Adverse Events in Children Following Exposure to THC or CBD May 2024

Report Adverse Events in Children Following Exposure to a THC or CBD Product

5 June 2024

Dear Provider,

This letter tells you how to report adverse events in children who eat products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD). The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has a new surveillance system to detect these events (See Attachment 1. State Health Commissioner Clinician Letter - April 24, 2024).

VDH has received reports of children vomiting, having hallucinations, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, altered mental status, and/or anxiety after eating products containing THC and CBD, including in Arlington. Arlington County Public Health Division (ACPHD) staff identified 13 emergency department visits in 2023 among children 17 years and under that were suspected to be related to these products.  

Products containing THC/CBD have become increasingly available in Virginia, and may take many forms including vapes, gummies, chocolates, infused beverages, and tinctures (concentrated herbal extracts dissolved in ethyl alcohol).

ACTIONS TO TAKE

• Immediately report any of the following:
  • A hospitalization in a child (less than 18 years) of age following exposure to a THC or CBD product OR
  • A cluster of children (less than 18 years of age) with symptoms suggestive of exposure to a THC or CBD product
• Immediately call ACPHD to report the adverse event(s). ACPHD Staff can be reached Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, at 703-228-5200, option #1; On Nights and weekends, call 703-558-2222 and ask for the Public Health Duty Officer. ACPHD staff will collect information about the illness(es), possible exposures, and laboratory results. 
• 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. ACPHD can approve requests for public health testing through the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) to support patient or product testing, as appropriate.

More information and resources on this topic are available on our website. Thank you for all you do to control and prevent THC and CBD exposures among children in our community!

Sincerely,
Reuben K. Varghese, MD, MPH
Health Director & Director, Public Health Division

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