Cannabis candy: Winnipeg couple used their “stash” on Halloween
New documents show what led to a couple handing out cannabis-infused gummies to children in Winnipeg – and what happened in the hours immediately afterwards.
Sheldon Chochinov, 63, and Tammy Sigurdur, 52, have both been charged with 26 felonies under the Cannabis Act in connection with their actions on October 31, 2022 when the couple allegedly distributed THC candy to several children in South Tuxedo.
A request to search the couple’s home from the Winnipeg Police Service, dated a day later on November 1, was issued in part because investigators feared the couple might seek to destroy incriminating evidence.
Written by Konst. Paul Babiak, the document also includes details of what Chochinov and Sigurdur did once they found out they could face criminal charges.
The document says Chochinov contacted criminal defense attorney Richard Wolson after reading a WPS publication warning residents about reports of THC candy found in children’s Halloween candy.
Wolson, in turn, contacted WPS investigators and briefed officers on the nature and details of the call.
According to the document, Chochinov told Wolson the entire incident was a “mistake” committed “under the influence.” The pair ran out of candy and decided to give out their own “stash” of THC candy, adding that he and his wife regretted their actions.
The candy in question consisted of Ziploc bags filled with medical marijuana “Nerds” candy and what appeared to be branded candy bars.
More than a dozen families reported that children between the ages of six and 16 found edibles in their treats in packaging that resembled candy.
After hearing from Wolson, WPS investigators confirmed that Chochinov and Sigurdur lived in a house on Coleraine Street.
“Because both Khochniov and Sirgurdur are aware that WPS is investigating this incident, I believe they may attempt to destroy evidence linking them to his incident,” Const wrote. babyak.
Seven boxes containing 15 packs of “Nerds” gummy bears were confiscated at the residence, along with an Apple iPhone.
“There was a large supply of regular non-THC-infused candy, and thus the Nerds THC-infused candy was not distributed as a result of a rash, last-minute mistake, but as a result of criminal negligence,” reads one reason for the seizure of Property.
Wolson and Chochinov’s defense attorney, Evan Roitenberg, declined a request for further comment from CTV News.
Chochinov and Sigurder face 13 counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, 13 counts of administering a harmful thing with intent to endanger life or causing bodily harm, 13 counts of distributing cannabis to a juvenile, and 13 counts of distributing illegal cannabis.
None of the charges against Chochinov and Sigurdur have been proven in court, and their respective trials are ongoing.
