Today’s Vape Developments 12 September 2019

Statement from the Cannabis Trade Federation Regarding Reports of an Outbreak of Pulmonary-related Illnesses Associated with the Use of Vaporization Products

We are troubled and saddened by reports of an outbreak of pulmonary-related illnesses associated with the use of vaporization products, including those that reportedly contained cannabis. As an industry, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our consumers. The Cannabis Trade Federation therefore supports a full investigation into the cause or causes of the incidents to ensure the well-being of all consumers. Many members of the Federation made the decision to enter this industry based in part on the relative safety of cannabis compared to other legal products, and we are committed to ensuring that no ingredients, processes, or technologies diminish consumer confidence in cannabis.

Although investigations and data collection are ongoing, it appears that most, if not all, of the reported cannabis-related cases so far stem from products sourced from the unregulated criminal market. The Cannabis Trade Federation supports strict regulation of the cannabis industry at both the state and federal level. Consumers and communities will benefit when all cannabis products are subject to rigorous production, safety, and testing standards at the federal level. We urge Congress to act now so that the federal government can serve its proper role in regulating cannabis as a consumer product.

As the state and federal investigations continue, the Cannabis Trade Federation:

Implores cannabis consumers to avoid purchasing vape pens and/or cannabis oil for vaping from underground sellers. These unregulated products are not subject to the kind of testing and safety standards that apply to state-regulated producers.

Encourages our members to assist state public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their investigations with any potentially helpful information about products sold in state-regulated markets. Our industry seeks to be an active partner with the government in addressing this issue and any others that may arise in the future.

Supports increased efforts to educate consumers. We call on states to review their warnings on vape products and their required disclosures about non-cannabis ingredients included in vape products to maximize consumer knowledge and awareness.

Sincerely,

Neal Levine

Chief Executive Officer

Cannabis Trade Federation

NCIA Calls On Congress To Regulate Cannabis In Response To Reports Of Vaping Related Illnesses

These unfortunate illnesses and deaths are yet another terrible, and largely avoidable, consequence of failed prohibition policies. Current federal laws interfere with research, prevent federal regulatory agencies from establishing safety guidelines, discourage states from regulating cannabis, and make it more difficult for state-legal cannabis businesses to displace the illicit market. These policies are directly bolstering the markets for untested and potentially dangerous illicit products.

It is now the responsibility of Congress to end prohibition and regulate cannabis without delay. By removing cannabis from the schedule of controlled substances and instituting a clear regulatory framework through existing agencies, the federal government can provide helpful guidance to states that have or wish to establish regulated cannabis control systems while helping put irresponsible illicit market producers out of business for good.

Full Statement:

Amazon quietly pulls marijuana vape materials from site

Amazon has quietly removed several products that buyers could use to make counterfeit marijuana vaping devices — the same ones which, along with nicotine vapes, have been tied to hundreds of injuries and at least six deaths reported nationwide this year.

The products pulled from Amazon mimicked marijuana products that are sold legally in the several U.S. states that have approved recreational cannabis. They range from packaging materials for the Exotic Carts brand of marijuana oil cartridges to bulk “California compliant” stickers indicating the object to which the labels are affixed is legal under the state’s marijuana law.

However, anyone could purchase these and other materials from Amazon’s website, filled with any vaping fluid and sold on the black market, where sales of illicit marijuana vaping products have flourished recently.

No major marijuana sales impact seen from vaping illness outbreak as MJ retailers focus on consumer education

The Dark Truth Behind The Recent Outbreak Of Vaping Related Illnesses

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 450 different people have contracted illnesses due to vaping products. At least four people have died. These cases involve common symptoms of fever, shortness of breath, coughing, nausea, and diarrhea, among others, reports a preliminary paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Most striking, the paper reports 84% of patients hospitalized by vaping-related illnesses admitted what they were vaping included THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana.