KENT COUNTY, Mich.–Marijuana-laced treats, cannabis candy, medibles, weed candy.
A quick Google search for the stuff and you’re flooded with information on where to buy it in stores or online.
Designed to treat pain for patients with serious medical conditions, the product is made by extracting the active ingredient or THC in marijuana.
It has recently become a huge hit at dispensaries in West Michigan, but detectives are worried it is falling into the wrong hands too easily and too often.
Companies like Sweet Stone Candy, based in Grand Rapids, sell the product at 11 different medical marijuana dispensaries across the state, including locations in West Michigan.
“Almost everyone who came in bought medibles of some kind, capsules wax or some type of extract,” explains John Placencia, who operated American Meds, a dispensary off 28th Street SE in Grand Rapids.
He said for patients it offers an alternative to smoking and can be regulated easier.
“Medibles are popular here in Grand Rapids, Michigan because of the culture, most people don’t want to smoke marijuana they prefer other methods of being able to utilize it,” he said.
To buy the marijuana-laced candy from a Michigan dispensary, patients need a state-certified medical marijuana card, but detectives with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office said that’s not always the case.
Investigators have recently busted three different dispensaries in Kent County for selling products to customers without a card.
”Legally, you’re supposed to have a card,” said Lt. Ron Gates with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. “But we have done investigations and determined that selling it to all card holders, they are selling it to people off the street.”
The candy has been popping up in the wrong places.
On Friday, two students at Three Rivers High School were caught with the pot candy. Police believe they bought it from another student.
Last spring, a group of 5th-graders in northern Michigan were caught eating the candy in the boy’s bathroom.
Medical marijuana advocates support the sale of the candy in Michigan for patients, but said it comes down to responsibility for the dispensaries and at home.
“Yes, it can fall into the wrong hands,” said Placencia. “But that’s the same with vicodin, oxycondone, all these others ones, and that’s where our own responsibility comes into play.”
86 Comments to “Popular Medical Pot Candy Falling In Wrong Hands”
January 29, 2013 at 8:52 AM
Sweetstone sucks.
January 29, 2013 at 9:29 AM
Sweetstone candy is awesome and so is DC! He is a generous, caring, loveable individual that more people should strive to be like. Haters be hateing but I be loveing me some Candyman and Sweetstone!!
January 29, 2013 at 9:34 AM
by they way I aint scared to give my real full name Pam Putnam, I don't hide behind fake names when I have something to say whether people like what I say or not
January 30, 2013 at 10:05 PM
Why can't I find SweetStone as a registered, legitimate business in Michigan? What licenses have they obtained to make and sell their products. If they are selling their product illegally then they can be the most generous people in the world but they are still criminals.
January 31, 2013 at 7:29 PM
It's legal to sell items made in your own kitchen, It's called the Michigan Cottage Food Law and it was passed in July of 2010. Maybe before you start accusing people of being criminals you should take a moment to educate yourself. Why would you want the government regulating all this stuff? So they can pay $10,000 for a useless license to pay for 3 people to sit on their asses in Lansing? What did that accomplish?
February 1, 2013 at 1:49 PM
Accomplish? We have 5 year old kids getting a hold of these drugs!
May 9, 2013 at 11:42 AM
Well then be a better parent you joke. How old are you? It amazes me that people like you exist in the world today. Do you let your children drink ZZZzzquil? It's grape you know…. BTW My name is Sampson Mallory and I approve this message.
February 1, 2013 at 9:03 PM
First off, Michigan Cottage Food laws do not include those that have THC in them or any other schedule 1 controlled substance.
February 1, 2013 at 9:20 PM
It appears that this DC character also has another business where he creates Salsa. Salsa is prohibited from the Michigan Cottage Food Law. So he MUST have the proper licensing if he is producing all of this pot-candy and Salsa. Here is the link to his other site: http://www.claudescreations.com/
And what is clear on the FAQ section Michigan MDARD site:
"Can I produce and sell cooked vegetable products, like salsas, tomato sauces, spaghetti sauces, or foccacia bread with roasted vegetables?
