NEW PARIS — During a Wednesday, Jan. 11, National Trail Board of Education meeting, board member Greg McWhinney raised concerns over THC-0, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a non-natural cannabinoid. McWhinney fears the substance will infiltrate the school and potentially cause overdoes. According to McWhinney, the marijuana bi-product is already being sold at gas stations and convenience stores in Preble County.

“With the uptake in THC-0 we’re seeing, and the availability of that, potentially we could have an overdose here,” said Mcwhinney. “We’re seeing it outside of the school district. Do we have any protocols or policies that protect against it?”

According to McWhinney, THC-0 has “eight times the potency” of regular marijuana.

“Just one gummy bear will put you down. One gummy bear,” he added.

Superintendent Bob Fischer answered currently there is no policy or procedure regarding an overdose, other than contacting first responders and “waiting for the squad.”

“We don’t have Narcan,” said Fischer, explaining other than awaiting EMS, the school cannot resuscitate in the case of an overdose.

McWhinney expressed one of the dangers of THC-0 is that it comes in both smokeable and edible forms, taking on the form of regular candy and snack foods.

According to Fischer, THC-0 has been a topic of concern in the Cincinnati area, as many schools have already experienced exposure to the product. Fischer assured the board the topic will be discussed with Sheriff Mike Simpson, who is scheduled to attend the next regular board meeting, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be held in the NT K-6 cafeteria, and will be open to the public.

For more information on THC and Delta-8 products, visit www.fda.gov.

Reach Nathan Hoskins at 937-683-4057.