10 Middle School Students Treated In LA For 'Mild To Moderate Distress,' No Fentanyl But Cannabis Edibles Possibly Involved

Ten students between the ages of 12 to 15 were examined for a suspected overdose at Van Nuys Middle School on Thursday. According to L.A. Fire Department’s official report, students were been diagnosed with “mild to moderate distress,” and seven of them were transported to hospitals while three were dismissed at the scene.

Crews covering the incident confirmed that this was not fentanyl-related.

More than 50 firefighters worked together with LA School Police and school personnel, thoroughly examining all school grounds, such as hallways, classrooms, recreation areas, etc. to make sure that were no more students in similar conditions.

While the Fire Department stated that “specifics of the medical complaints and possible substance(s) used will be completed by hospital personnel,” said LADF captain Erik Scott, who indicated the possibility of marijuana edibles and that the investigation is ongoing, reported the Los Angeles Times.

“It was not opioids; we didn’t have to administer Narcan,” Scott said.

An LA Unified School District spokesperson noted that the campus continues to be “safe and open for instruction.”

“Today, we were made aware of a group of students who suffered a medical incident at Van Nuys Middle School,” the spokesperson stated. “In an abundance of caution, we requested medical assistance.”

As expected, worried parents wanted to take their kids home immediately even though school officials repeatedly said the children were safe at school.

'Poor Communication'

Christopher Angel, a 12-year-old 7th grader who left school with his mother Angela Valle, said three students were “drugged” in his class. Angel said he heard they ate edibles and saw them in science class acting “weird, tired, high.”

One parent, Karla Rivera, said the school did not immediately contact her about the medical emergency and that she first heard about it was from her 12-year-old son.

“He told me something happened,” Rivera said. “He thought it was someone trying to break into the school.” One hour later, the school notified her about what happened.

“I immediately thought of fentanyl,” Rivera said. “The school has done a very poor job of communicating what is going on.”

Photo: Benzinga Edit; Sources: Spencer Davis and Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash.