2 Butler students charged after other students hospitalized due to adverse reactions to THC vaping devices
Township police filed charges against two Butler Senior High school students after two other students were hospitalized due to adverse reactions to THC vaping devices Jan. 3.
Officers said in one day, they responded to two different incidents of students overdosing by inhaling through THC devices.
Both devices had active ingredients of marijuana and a controlled substance, and both students have since fully recovered, police said.
The first incident occurred that morning when a 16-year-old student inhaled THC, had a reaction, and was sent to Butler Memorial Hospital.
The 14-year-old student who provided the vape pen was charged with delivery of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Another 16-year-old student was found in possession of a vaping device and was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The second incident occurred during lunch when a 14-year-old female student inhaled THC through a vape pen and was taken to the hospital.
A 14-year-old male student was found responsible for giving her the device, and was charged with delivery of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
District superintendent Brian White sent a letter to parents and guardians of high school students following the incidents, asking them to reinforce the dangers of vaping to their children. He said vaping devices may also contain additional substances which can be harmful to their users.
Like smoking or using illicit drugs, students are not permitted to vape on campus, as per the student code of conduct. White also emphasized the negative effects of vaping in his email by listing several possible health risks.
“The bottom line is vaping places your child at risk,” White wrote. “Butler Area School District is one of approximately 50 Pennsylvania school districts that have sued Juul and other vape providers to hold them accountable for their actions.”
The school district recently received $99,000 from the settlement with Juul. A total of $311,000 was distributed to county school districts earlier this month.
