LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Known as "reefer's candy" they are candy bars that contain marijuana and whose packaging looks deceptively similar to popular candy bars. The candy does exist, but it is extremely unlikely that anyone would randomly distribute it to children, since they would be immediately caught and arrested. 

The only known incident of laced candy occurred in 1974 when a Texas father murdered his own child with cyanide-laced Pixie Stixs. Likewise, fears about kidnappings on Halloween are also unfounded since there has never been an instance of a child being kidnapped or harmed by strangers on Halloween during the course of trick-or-treating. 

Despite this dose of reality, there are some very real dangers confronting children this holiday, as there are every year. Halloween is the third busiest night of the year for pedestrian accidents, and drunk drivers often take to the streets after dark. 

Locally, the LAPD warns they will be out in force, looking to protect kids and to arrest anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Parents are advised to accompany their children throughout their trick-or-treating walk, and they should carry flashlights. Costumes that can obstruct vision should be avoided so that children and adults can see any oncoming traffic. 

Drivers are warned to be extra vigilant during the evening as children take to the streets around dusk and just after dark, and adults may be outside later. 

Parents will still find it reasonable and prudent to inspect children's candy before allowing them to eat it. After all, too many KitKats, Baby Ruths, and Special Darks are bad for their teeth...

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