No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrimePot popsicle lands high (school) student in hospital 

Pot popsicle lands high (school) student in hospital 

No, that’s not a brain freeze. Forget brownies (so 2014), Costa Rican kids are turning to ice cream get high.

A 14-year-old student at a high school in El Guarco, Cartago was admitted to Max Peralta Hospital under the influence of marijuana she consumed as ice cream, according to a statement from the Public Security Ministry Friday evening. A friend of the apparently unwitting drug user gave the student the THC treat. The dessert was an apretado, a kind of home-made popsicle frozen in small bags.

Police reportedly called the girl’s parents and issued a public call for students to avoid anything handed to them in the street (like strange frozen things in plastic bags).

Edible marijuana has taken off in U.S. states like Colorado, which legalized recreational marijuana use. Law enforcement there has expressed concern over the home-made marijuana treats, from candies to brownies to other desserts, because the THC used in them is not regulated by state law.

The police statement assured all that the girl “received medical attention and was out of danger.”

Trending Now

Costa Rica Dollar Exchange Rate Falls to Another Record Low

The U.S. dollar has fallen to its lowest level on record against Costa Rica’s colón, extending a decline that is increasing the purchasing power...

Legislator faces harassment complaint from adviser in his own office

A complaint against a governing party legislator is under review for alleged predatory harassment. Whether it reaches a court is now the Assembly's call.

El Niño Drought Could Leave 16 Million Without Enough Food in Latin America

Drought caused by the El Niño climate phenomenon could leave 16 million people in Latin America without enough food, the regional director of the...

Arajet Pauses Its Costa Rica Flights Until November

The Dominican low-cost carrier has not flown to Costa Rica since 8 August and has nothing scheduled until November. Here is what it means if you were counting on the route.

Tico Time and Why Life in Costa Rica Doesn’t Always Run on Schedule

I don't want to hear about Tico Time. Where did that expression even originate? It has been around for at least the 35 years...

Costa Rica’s Two Biggest Soccer Clubs Meet Saturday Night in Alajuela

Costa Rica's two most popular soccer clubs, Alajuelense and Saprissa, play each other Saturday night in Alajuela. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. at the...

The Day a Swarm of Bees Tested My Luck in Costa Rica

A day in field reviewing camera traps consists of three major parts, getting there, doing the work, and getting home. The middle portion is...

Saprissa Ends Three-Year Morera Soto Drought With 2-0 Clásico Win

Deportivo Saprissa beat Liga Deportiva Alajuelense 2-0 at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto on Saturday night, taking the Clásico Nacional in Alajuela for the...

Thousands of Olive Ridley Turtles Come Ashore in One of the Year’s Largest Arribadas

One of 2026's largest arribadas began Friday at Ostional in Guanacaste, as thousands of olive ridley turtles came ashore to nest. Counts are still pending.
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel