A 36-year-old Oakland father is facing a felony child abuse charge after his 5-year-old son ate a square of psilocybin-laced chocolate and ended up in the hospital. Police say the man called 911 to report that his child was “tripping” after eating a piece of the candy. The boy, who showed hallucination-like symptoms, was treated at a hospital and later released.
According to The Mercury News, the incident unfolded on July 17 when the child took one pre-sectioned square from a chocolate bar infused with psilocybin. Police told investigators the bar had been purchased at a local smoke shop and stored in a cupboard at the family’s home. Officers later booked the father on a felony child abuse charge.
Court records cited by The Mercury News show the 36-year-old was released from custody after last Wednesday’s court appearance. As a condition of that release, he must complete 12 parenting classes while the case moves forward in Alameda County court.
Health Risks From Mushroom Edibles
Chocolate bars and gummies marketed for “microdosing” or containing mushroom extracts are packaged to look like treats but can hit like anything but, especially for kids. Doses can be highly variable and unpredictable, and a child’s much smaller body weight can turn what an adult considers a mild dose into a medical emergency…