.
Advertisement
The incident happened on the last day of the “Everyone Stands Together” festival in butler.
Unfortunately, the fun at the festival was cut short, at least for the twenty-four patrons who had to be hospitalized because of a severe reaction to drug-laced candy.
The packages contained about 20 pieces each and were marked “prescribed medibles” with a reference to a commercial candy brand, according to photos posted to social media.
CNN affiliate WEWS reported that some festivalgoers consumed ultra-potent marijuana sweets.
Even so, some victims were treated with naloxone, a medication that blocks the effects of opioid overdoses.
Maj. Joe Masi of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department told the Mansfield News Journal someone began tossing out bags of the colorful sweets Saturday at around 11 a.m.
THC is a mind-altering drug found in the cannabis plant.
Police Lt. Joe Petrycki said earlier reports that the concertgoers had overdosed were too strong. They only felt exhausted, among other unusual symptoms.
Matthew Lee Gross, 28, has been charged with drug trafficking after 24 people were rushed to hospital for “overdoses” from the marijuana-laced candy.
“Local officials described the suspect as a white man, standing about 5’6” and wearing a red hat with a gray bill and a black shirt with a marijuana leaf on the front.
As cars entered the property, they were inspected by festival personnel.
A Richland County official is reporting that festival attendees began consuming ultra-potent marijuana sweets that look like Nerds around 10 or 11 a.m.
Advertisement
“It’s disappointing and regretful that the actions of a few are trying to disrupt such a good-spirited celebration”, said festival CEO James McMillan.
