2 sisters in Ho Chi Minh City test positive for cannabis after eating unlabeled foreign candy

The Vietnam News Agency quoted Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital as saying that the patients — a nine-year-old girl and her 22-year-old sister — were admitted on Tuesday night in a state of panic, showing symptoms including dizziness, nausea, tremors, and agitation.

According to the family, the candy was part of a gift package from an acquaintance returning from overseas.

The gummies were in an unlabelled bag, and only the two sisters ate them.

Within 30 minutes, they began experiencing abnormal symptoms.

Doctors at the emergency department suspected food poisoning combined with effects from a stimulant and ordered blood tests.

Both tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active compound in marijuana.

The medical team stabilized the patients through intravenous fluids, electrolyte correction, and symptom management.

Both were later transferred to the pediatric and gastroenterology wards for monitoring and have since recovered, the hospital said.

“This is the first case we’ve seen of suspected food-related poisoning involving a psychoactive substance,” said Dr. Bui Anh Triet, deputy head of quality management at the hospital.

“If children ingest these products, they may experience central nervous system depression, seizures, and, in severe cases, coma or respiratory."

Dr. Triet warned parents against giving children unlabelled or imported candy of unknown origin, noting that many such products use artificial additives or may be contaminated with harmful substances.

“Only allow children to eat food with clear labeling and verified sources,” he said.

“If unusual symptoms occur after suspicious food consumption, seek immediate medical attention.

“Do not attempt home remedies, as improper responses to poisoning — such as inducing vomiting — can worsen the situation.”