Halloween Urban Legends, cannabis made the list

Halloween has many urban legends. However, I think most of us can say that we never thought that something like cannabis was one of them. Halloween has been my favorite time of year since I was a kid. What is not to love? Ghosts, goblins, scary movies, scary decorations, pumpkin carving and dressing up. I never paid much attention to the candy, just everything else related to Halloween, including all of the urban legends. After all, there is a grain of truth in some urban legends. On the other hand, some just come out of the movie or an overactive imagination.

Now, let’s get down to some urban Halloween legends, and yes, cannabis made the list.

Halloween pictures by Jessie

The Candyman

Most of us know that the film Candyman is about an African American who was brutally murdered for having an interracial love affair. He comes back to take revenge on anyone who repeats his name five times in the mirror, a bit like Bloody Mary. In fact, the film goes straight back to 1970s urban legend Bloody Mary, which is about repeating the name many times in front of a mirror to evoke a vengeful ghost.

The story goes that hundreds of years ago Mary was a witch (a different word for any woman who dared not listen to men) and was executed for engaging in black magic, and so she takes revenge.

No reason to worry. There are no known cases involving the Bloody Mary or the Candyman.

Laced Halloween candy

Well, this is one of those urban legends that actually has a core of truth in it. In 1964, a mentally ill housewife from Long Island decided that the neighborhood children were too old for trick or treating and swapped the full-size Mars bars for steel wool, dog treats and buttons labeled “poison” (containing poison). Though somehow worse than raisins, no children were harmed. She pleaded guilty to endangering children and was admitted to a mental hospital for a full evaluation. Since then, there have been no real reports of Halloween laced candy. At least according to the sociologist Joel Best, who specializes in studying legends about the manipulation of candy.

The fairy tale naturally achieved cult status over the years. It’s now a basic Halloween parable for parents who just don’t want their kids to eat obscene amounts of candy in one sitting. When did fear tactics ever work right? Of course, some sheltered, fearful people really believe that there is an ongoing problem with candy riddled with everything from razor blades to needles to broken glass. Best assures us that this is not the case and points out that the real danger for children on Halloween is hit and run and racist incidents.

Charles Parker

Temporary tattoos

In the 1970s, some people in the US decided to give out temporary tattoos instead of candy. A rumor started warning people that they were being treated with LSD.

The biggest problem with this legend is purely logistical. LSD cannot be absorbed through the skin. This is confirmed by dozens of chemists who regularly handle and manufacture huge amounts of LSD, such as legendary underground chemist Donnie Shackelford.

“No, you cannot be dosed through the skin. I have not worn gloves in any procedure unless it uses lye, and this procedure does not. I learned the hard way by throwing a bottle of 20g of LSD in it – I was extremely upset. I’ve had it in my hands many, many times. “

Donnie Shackelford, some time after his arrest in 05.

Basically, LSD is expensive and I’m absolutely sure that nobody wants to waste good drugs on temporary tattoos, of all things. Maybe the idea is that tattoos were just a better option than candy that can rot kids’ teeth or something. Who knows.

Edibles

There is a legend that most people scratch their heads about. If it’s not razor or LSD, apparently it’s cannabis. The idea of ​​drugs in food has been a pillar of urban legends since the industrial revolution. The majority of those who support this topic are likely anti-cannabis supporters looking for new ways to demonize cannabis. While many edibles these days come in appealing candy or gummy forms, there is no research to suggest that children actually take edibles home with them. If you suspect your child has come into contact with edibles, first check your own supplies.

What are some of your favorite urban Halloween legends? Let us know in the comments below. For the latest news, editorials and more, don’t forget to follow CLN.

From all of us here at CLN, have fun with trick or treating!