The disturbing case of a northeast Arkansas mother who exposed her young children to marijuana products has resulted in jail time after months of investigation and public outcry.

Deanna Sue Woods, 36, was sentenced on June 25 to 120 days in jail after pleading guilty to charges that stemmed from giving her three underage children marijuana edibles and access to her vape pen, as People reports.

The case came to light in January 2025, when the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) initiated an inquiry after a six-year-old girl tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

During an interview with a social worker, the young girl disclosed that her mother regularly allowed her and her siblings to consume marijuana in edible form. The DHS contacted the Brookland Police Department immediately upon confirming the child’s statement and drug test results.

Child's drug test triggers police investigation

Following the troubling discovery, a detective with the Brookland Police Department met with the child's mother, Deanna Woods, who agreed to speak with law enforcement after being read her rights. Within a day of the initial report, Woods was placed into police custody pending further investigation. Detectives conducted interviews and gathered statements for an official affidavit.

Detective Dustin Norwood, who led the case, documented that Woods admitted to giving her three oldest children -- ages 6, 10, and 15 -- THC-infused edibles in the form of honey and chocolate. She also allowed the two younger children, aged 6 and 10, to use her personal vape pen, which contained marijuana. Her one-year-old baby was also exposed to marijuana smoke, and Woods acknowledged using marijuana during breastfeeding.

Woods claimed during her interview that her primary motivation was to deter her children from experimenting with drugs in the future by exposing them early. She provided a written statement corroborating her verbal admissions.

Charges filed for drug exposure, neglect

Prosecutors charged Woods with 12 counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree and 12 counts of introducing a controlled substance into the body of another person. She was booked into jail in January and remained behind bars for 60 days before posting bail. During that time, law enforcement continued to prepare the case against her.

Last week, Woods returned to court and accepted a plea deal. She pleaded guilty to one count under each set of charges -- one for endangering a child and another for introducing drugs -- and received a new sentence of 120 days in jail. Factoring in the original 60 days already served, she will complete another 60 days as part of the resolution.

Beyond the jail sentence, the court also ordered Woods to complete parenting education courses and enroll in a substance abuse program. Additionally, she is barred from having any contact with her children unless such interaction is authorized by their legal guardian and approved by the Department of Human Services.

Family impact emerges

The children involved are all now under alternative care. Authorities have not released details on their current guardianship status to protect their identities and privacy. It is unknown at this time whether Woods will seek reunification in the future or attempt to regain custody.

The judge ruling over the case stressed the seriousness of exposing children to illegal substances and noted that Woods’ actions had potentially long-term implications for their physical and emotional development. Court documents emphasized her apparent lack of judgment, especially given the age and vulnerability of her children.

With her parental rights not formally terminated at this time, DHS will continue to monitor the family’s situation and assess whether reinstating any contact would be appropriate in the future.

Lessons to learn

1. Drug use around children can have criminal consequences. While some may argue that marijuana use is legal in certain contexts, exposing minors to controlled substances -- especially through direct ingestion -- constitutes felony behavior and immediate risk to the child's well-being. Responsible adults must be aware of the legal and ethical responsibilities they hold.

2. Early detection and intervention matter. In this case, school or community personnel helped bring the situation to light. When warning signs emerge concerning a child's health or behavior, timely reporting and professional evaluation can lead to critical support and protection for the child.

3. Protecting children is a community effort. No matter how many precautions are taken, abuse and negligence can occur in any household. Communities must stay vigilant, support victims, and avoid blaming those who come forward or suffer due to someone else's decisions.

Why this story matters

This story is significant because it highlights the dangers of exposing children to marijuana, even in states where the substance may be legal for adult use. It reinforces legal protections in place for minors and the importance of holding adults accountable for endangering them.

The case also serves as a wake-up call for other caregivers who might underestimate the consequences of substance use around children.