MORICHES, NY — A disturbing incident unfolded at William Floyd Middle School in Moriches, Long Island, on Monday morning, March 3, 2025, when 11 students were hospitalized after consuming marijuana-laced gummies. The episode, which involved a dozen students aged 13 and 14, has prompted an investigation by Suffolk County Police and school officials into how the THC-infused edibles made their way onto campus.
According to authorities, the situation came to light shortly after 10 a.m. when the affected students began exhibiting symptoms of illness. Suffolk County Police reported that one student distributed the gummies to approximately 12 peers, leading to adverse reactions that necessitated medical attention. Eleven of the students were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment, while one was released into the custody of a parent. The specific symptoms were not detailed by police, though school officials noted the rapid response of first responders, including school nurses and local EMTs, in addressing the crisis.
The William Floyd School District issued a statement acknowledging the incident, expressing gratitude to emergency personnel for their swift action. “We are thankful that the students will be treated and hopeful that they will recover quickly,” the district said. As of Tuesday morning, March 4, there was no official update on the students’ conditions, leaving parents and the community awaiting further details.
Police have declined to release additional information regarding the source of the marijuana gummies or whether the student who distributed them was aware of their contents. No criminal charges have been filed at this time, with authorities indicating that any disciplinary measures will be handled internally by the school district. This lack of clarity has fueled speculation among parents and residents, with some expressing alarm over the accessibility of such substances to minors.
“It’s disturbing,” said Peter Giannetto, a local parent whose son attends a nearby elementary school, in an interview with CBS News. “You don’t know where they got it from or what’s mixed in there.” Another parent, Felicia Moore, told the outlet that her daughter texted her during the incident, reporting that the school had gone into lockdown as emergency responders arrived.
The incident underscores growing concerns about the proliferation of cannabis edibles, particularly those resembling ordinary candy, in the wake of New York’s legalization of recreational marijuana in 2021. While the state has implemented regulations for licensed sales, illegal markets continue to thrive, often distributing products with packaging that critics argue is too appealing to children. Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in the U.S. in recent years, including cases in California and Connecticut where students mistook THC-laced edibles for harmless treats. 17GEN4.com
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