New Policy On CBD Oil Adopted By Fairfax School Board

FAIRFAX, VA — A new policy adopted by the Fairfax County School Board impacts how school nurses can give students cannabidiol (CBD) oil and THC-A oil.

The policy aligns with a Virginia law that took effect on July 1. The state law says school nurses or health department employees assigned to a school cannot be prosecuted for possessing or distributing CBD oil or THC-A oil to students who have a valid doctor's certification. The law required school boards to adopt a policy.

Under the Fairfax County Public Schools policy, students can be administered CBD oil or THC-A oil with a medication authorization form signed by a licensed medical or osteopathic practitioner. The form must specify details such as the reason for the medication, exact dosage, and frequency of administering the medication. Parents or guardians must deliver the oil and medication authorization form to the school.

State law also allows an affirmative defense for patients with a written doctor's certification for CBD and THC-A oils facing prosecution.

CBD oil and THC-A oil will be available from five pharmaceutical processors conditionally approved by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. The facilities, including one in Manassas serving Northern Virginia, will produce and distribute the oils and are expected to receive permits by the end of 2019. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy anticipates the oils won't be available for purchase until spring or summer 2020 at the earliest, as growing could take three to six months.