No. Food products made with cooked vegetable products do not qualify under the Cottage Food Law. Manufacturers of cooked vegetable products like salsas and tomato sauces, must meet significant federal and state training and licensing requirements."
http://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-50772_…
February 3, 2013 at 5:08 PM
Shady looking indeed. How is it the news media outlets seem's too have investigated Sweetstone, why hasn't law enforcement or other agency's that are out too protect public safety? This is wrong
January 31, 2013 at 5:33 PM
I know right, haters always be hatin'. I met DC at the Snoop Dog show last year at the Intersection and his candies are the bomb. DC even tossed a few of his famous candies on the stage for our cool friend Snoop. DC is a ROCK STAR!
Lovin' me some Sweetone too
February 1, 2013 at 9:36 PM
WHAT! He tossed his schedule 1 controlled substance onto a stage for Snoop Dogg! Isn't it true that the users of his candies are required to have medical marijuana cards? Carelessly throwing marijuana candy on stage is not a very wise, or safe, business practice. This DC guy must be an idiot and clearly not staying in compliance with the laws. No wonder 5th. graders are getting ahold of it so easy. Carless people need to pay for the crimes they commit to protect the other children. This is ridiculous.
May 9, 2013 at 11:44 AM
ya because you are basing all your scare tactics on bogus research done by the government. You are a box of fail guest.
February 1, 2013 at 3:56 PM
WORD
February 9, 2013 at 12:14 PM
Pam,
It's great you and others feel that way about this drug dealer named DC. I'm sure you and others wont mind when Law Enforcement raids his company, seizes his assets and actions off all his property and belongings he purchased through illegal drug sales. This man has self admittedly been in business since 2011, yet has NEVER had a business licences, paid state or federal business taxes, employment taxes, social security or other fees and taxes that are required from ALL other businesses doing legit trade, commerce, manufacturing or any other business related entity. This company has been manufacturing illegal schedule one drugs and distributing them throughout the state, ILLEGALLY! He sells Salsa, vaporizers, and other items besides schedule 1 drug laced candies, and never has had a license or paid taxes on any revenues derived from these business, legal or not. That in itself is tax evasion, fraud and a slap in the face too every business and corporation in the State of Michigan.
All this man and his company's assets should be seized, the owner and it's employees arrested and charged for every single indictment the prosecuting attorney can levee on this un believable business practice and it's owner.
February 9, 2013 at 12:28 PM
This company and it's CEO give's Medical Marijuana a bad name.
May 9, 2013 at 11:45 AM
What company? THe company that was named but had nothing to do with any of the shit this article talks about? Glad to see you believe everything the man tells you
February 24, 2013 at 11:45 AM
Literally sucks
January 30, 2013 at 8:54 PM
I would like to see some reporting on companies like SweetStone and their compliance with FDA, DEA compliance and regulations. Where are these consumables being manufactured? In a home kitchen? What licensing do they have to go through? Are these manufacturers legal businesses? A quick search on the Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs site shows no business named SweetStone. Are companies like these feeding the public schedule 1 controlled substances without going through the proper governmental processes? Seems a little fishy to me.
January 30, 2013 at 10:47 PM
I agree, can't find anything on google. This DC guy has a Facebook page and is openly selling his home made candies. Maybe the police and prosecutor should look into this person and his business as well
January 31, 2013 at 7:40 PM
Yeah, have police and prosecutors focus on this poor bastard while we continue to ignore all the criminal practices in the business world. That sounds like a really good use of government resources
January 31, 2013 at 10:07 AM
People are allowed in Michigan to make and sell home made baked goods out of their kitchen. Now, distributing it do various other businesses to sell, that might be another matter. But if your looking for compliance with DEA or FDA regulations, it's not going to happen. The Federal government does not allow people to sell or distribute or even possess schedule 1 controlled substances. And in reality, the FDA does not even come into play for any product until it crosses state lines.
January 31, 2013 at 1:32 PM
Interesting, according too his face book page he has been too California, Colorado, and other states with these candies his company makes. According too his company logo this company was established in 2011.
January 31, 2013 at 7:32 PM
Quick, someone is making a decent living in this state, let's harass him until he leaves!
February 1, 2013 at 1:42 PM
Excuse me, but this companies products are making it into our schools. They are supposedly distributed too 11 dispensaries yet have showed up in children's possession on two separate locations on different date's. It seems these are readily available in other area's for these children too get them. This is very disturbing and should be looked at by law enforcement. Has this company even been paying tax's?
