Using Syndromic Surveillance to Identify Synthetic Cannabinoids or Marijuana Adverse Health Events in Virginia

Public health reports from poison control center calls and emergency department visits, as well as circulating media reports, indicate an increase in adverse health events from synthetic cannabinoids throughout the country. Legal action varies in effectiveness to ban these products and discontinue sales. Increasing reports of clusters of cannabinoid related health effects and statewide marijuana legalization on the horizon highlight the importance of utilizing syndromic surveillance to monitor and characterize morbidity associated with these products.