Edible marijuana creates new cautions for a safe Halloween

We all remember the true-life Halloween scares over the years of children finding razor blades and other objects in the treats they going door-to-door.

Fortunately, most of the stories turn out to be false and dental cavities and obesity are more realistic Halloween hazards.

But there's a new one to worry about, thanks to our proximity to Colorado, something to think about whenever a marijuana legalization referendum appears on the Nebraska ballot.

As recreational marijuana becomes more common, it's only a matter of time before they start showing up in kids' treat sacks.

Check out some of the names: "3 Rastateers," "Twixed," "Munchy Way," "Rasta Reeses," "KeefKat," "Puff-A-Mint Pattie," "Double Puff Oeo," "Buddahfinger" and "Tri-Chrom Crunch."

It's always good to avoid homemade candy's from people you may not know, but now it's even more important to keep a close eye out on the commercial candy's that turn up in your little monster's Halloween haul.

Marijuana edibles, from states where they are legal, carry a small red label stating the contents.

Besides the new threat, the Nebraska Regional Poison Center offers the usual tips for a happy and safe Halloween:

* Wear brightly colored costumes that are made of flame-retardant materials. Use reflective tape on trick or treat bags.

* If your children use makeup rather than a mask, watch out for possible skin irritation, such as a rash or itching. If this occurs, remove the make-up immediately and thoroughly cleanse the area with soap and water.

* Carry a flashlight after dusk and watch for cars. Try to finish before dark.

* An adult should accompany young children and Halloween visits should be limited to familiar, local neighborhoods.

* Parents should check all treats before they are eaten.

* Eat only those treats in their original, unopened wrappers. Throw away candy if wrappers are faded, have holes, tears, or signs of rewrapping.

* Throw away all unwrapped candy.

* Thoroughly check fruits and homemade goodies for foreign objects that may have been inserted such as: pins, metal needles or razor blades. Fruits can be cut into several sections to check for tampering.

* Feed your children before they go trick or treating. You can also give your children a small amount of candy or other food item to eat while trick or treating so they won't be tempted to eat from the bag before their treats can be checked.

* Some treats, especially chocolates, can be poisonous to pets.

* Dry ice can be used in punch bowls but should not be used in individual glasses. Frostbite can occur if skin comes into contact with dry ice.

* Candle-lit jack-o-lanterns should be kept off doorsteps to avoid contact with children's costumes.

* Stay away from barking dogs or other upset animals.

If you suspect your child has been poisoned, call The Poison Center immediately, 1-800-222-1222 or in the Omaha area 955-5555.