Jasper County schools see drop in THC products after outside food ban, officials say

RIDGELAND, S.C. (WTOC) - A ban on outside food across the Jasper County School District is already producing results, according to local law enforcement, following a series of medical emergencies during the first weeks of the school year.

School has been back in session for a little over a month, but district officials and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office were quickly confronted with an alarming trend: students bringing THC-infused products onto campuses.

In several instances, paramedics had to be called to schools to treat students experiencing medical episodes or non-fatal overdoses from unknown substances.

“We have bag scanners and metal detectors in the schools, so they are getting a little more creative,” said Staff Sgt. Gary Sons with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. “We’ve had several instances where EMS had to come and respond to students who were struggling from taking some unknown substance.”

Deputies said students bypassed metal detectors and bag checks by concealing THC gummies, oils, and other edibles inside commercial snack packaging or food bags, which were then traded or shared in hallways and classrooms.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive chemical compound found in marijuana. When consumed in high doses or taken unknowingly, it can cause severe adverse reactions, especially in children and teens.

Fortunately, all affected students received prompt medical treatment and recovered.

In response to the emergencies, the district enacted an immediate ban prohibiting students from bringing outside candy, gummies, baked goods, and other edible treats for personal use or distribution.

Any celebratory foods or activity-related snacks must now receive prior administrative approval.

Nearly two weeks into the restriction, authorities say the policy is making a noticeable difference.

“It’s calmed down quite a bit since that happened,” Sons said, noting a marked decline in THC, vaping devices, and tobacco products entering district halls.

To reinforce the ban, deputies, school resource officers, teachers, and staff are actively monitoring hallways and restrooms during class changes.

In an official safety message to families, Interim Superintendent Dr. Laura Hickson stressed that keeping campuses safe requires cooperation from the entire community:

• Regular checks: Parents are urged to inspect bookbags and personal belongings before students leave for school.
• Open conversations: Families should talk to children about the serious health risks of vaping and illicit substances, as well as the disciplinary consequences.
• No food sharing: Students must be reminded never to accept, share, or trade snacks, candy, or drinks when they cannot verify where they came from or what they contain.

Students caught possessing, using, or distributing prohibited substances or outside edibles face district discipline, up to and including recommendation for expulsion.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office expects the outside food ban to remain in effect for the rest of the school year and noted it could potentially be extended into next school year.