Savannah Mallach says her 4-year-old son was hospitalized overnight after eating a THC lollipop found in a classmate’s birthday goodie bag at The Nest at Anderson Mill in Austin. Mallach reported that her son experienced hallucinations and a racing heart and that school staff waited nearly two days to notify parents. Austin police said the introduction appeared accidental and the Child Abuse Unit administratively closed the case, while state health officials continue to review the incident.
4-Year-Old Hospitalized After Eating THC Lollipop From School Goodie Bag — Parents Say Notification Was Delayed
Savannah MallachCredit: CBS Austin/YouTube
Savannah Mallach says her 4-year-old son spent a night in the hospital after consuming a lollipop that tested positive for THC, which she found inside a classmate’s birthday goodie bag at The Nest at Anderson Mill in Austin.
Mallach told CBS Austin that her son became unusually drowsy after eating the candy, then developed hallucinations and a rapid heartbeat. She said paramedics and hospital staff placed an IV when they arrived and monitored him overnight. “He wasn't himself. He would wake up and say things that didn't make sense,” Mallach said. “It was awful.”
Parent Concerns and School Notification
After discovering the THC on the candy wrapper, Mallach said she immediately alerted the school and asked staff to check other goodie bags. She alleges the school waited nearly two days before posting a vague message through the school app to notify other families. Her son’s classroom included more than 20 children; Mallach and other parents said some families withdrew their children following the incident.
THC lollipops (stock image)Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
“There was a big miscommunication because there was none,” Mallach told CBS Austin, adding that the school had not apologized to her at the time of the interview. “My message to the school is to do better, to own up to any mistakes, and prevent this from happening again.”
Official Response and Investigation
Local authorities told the Austin American-Statesman that the circumstances appeared to be consistent with an accidental introduction of the item into the goodie bag rather than a deliberate criminal act. The Austin Police Department said the Child Abuse Unit administratively closed the case after determining the evidence did not meet the statutory elements of a criminal offense under Texas law.
The incident was confirmed by Austin police and school leaders to local outlet KVUE. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission said it continues to review the matter. In a statement to CBS News, The Nest at Anderson Mill CEO Shavonda Lawson said the organization has been listening to families, reviewing procedures, evaluating systems, and identifying safeguards to strengthen the program. “We believe that trust is built through accountability, transparency, and action,” Lawson said.
Mallach said her son is recovering and will attend a different school she believes is a better fit for their family. PEOPLE reported Mallach’s account and that the outlet reached out to the Austin Police Department and The Nest at Anderson Mill for comment.
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