Editor’s note: This story has been updated to better reflect that the investigation into the case is ongoing and none of the allegations have been proven.
A Powell River, B.C., mother is demanding answers after her disabled son was allegedly given a high dosage of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Nineteen-year-old Isaac Bennett is non-verbal, autistic and epileptic.
His complex medical needs require 24-hour care, and he lives in a Community Living BC provider facility.
In recent months, the teen suddenly developed acute psychosis, requiring hospitalization. Toxicology results revealed THC in his system.
“The information that was brought forward very clearly indicated that it was an intentional, repeated series of acts during which this specific caregiver repeatedly administered high dosage THC gummies to Isaac,” mother Shawna Lamden-Bennett told Global News.
Lamden-Bennett says she had warned caregivers against giving THC to Isaac, who had previously participated in a trial study and had a negative reaction to the drug.
Texts provided to Global News, appear to indicate that caregivers gave him the drug anyway.
They read, in part, “IB just woke up. I told … to do a strong gummy first and check back in an hour.”
Another reads, “Yup. I gave him a gummy in the truck” and “please keep the candy on the down low.”
The toxicology results did not indicate whether the gummies were the vehicle for the THC in the young man’s system.
Landen-Bennett said she wants action.
“I have had three contacts with police since Dec. 8 and they have done nothing,” she said.
“They have been provided with substantial evidence. Photographic, shift reports, lab reports, direct testimony and no action has been taken.”
The RCMP says an investigation is active and ongoing.
Landen-Bennett’s claims have not been proven or confirmed by the investigation.
Community Living BC said its understanding is that the employee involved no longer works for the service provider.
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