Two Iowa City women were arrested for possession of marijuana Wednesday night after their friend ingested some and had a bad experience.

According to Iowa City Police criminal complaints, officers and medical personnel were called to 19 Pentire Circle at 9:53 p.m. for a report of a female who “ate brownies with cannabis.” The woman’s heart was racing, police said.

Iowa City Police Sgt. Denise Brotherton said the paperwork on the charges has not been turned in by the arresting officers, but based on the call for service, it appears there were at least 9 people at the residence, including the caller.

When officers arrived, medical personnel were assisting a woman who said she ate pot-laced brownies. Police said two other women – 19-year-old Tearra N. Thomas and 18-year-old Alexis C. Riley – said they also ate some of the brownies, but were feeling fine. Thomas allegedly told officers she bought the brownies in Illinois and knew they contained marijuana.

Officers seized the remainder of the two brownies and took Riley and Thomas into custody for possession of a controlled substance, a serious misdemeanor.

Brotherton said it’s uncertain if the woman who had the bad experience will be charged since it’s possible she didn’t know she was ingesting marijuana.

“The other two knew (the brownies) were there and had them in their possession,” Brotherton said.

Thomas declined to comment on the charge. Riley did not return a message seeking comment.

Alexis Christine Riley

Tearra Nichole Thomas