Editor's note. An update has been added to the bottom of the story.
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People attending a senior's community luncheon in Whitestone, a community of 900 people west of Sundridge, Tuesday got more than a sugar rush when they sampled brownies for dessert.
West Parry Sound OPP Constable Miles Loach says about 10 members of the community required medical attention after attending the luncheon at the community centre, and suffering a suspected marijuana "overdose."
"Police spoke to the members that attended and only those that ate the chocolate cake/brownie experienced the side effects. The side effects were described as dry mouth, dizziness, disorientation, with some experiencing nausea and vomiting.
Nobody at the event reported suffering any serious or lasting effects from consuming the cannabis-infused chocolate cake/brownie.
The luncheon was catered, not pot luck.
Loach says police are continuing their investigation but adds there was concern that someone may have eaten a couple of brownies, then got in their car to drive home and possibly being involved in an accident.
He says there was also a concern because some people have allergies to marijuana.
Loach says police got the names of all the attendees and did followup calls to make sure there were no lasting effects.
Offences relating to administering a noxious substance are found in the Criminal Code and Section 245 describes two offences. The first being where a noxious substance is administered with the intent to endanger life or cause bodily harm. The second where a noxious substance is administered with the intent to aggrieve or annoy. The differentiating feature is the purpose for which the substance is administered.
It's a serious matter.
If found guilty of "annoy" you can face up to two years in jail, but if the intent was to endanger life or cause bodily harm, the sentence increases to a maximum of 14 years.
