MUSTANG, Okla. — A four-year-old boy was hospitalized and remained unconscious for more than a day after accidentally consuming a high-dose THC gummy he found at a playground in Mustang, his parents said. The incident has sparked renewed concern about the safety of cannabis edibles and their accessibility to children.
Incident at Horizon Intermediate School Playground
The incident occurred during football practice for the family’s oldest son at Horizon Intermediate School. The child’s mother, Kinsleigh Bosarge, was at a nearby playground with her two younger sons when they discovered a package of THC gummies near a swingset.
The package reportedly contained three gummies labeled at 1,000 milligrams each, far exceeding typical pediatric overdose amounts, which are usually around 200 milligrams. The family said the four-year-old, Rownan Bosarge, picked up one of the gummies and swallowed it whole.
Within 15 to 20 minutes, Rownan began showing concerning symptoms. He walked with his eyes closed, appeared disoriented, and was unable to communicate properly with his parents.
Hospitalization and Medical Response
The family took Rownan to SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Mustang, where his condition worsened. Medical staff reported:
- Severe lethargy and eventual loss of consciousness
- Breathing rate dropped to eight respirations per minute, significantly below normal for his age
- Episodes of disorientation, crying, and thrashing
Rownan remained unconscious for 26 hours, briefly regained consciousness around the 20-hour mark, then slipped back into unconsciousness before fully waking the following evening.
Doctors warned that lingering effects could last weeks due to the child’s small size and planned kidney and liver function monitoring.
Concerns About Edible Packaging
The family emphasized that the gummy’s brightly colored packaging resembled candy and was easy for a child to open, raising questions about safety standards for THC edibles.
Kinsleigh said, “The packaging is unsafe. The laws need to change.” Bryant Bosarge, the father, added: “It’s not medicinal. It’s not even recreational. It’s dangerous.”
The package was turned over to police after the family photographed it for medical staff.
Police Investigation
Mustang Police Chief Mike Wallace confirmed that the incident is under investigation. Because the case involves a minor, authorities are limited in the information they can release.
Chief Wallace stated:
“This is obviously a terrible situation, especially when innocent children are involved and potentially poisoned by things such as dangerous drugs. When situations like this arise, it often points to irresponsibility on behalf of whoever mishandled a dangerous drug.”
Family Response and Precautions
The experience has left the family shaken, with heightened caution in public spaces. Kinsleigh shared:
“It’s terrifying. You literally can’t be careful enough with how accessible these are.”
Despite ongoing health concerns, the family expressed gratitude that their son survived. “We’re thankful that this is our reality because it so easily could have ended his life,” Kinsleigh said.
Summary of Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Horizon Intermediate School playground, Mustang, Oklahoma |
| Victim | Rownan Bosarge, 4 years old |
| Substance | THC gummy, labeled 1,000 mg |
| Symptoms | Disorientation, lethargy, unconsciousness, slowed breathing |
| Hospitalization | 26 hours unconscious, additional monitoring planned |
| Parents’ Actions | Took to hospital, photographed package, turned evidence over to police |
| Police Response | Ongoing investigation; limited details due to juvenile involvement |
| Key Concerns | Packaging safety, accessibility of high-dose edibles to children |
Implications and Safety Concerns
This incident highlights the risks associated with high-potency cannabis edibles, particularly their resemblance to candy and accessibility to children. Health experts warn that even small doses can cause serious reactions in young children, and improperly secured products can result in life-threatening situations.
Parents and guardians are advised to:
- Store THC products securely, out of reach of children
- Check packaging for child-resistant features
- Seek immediate medical attention if ingestion occurs
The Bosarge family’s experience serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for stricter regulations on edible packaging and public awareness regarding cannabis products around children.
