An Arkansas mother has been sentenced to 120 days in jail after admitting she gave her children marijuana in the form of edibles and let them use her vape pen — claiming it was an attempt to discourage them from future drug use.
Deanna Sue Woods, 36, was arrested in January after a Department of Human Services (DHS) employee interviewed her 6-year-old daughter, who said her mother allowed her and her siblings to consume marijuana and THC edibles. A subsequent drug test revealed the presence of THC in the child’s system, prompting further investigation by the Brookland Police Department, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
Woods was taken into custody the next day and, after waiving her Miranda rights, allegedly told detectives she had given three of her children — ages 6, 10, and 15 — THC-laced honey and chocolate. She also reportedly admitted letting the two younger children use her vape pen.
In addition, Woods acknowledged smoking marijuana around her 1-year-old and using the drug while breastfeeding that child, according to the affidavit.
She allegedly claimed her actions were intended to deter her children from using marijuana themselves in the future.
Following her arrest, Woods was charged with 12 counts each of first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and introducing a controlled substance into another person’s body. She spent 60 days in jail before posting bail.
On June 25, Woods entered a guilty plea to one count of each charge. She was sentenced to 120 days in jail, with credit for time already served. She will serve the remaining 60 days in custody.
As part of her sentencing, Woods is also required to complete parenting and substance abuse courses. Additionally, she is prohibited from contacting her children unless authorized by their legal guardian and DHS.
The case has raised serious concerns about child safety and parental responsibility, particularly when it comes to the use of controlled substances around minors.
