Lancaster, California — Three elementary school students were rushed to the hospital after allegedly being given cannabis-infused gummies by a substitute teacher during an after-school program, according to a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County.
The incident reportedly occurred on April 3, 2025, at Sierra Elementary School in Lancaster, where the substitute teacher was supervising children after regular school hours. The lawsuit claims that the teacher distributed the gummies to mark one student’s birthday, leading to a medical emergency that sent three brothers to the hospital.
Now, the children’s family has filed a civil lawsuit alleging negligence and misconduct by the teacher and the school district.
Lawsuit alleges teacher gave cannabis gummies to students
According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the substitute teacher, 59-year-old Felicia Boyd, allegedly handed out cannabis-infused candy gummies to three brothers between the ages of 8 and 11 during the after-school program.
The lawsuit claims the gummies were given as part of a birthday celebration for the youngest brother, who had just turned eight.
“Boyd possessed a controlled substance on school premises and then administered cannabis-laced candy or gummies to students,” the lawsuit alleges.
The three boys, identified in court documents only as A.V., J.V., and S.V., reportedly consumed the candy without knowing it contained THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
Shortly afterward, the children began experiencing alarming symptoms.
Children reportedly became sick after consuming the candy
Court documents state that the boys became lethargic and ill after eating the gummies and required emergency medical attention.
They were taken to a hospital emergency room, where they reportedly received treatment for possible poisoning caused by cannabis ingestion.
The lawsuit states the children became “lethargic and ill” and required emergency medical care after consuming the candy.
Family members say the situation became clear only after the children described what they had eaten earlier in the day.
The boys’ aunt, who helped take them to the hospital, described the frightening moment in an interview with the Daily Mail.
“My dad picked them up from school, and when he picked them up, one of my nephews was already not feeling good,” she said.
She added that when she asked the children what had happened, one of them responded:
“I can’t feel my body.”
According to the aunt, the children told her the teacher had given them gummies during the after-school program.
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Family claims school staff were informed about incident
The lawsuit also claims that multiple school staff members were informed about what happened, including teachers, administrators, the principal, and the school nurse.
However, the legal complaint argues that the school district failed to prevent the situation or adequately protect the students.
“As a result of the district’s negligence in hiring, retaining, supervising, and managing employees, Boyd possessed a controlled substance on school premises and administered cannabis-laced candy to students,” the complaint states.
The family is suing the teacher, the school, and the school district for negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, training failures, and battery.
They claim the children suffered physical symptoms as well as mental and emotional trauma following the incident.
Edible cannabis products can pose risks for children
The lawsuit alleges that the gummies given to the students were dragonfruit-flavored “Nano Gummies” that reportedly contained 20 milligrams of THC per piece.
THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and can cause intoxication, especially in children.
Health officials warn that cannabis edibles can easily be mistaken for regular candy because they often come in brightly colored packaging and fruit flavors.
The California Department of Public Health warns that children are more sensitive to cannabis and can be poisoned more easily than adults.
Parents are advised to contact Poison Control immediately if a child accidentally consumes cannabis products and to call 911 in severe emergencies.
Court hearing scheduled for June
The legal case is moving forward in the California court system. Attorneys representing the parties involved are scheduled to appear in court on June 15, when the case will likely be reviewed and next legal steps determined.
As the lawsuit progresses, the case raises broader concerns about student safety, supervision in after-school programs, and the risks of cannabis products around children.
Authorities have not publicly announced any criminal charges related to the incident as of now, though the civil lawsuit continues to seek damages.
What are your thoughts on this situation and how schools should handle student safety in after-school programs? Share your perspective respectfully in the comments below.
