Drugs can be tricky, especially when they look like candy. A message on the Winnemucca Info Facebook page sparked concern about candy-shaped and colored drugs in Humboldt County schools.
The Sun reached out to Winnemucca Police Department (WPD) and Humboldt County School District (HCSD) regarding the rumor.
Lt. David Garrison said WPD could not immediately confirm the report, but they were looking into it, and would inform the public as soon as possible.
Humboldt County School District Superintendent Dave Jensen said the reports are “absolutely a rumor.”
“I saw the Facebook post and it appears that the students were referencing a different Facebook post that didn’t even have any connection to Winnemucca,” he commented, adding that law enforcement keeps the district informed of any “potential issues.”
Comments on the Winnemucca Info post mentioned a colored and flavored form of meth called “Strawberry Quick” that resembles rock candy. Various fact-checking websites report that Strawberry Quick is an urban legend that has circulated around the internet for over a decade.
Forms of drugs that look like SweeTarts and other similar types of candy have popped around the country, but law enforcement hasn’t encountered them in Humboldt County schools.
Jensen said HCSD is more concerned with preventing THC-infused edibles like gummies on school campuses. THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana.
“We are very concerned with the legalization of recreational marijuana in our State, that the possibility of THC edibles will become more prevalent. We ask parents and community members to join with the district and law enforcement to be vigilant and ensuring that these items are not accessible to children,” he stated.
Jensen clarified that HCSD has had only one instance of pot edibles on a campus and he sees it as “an area of concern” for the moment rather than an issue.
