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Two Fairfax County students are recovering after suffering nonfatal overdoses at separate schools within a 24-hour period, prompting a divisionwide warning to families and staff on May 15.

The emergencies occurred at Oakton High School and Key Middle School. Both students required urgent medical treatment and later acknowledged using marijuana beforehand. In at least one case, officials believe synthetic marijuana was involved.

The incidents do not appear to be connected. Both students are receiving support as they recover.

Synthetic cannabinoids are laboratory-made substances that are chemically similar to marijuana but can produce severe and unpredictable effects, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Often called “K2” or “spice,” they may be produced illegally and commonly sold in vape cartridges.

Fairfax County Public Schools notified both affected school communities as required by Virginia law. Officials expanded the warning across the division because of the seriousness of the two overdoses.

Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid urged families to have open, continuing conversations with children about drugs and their health effects. FCPS also encouraged anyone concerned about a student to contact their school for help accessing support services.

The school system addresses substance use through its health curriculum, including its effects on students’ well-being, academic performance and relationships. Safety concerns can also be reported anonymously to the FCPS Office of Safety and Security online, by text or by phone.

Reid said prevention efforts should be paired with compassion for people experiencing overdoses or substance use disorders and with work to reduce the stigma surrounding those conditions.