NORFOLK, Va. — After high numbers kicked off the year 2023, the latest data shows the number of pediatric cannabis-related emergency department visits in Virginia is down compared to previous reporting periods.
According to data gathered by the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association (VHHA), the first quarter of 2023 recorded the highest number of cases coded for a cannabis-related pediatric emergency department visit of any quarter dating back to 2020. It was the first time in three months the VHHA's system saw more than 600.
A "pediatric" case is defined as any case involving a patient between 0 to 18 years old.
In quarter two of 2023, it was followed by another relative high at 574.
But in the most recently available data for quarter 3, that number drops to 484, which is the first time a three-month period registered a number below 500 visits since 2021.
A spokesperson for the VHHA said it's worth noting that third quarters have previously seen similar dips from other second-quarter reporting periods.
When asked whether there was an explanation or noted reason for the drop, they cited two possibilities: the newly implemented hemp laws for Virginia, as well as summer travel and vacationing leading to fewer people in the state overall.
