12 Hospitalized, Three Arrested in Connection with Marijuana Cookie Party

By Brian Cole

Published on September 13, 2006

Two of the suspects, Carmen Anderson and Christopher Portka, each face 12 counts of furnishing marijuana, one count of possession of marijuana, and one count of possession of dangerous drugs, according to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. University of California Police Department Assistant Chief Mitch Celaya said the dangerous drugs charge likely refers to the possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms, or psilocybin. The third suspect, Michael Tobias, faces one count of furnishing marijuana.

The incident occurred on the evening of Sept. 6 at a UC Berkeley party, where the three suspects brought cookies that police believe contained marijuana. Paramedics treated approximately 16 people at the party, and 12 were placed in local hospitals after a partygoer placed a 911 call complaining of anxiety, shortness of breath, numbness in her hands and feet, and hallucinations. All of those hospitalized were released by the following day.

Anderson’s attorney, Stephen Naratil, said the partygoers who ate the cookies were fully aware that they contained marijuana. He added that the co-op where the party was held has a long history of having marijuana cookie parties.

Lab tests to determine whether the cookies contained any other types of drugs are being conducted. Court dates have not yet been scheduled for the suspects.

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