Four arrested after teen overdoses from THC pen

From Local 3 News: Dayton Police and Dayton Fire Departments responded to a medical call in which a minor overdosed on a THC pen on a Rhea County school bus.

The juvenile, who fell against the window, appeared to be having a seizure, with symptoms such as respiratory distress and stiffening limbs. He was placed on the floor by the other students, and the episode continued until medics arrived.

The student was treated and released from the Rhea County Medical Center ER.

After an investigation, it was discovered that the vape was 99.9% THC, the highest content in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Dangerous Drugs Task Force.

Two students from Rhea County High School were arrested and charged with the following:

• Conspiracy to sell, delivery of marijuana
• Sell, delivery of marijuana
• Felony reckless endangerment
• False reports

As a result of the investigation, deputies were prompted to search a house on Oak Hill Road. Detectives found seven pounds and eleven ounces of illegal THC products, $3,777 worth of merchandise, and two handguns with extended magazines.

Brayan Lopez Ramos was arrested and charged with the following:

• Maintaining a drug-dwelling
• Possession of marijuana for resale
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Felony reckless endangerment
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony

Armando Lopez Ramos was also arrested and charged with possession of marijuana for resale and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rhea County Sheriff Mike Neal has issued a letter urging parents to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of vaping and the importance of making healthy choices:

"Vaping poses significant health risks, including lung damage, addiction, and even death. It's essential for parents to be aware of what their children are doing and to monitor their activities closely," said the release.

The RCSD, along with the Regional Organized Crime Information Center, Centers for Disease Control Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, Tennessee Dangerous Drug Task Force, and the American Poison Center, has released statistics on the growing problem of higher-level THC products in Rhea County.

Vapes often have higher levels of THC than the typical plant-based marijuana product. Traditional marijuana products normally have 10-20% THC, while some vape oils and concentrates can have THC levels as high as 90%.

According to the statement, "High-THC exposure in teens can cause anxiety, paranoia, psychotic episodes, and even death. It can affect their memory, learning, and emotional well-being long-term. What's worse, many of these vapes are unregulated. No one is controlling what's being put into them. In 2019, an outbreak of lung injuries linked to vaping (EVALI) led to over 2,800 hospitalizations and 68 deaths. Teen vape users today still face the same risks, and ER visits due to cannabis intoxication are on the rise."