February 2, 2013 at 3:01 PM
I think you're misconstruing what the news said. They didn't find this company's candy in the schools, they found candy LIKE this candy in the schools.
January 31, 2013 at 7:22 PM
Are you thick? Laws have been passed allowing food to be manufactured in the home kitchen. Have you ever been to a farmers market? All items are clearly labeled as such. As far as the "proper government process" for dealing with a schedule 1 substance, there isn't one, that's why it's a schedule one substance you freaking doofus.
January 31, 2013 at 9:57 PM
Great point. The candies in question are not simply just candies according too the companies web site, the news article and some of the posts on this story. Is there not regulations on oral medications? Quality control? These candies which they are calling medicine are meant for sick people, so they say. Contamination could be lethal.
January 31, 2013 at 1:34 PM
I did find a link too the company website showing the products his company offers http://www.sweetstonecandy.com/
February 24, 2013 at 10:43 AM
I found a ph. number too his business.
616-260-3034
January 31, 2013 at 4:13 PM
DCisLame
Why would you say such a thing? DC is a wonderful man and human being. He has helped so many and has offered too help me. I'm a cancer patient in Virginia and DC has offered too come all the way from Michigan too help me with his wonderful candies and didn't want any compensation for any of it. Not even gas money.
Pam, thank you for a beautiful testimony on DC's behalf. I wish I could post my real name as well, but medical marijuana is still not legal in Virginia. I hope that changes soon so people like DC and his company will be able too sell his products in my state as well.
February 2, 2013 at 11:20 AM
you must be one of the fortunate ones that DC in his spirit of generosity decided you were worth helping. i am currently helping a cancer patient that DC decided he did not have the time/resources or willingness to help right here in MI. So i am happy to here that you are getting what you need but what about the rest of us.I contend you only know one side of Sweetstone Candy. it is fortunate that you have not come to know the money grubbing self centered bait and switch hustler under the guise of helping others with terminal diseases
January 31, 2013 at 9:43 PM
Honestly Stupid Nosey People DCisLame, is this like an episode of Jeopardy or what? Looks more like Romper Room than a story about Medical Marijuana candies.
February 1, 2013 at 8:42 AM
LMAO @ Steve
February 9, 2013 at 12:25 PM
Definitely the strangest comments and user names I have ever seen of this news site.
February 1, 2013 at 8:45 AM
Why hasn't the CEO of Sweetstone made a public statement on such a serious situation? Does the guy even care his drug filled candies are making it too school children?
February 1, 2013 at 1:35 PM
My guess is he is huddling with his attorney's right now. This looks like nothing more than a company catering too the hip-hop rave drug culture than about medical marijuana. The comments on this story pretty much proves that in itself.
February 1, 2013 at 3:54 PM
Man why ya'll be trippin on my boy DC? DC is straight up ya'll, leave my boy alone so he can helps peoples
February 1, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Any illegal business needs to be investigated. Especially illegal businesses that are producing Candy laced with schedule 1 drugs which is getting into the hands of children and schools. People need to do things legally and proper or not at all. I hope this DC is fully investigated by the IRS and the local and state governments.
February 3, 2013 at 5:24 PM
I couldn't agree more with this comment. This does not seem like a legit or even legal business.
February 3, 2013 at 7:34 PM
Looks like they updated their website regarding this: http://www.sweetstonecandy.com
February 4, 2013 at 8:43 PM
The guy making sweetstone candy is also the guy illegally making salsa from his home. Salsa is not allowed to be made in the home under the Michigan Cottage Food laws just like marijuana-laced candy are not. Claude the Candy man, DC or whatever his name is, clearly seeks to find loopholes in the law and puts his business practices above the law and safety of our children. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mda/MDA-CFFAQ-M… http://www.claudescreations.com/ https://www.facebook.com/claudescreations
Same guy breaking the law with regular food and medical marijuana.
February 9, 2013 at 12:44 PM
Maybe he is using his Salsa and sales of other products such as vaporizers as a method of selling and shipping his illegal schedule 1 candies via the postal service. I think these other sales are just a front for his drug candy sales. The police and other proper authorities should investigate this matter and close this company down.
February 5, 2013 at 4:57 PM
This guy DC guy should be really nervous right about now.
