Substitute Teacher Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Cannabis Gummies Incident
A substitute teacher in Lancaster, California, is at the centre of a shocking legal case after being accused of providing cannabis-laced candy to three elementary school children during an after-school programme. The incident, which occurred in April last year, resulted in the young brothers being rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to a complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Felicia Boyd, aged 59, allegedly handed the children, aged eight, nine, and eleven, what she described as 'exotic dragonfruit' flavoured gummies to celebrate the youngest boy's eighth birthday. The lawsuit claims that the treats were, in fact, marijuana-infused candies from a packet labelled 'Fast Acting Nano Powered Gummies', containing 2000mg of THC per bag.
After consuming the gummies, the boys, identified in court documents as A.V., J.V., and S.V., reportedly became lethargic and ill. Their aunt, Cristal Sandoval, who is acting as their guardian in the lawsuit, told the Daily Mail that she took them to hospital after one of the nephews said, 'I can't feel my body.' The children were treated for poisoning at the emergency room.
Legal Action and Allegations
The lawsuit, filed on February 17 by attorneys Michael Geragos and Robert Ounjian of the Beverly Hills law firm Carpenter & Zuckerman, names Boyd, Sierra Elementary School, and the Lancaster School District as defendants. It alleges multiple counts of negligence, including negligent hiring, supervision, training, and retention, as well as battery.
The legal filing states that school administrators, including the principal, teachers, and nurse, were made aware of the incident. It further claims that due to the district's failure in protecting students, Boyd was able to possess a controlled substance on school premises and administer it to the children, resulting in physical, mental, and severe emotional injuries.
Response from Involved Parties
When contacted by phone, Boyd confirmed she is a teacher in Lancaster but denied knowledge of the alleged incident, stating, 'I have no idea what you're talking about.' Government salary data lists a Felicia Boyd who earned $8,384.64 as a teacher in Lancaster in 2023.
Lancaster School District Superintendent Dr. Paul Marietti declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation. Sierra Elementary School also did not respond to requests for comment. The case is scheduled to appear in court on June 15.
Product Details and Safety Concerns
The gummies in question are described as having a lurid pink packaging that boasts each piece contains 20mg of THC, a potent dose, particularly for children weighing under 100 pounds. The packaging's blurb promotes effects such as relaxation and euphoria, with phrases like 'Melt your worries away' and 'Get the party started.'
This incident highlights significant safety concerns regarding controlled substances in educational settings and the potential risks to young students. The lawsuit seeks to hold the school and district accountable for what it describes as a severe breach of duty of care.
