Marijuana Candy - Situational Awareness - Detection and Seizures

Aug 26, 2026

Upload by Aditya

Marijuana candy is increasingly seized in New Jersey and other U.S. states, posing particular danger to children because it is disguised as familiar hard, gummy, or chocolate candy. The document outlines how marijuana oil or concentrated THC extract is incorporated into candy and chocolate, notes inconsistent THC amounts across edible products, and describes practical detection indicators such as a distinct odor when packaging is opened. It also summarizes documented seizures and highlights officer safety guidance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Situational Awareness

Production of Marijuana Candy

Detection of Marijuana Candy

Seizures in New Jersey

Seizures in Neighboring States

Officer Safety

Situational Awareness: Marijuana Candy 29 April 2014 (U//FOUO) NJ ROIC Fusion Liaison & Intelligence Training Unit 􀁡 ROIC201404-01280F (U//FOUO) Marijuana candy is being seized with greater frequency in New Jersey and in other states. It is dangerous because of its potency, and poses a particular risk to children because it is often disguised as hard or gummy candy or chocolate. (U//FOUO) As with other emerging drug trends originating on the West Coast, marijuana candy has made its way east to New Jersey. The growing marijuana manufacturing industries in Washington and Colorado are seizing the opportunities afforded by marijuana legalization in those states. There are companies marketing THC laced candy and fruit on the internet as medical marijuana.1 Additionally, dealers in states, where recreational marijuana is not legal, are manufacturing it themselves. PRODUCTION OF MARIJUANA CANDY (U//FOUO) Marijuana candy is made with highly concentrated marijuana oil or extract. The hard candies are made like any other candy using corn syrup, water, sugar, coloring and flavoring. Marijuana oil or extract containing concentrated THC is added to the mixture. The oil is made by grinding marijuana into a fine powder, heating it in vegetable oil, and passing it through cheesecloth or other types of filters to remove any solids.2 Recipes are available on the internet. (U//FOUO) The process to make marijuana chocolate is similar. The homemade candy is made by mixing marijuana oil with melted chocolate. Large scale medical marijuana production is taking place in Canada, where chocolate plants are licensed to manufacture marijuana chocolate. Smaller scale production occurs in the United States in jurisdictions where medical marijuana is legal. In Colorado, where recreational marijuana is legal, some companies sell products with different concentrations of THC depending on whether it is for medical or recreational use. The actual amount of THC in the edible products has been reported to vary widely.3 1 Pot plans for Vashon’s vacant K2 building divide ‘Weed Island’, The Seattle Times, March 12, 2014, [http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2023115966_vashonpotxml.html](http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2023115966_vashonpotxml.html) 2 The Candy Man can…get you high, Times Union, March 6, 2012, [http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/The-candy-man-can-get](http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/The-candy-man-can-get)you-high-3386395.php\#photo-2587385 3 Edibles’ THC claims versus lab results surprising, The Denver Post, March 9, 2014, [http://www.thecannabist.co/2014/03/09/tests](http://www.thecannabist.co/2014/03/09/tests)show-thc-content-marijuana-edibles-inconsistent/6421/ UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY- (U//FOUO) (U) INFORMATION NOTICE: This product contains unclassified information that is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO). Recipients should not release any portion of this product to the media, the public, or other personnel who do not have a valid need-to-know. DETECTION OF MARIJUANA CANDY (U//FOUO) Even though the marijuana candy may not appear suspicious, it still gives off a distinct marijuana odor when the packaging is opened. Drug sniffing dogs will also be able to confirm the presence of marijuana contained in candy.4 It may be branded and wrapped in commercial packaging, which closely resembles other known popular brands. (Photo at right)5. It may also be wrapped in bags or wrappers appearing to be homemade. SEIZURES IN NEW JERSEY (U//FOUO) 􀁸 In March 2014, Ocean Township (Monmouth County), Police seized 18 marijuana chocolate bars confirmed to contain marijuana. Also seized were 3 items described as marijuana wax. 􀁸 In December 2013, Wall Township Police seized 10 boxes of marijuana chocolate bars confirmed to contain marijuana. 􀁸 In June 2013, Long Branch Police seized 40 red candy-like cubes, similar in appearance to Jolly Ranchers, confirmed to contain marijuana. 􀁸

FAQs

Why is marijuana candy considered especially risky for children?

It is often disguised as hard or gummy candy or chocolate, making it easy for children to mistake for ordinary food. Its potency also increases harm potential.

How is marijuana candy typically produced?

Hard candies use common candy ingredients while marijuana oil or concentrated THC extract is added to the mixture. Marijuana chocolate is made by mixing marijuana oil with melted chocolate, with large-scale production noted in Canada and smaller production in U.S. jurisdictions.

How can marijuana candy be detected if it does not look suspicious?

When packaging is opened, it can emit a distinct marijuana odor. Drug sniffing dogs can also confirm the presence of marijuana contained in candy, even when branded like commercial products.

Aug 26, 2026

Upload by Aditya