February 5, 2013 at 4:59 PM
The police should arrest this DC guy and throw him in prison where he belong's and then maybe he will follow and respect the law of the land. He seems too think he's above everyone else and the laws and rule's do not apply too him.
February 5, 2013 at 6:28 PM
Here is a statement that DC posted on their Facebook page Sunday:
" As a friendly reminder: We do not SELL our candies. What we ask for is a donation for our time, energy, expertise, and supplies for our product. We deal with legal medical cannabis caregivers so that they may provide quality, smokeless meds to their patients. We do not condone the use of our candies by children and our packaging reflects that opinion. Please be responsible with your medication.
I love you guys and I know you love us. Help us stay safe and operating within the boundaries of the law.
Claude"
Sweetstone has totally changed their website. They had a google map that showed all the stores that you could "PURCHASE" their drugs from. The locations link is suddenly removed. Now he is claiming that they take donations only? Even if it were for donations only he'd have to be setup as a Not For Profit entity in Michigan.
I really hope the police investigate this crook! He needs to pay for illegal business practices and drug trafficking.
February 6, 2013 at 6:51 AM
Donations? What a JOKE. This guy is a major scam and should be sitting in Jackson Prison
February 9, 2013 at 12:37 PM
I'm sure the car dealership that sold him his brand new car only asked for donations too. How many mortgage companies let ya pay with a donation? Electric bills? Gas stations? Grocery stores?
This man has probably never held a real and honest paying job in his whole life.
March 27, 2013 at 8:38 AM
Who are you kidding? DC will sell ANYONE a pack of his pot laced candies to anyone with $5.00.
Dontations? You guy's crack me up. I guess the car dealership just lets DC make a donation instead of a car payment. I'm sure when he fly's to CO or CA for pot parties, the airlines just lets him make a donation. I'm sure his rent is based on a donation only pay scale.
Donations. What a joke
March 28, 2013 at 10:37 AM
Truth, you are absolutely right, this is a scam and an illegal scam using illegal drugs. I am appalled the police have not arrested this DC guy yet and closed down his illegal business. DC should be sitting in prison serving a 10 year sentence.
February 6, 2013 at 8:15 AM
WOW. Here we have a drug dealer openly selling drug laced candies and the police have not arrested this scum bag yet?
February 6, 2013 at 8:29 AM
I encourage everyone too call the Kent County Sheriff's dept at (616) 632-6100 and demand that this DC drug dealer guy is arrested and charged with distributing illegal schedule 1 narcotics.
February 8, 2013 at 6:27 PM
Great idea. I will be making a call and asking others too do the same.
February 7, 2013 at 12:47 PM
Sweetstone sounds like a scam too me. Looks like this guy has taken advantage of the medical marijuana law in Michigan and exploited it for personal gain. This is a drug dealer using the mmj law as a cover too sell his drugs. Anyone that thinks that the products Sweetstone makes are only going too legal law abiding mmj patient's are either naive or blind.
February 7, 2013 at 3:26 PM
OMG…they haven't arrested this criminal drug dealer yet?
February 7, 2013 at 3:46 PM
You conservatives are real pieces of s. I guess you don’t believe in the right to make your own health decisions or decide what you can eat. I guess you big government fascists want the government to make those decisions for you.
February 7, 2013 at 7:13 PM
DC?
It looks like the CEO of Sweetstone just made his public statement
March 7, 2013 at 9:43 AM
DC is that you?
February 7, 2013 at 3:48 PM
Jews go away
February 7, 2013 at 3:51 PM
That’s not nice. But free speech still exists so I hope your comment doesn’t get deleted
February 7, 2013 at 3:53 PM
Poop
February 8, 2013 at 6:18 PM
In light of today's Michigan Supreme Court ruling which reaffirmed the thoughts and opinion's of many, Sweetstone and companies like it are "ILLEGAL in the State of Michigan. The recent law regarding possession of one ounce or less of marijuana does not even allow for what this DC character and his company are doing. This is not simple possession, it's manufacturing with intent too deliver, and both will be easy for the Kent County prosecuting attorney too charge and convict this drug dealer and send him off too prison where he belongs. If the Kent County prosecutor will not arrest and charge this man, how can arrest and charge anyone for similar charges?
February 9, 2013 at 12:22 PM
The CEO's of these drug dealing networks usually graduate too the next level, an institutionalized life in prison, or as a Canary for the local DEA. One can only wonder which path this CEO will take.
