Health Advisory
Summary
On April 24, 2024, the State Health Commissioner sent a letter to healthcare providers informing them of a newly established surveillance system intended to better characterize the burden and impact of adverse events due to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) on children in Virginia.
Providers are asked to report the following to their local health department:
- Adverse events requiring hospitalization in children less than 18 years of age following exposure to a THC or CBD product; and
- Clusters of adverse events in children less than 18 years of age following exposure to a THC or CBD product.
Suggested Actions
- Healthcare providers are asked to review the letter in full.
- Reports should be made to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) through the reporting portal.
- Alternately, reports can be made by telephone to the Fairfax County Health Department at (703) 246-2433 (TTY 711). A health department staff member will contact you if additional information is needed.
- Inform the patient or family to retain any THC or CBD product(s) that may have led to the hospitalization or cluster of adverse events so that it can be obtained for possible testing at the State public health laboratory (Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services).
Additional Information
- Products containing THC/CBD have become increasingly available in Virginia, and may take many forms including vapes, gummies, chocolates, infused beverages, and tinctures.
- Reports to VDH of adverse events in children who consumed products containing THC and CBD have included vomiting, hallucinations, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, altered mental status, and anxiety.
- In 2023, there were 73 emergency department (ED) and urgent care visits occurring among Fairfax Health District residents ages 17 and under suspected to be related to THC, CBD, or other cannabinoid products. While the hospitalization rate among these individuals was low (<10%), medical and psychiatric hospitalizations did occur.
- The State Health Commissioner’s authority to establish surveillance is in accordance with the Virginia Regulations for Disease Reporting and Control (Title 12 VAC 5-90-80, Section H).
- Clinicians, consumers, and patients are also encouraged to also report adverse events to FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Reporting Program.
- Individuals and healthcare professionals should contact the Poison Control Center, as needed, at (800) 222-1222 for assistance with potential poisoning.