AUSTIN — A 4-year-old boy was hospitalized after unknowingly consuming a THC-infused lollipop that was distributed in a birthday goodie bag at The Nest at Anderson Mill in Austin last week. The lollipop was included in a bag assembled by a parent and handed out to children on campus. The child consumed it off campus and was taken to a hospital.

Austin police and school leaders confirmed the incident occurred last week. The Austin Police Department’s Child Abuse Unit investigated how the THC-infused candy reached the child but determined there was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. “Because the investigation did not produce sufficient evidence to meet the statutory elements of a criminal offense under applicable Texas law, the case was administratively closed with no further investigative follow-up by the Child Abuse Unit,” the department stated.

Shavonda Lawson, CEO of The Nest at Anderson Mill, said the incident occurred because a parent did not follow the school's policies regarding items distributed to students. Administrators learned of the child’s exposure the same day it happened but did not notify parents until two days later.

The school reviewed and strengthened its notification protocols, established clearer policies around parent-provided items, and implemented procedures to remove individual judgment from time-sensitive communications.

The child’s mother shared a photo of the candy wrapper and said her son is now recovering and doing well. Betsy Jones, director of policy and strategy for Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth, said, “Texas Poison Control has seen a 50% increase in children under six exposed to cannabis edibles just in the last couple of years.” She added, “The packaging is very youth-friendly and youth-oriented.” More than 200 Texas children under age 6 were exposed to cannabis edibles in 2024, according to Jones.