February 8, 2013 at 6:31 PM
I urge everyone too call the Kent County prosecutor and ask too have Sweetstone shut down and its company CEO and all it's employees face criminal felony charges for manufacturing and delivering a schedule 1 narcotic.
Kent County Prosecutor
82 Ionia Ave NW
Grand Rapids
(616) 632-6888
February 8, 2013 at 8:36 PM
I called the prosecutors office and asked them what the opinion is on today's Michigan Supreme Court ruling and if they were happy with the decision with the court. He said yes.
I asked him how happy they are?
And he responded
"Happier than an Antelope with night vision goggles".
February 8, 2013 at 6:41 PM
Here is contact info for Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette
Michigan Department of Attorney General
Lansing Office
G. Mennen Williams Building, 7th Floor
525 W. Ottawa St.
P.O. Box 30212
Lansing, MI 48909
Main Number (517) 373-1110
Facsimile (517) 373-3042
Detroit Office
Cadillac Place, 10th Floor
3030 W. Grand Blvd., Suite 10-200
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 456-0240
Facsimile (313) 456-0241
Grand Rapids Office
State Office Building, Suite 4C
350 Ottawa NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 356-0400
Facsimile (616) 356-0411
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-1140
Toll Free (877) 765-8388
Facsimile (517) 241-3771
Charitable Trust Section
February 24, 2013 at 11:40 AM
David "Claude" Card is a peter puffer
February 24, 2013 at 11:43 AM
Maybe he's just dabbing in it a little
February 27, 2013 at 8:16 AM
lol…. dabbing… yup…. The mainstream populous is still clueless as to what 'dabbing' is.
February 28, 2013 at 8:56 AM
Maybe you could enlighten us on the term 'Dabbing' as Claude uses the word on his face book page daily. He's like the Dabbster of Dabbster's in the world of Peter.
March 4, 2013 at 1:26 PM
yabba dabba doo
February 28, 2013 at 3:44 PM
DC is a sweet guy, his sexual preference has nothing to do with anything and it's not any ones business
March 27, 2013 at 3:54 PM
Is that like a pole smoker?
February 24, 2013 at 11:44 AM
ROFLMAO
March 6, 2013 at 8:30 AM
Maybe this DC guy from SweetStone is using his candy to lure young kids into sex, like a pedophile.
March 7, 2013 at 9:42 AM
Interesting, I have seen pictures on DC's face book page and he has his medicated candies spread all over his bed so he can take a picture of his products and post them online. Straight, gay or not, that's just disgusting under any circumstance. Who would want to buy candies or any type of food that's been placed on someones bed?
I'm sure DC will say he just washed his bed sheets, you decide.
March 7, 2013 at 7:47 PM
OMG, that's disgusting.
YUCK!
March 16, 2013 at 6:18 AM
"when you're feeling stressed, just do what i do. Snort Zoloft…."
March 17, 2013 at 9:51 AM
I'm sure DC has a rail of Zoloft he's snorting now..lol
March 28, 2013 at 10:42 AM
The police need to arrest this guy now and close down his illegal drug trade business. What part of the Medical Marijuana Law allows for such illegal companies to be in business? The Kent County Prosecutor's office should be all over this guy with multiple drug charges and tax evasion and toss him in a dark, cold prison cell for 10 years and let him think about the crimes he is committing at the expense of the youth in the state of Michigan. Seize all his assets and donate the proceeds to the local DEA.
April 4, 2013 at 9:39 AM
Sweetstone sucks. DC is a loser with a capital L
April 4, 2013 at 9:43 AM
The phone number for Sweetstone is 616-260-3034
April 4, 2013 at 9:44 AM
I will post the address to Sweetstone candies this afternoon
April 19, 2013 at 11:47 PM
This is not simple possession, it's manufacturing with intent too deliver, and both will be easy for the Kent County prosecuting attorney too charge and convict this drug dealer and send him off too prison where he belongs.
May 9, 2013 at 11:52 AM
y'all on a witchunt…
May 9, 2013 at 2:44 PM
I think it is funny everyone is calling it a schedule one drug LOL like its heroin or somthing you people are stupid for that but the fact that its getting to our kids I do not agree with at all…giving marijuana a bad name…