Explainer: A possible culprit in pulmonary diseases with steam

By Chris Kirkham and Jeffrey Dastin

(Reuters) – While US health authorities are trying to identify the root cause of hundreds of serious lung diseases related to vapor inhalation, one of the culprits identified so far is a range of illicit products containing marijuana and sold under the trademarks "Dank Vapes" and "Chronic". Trolleys. "

A study published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine found that more than half of patients with lung disease – 24 out of 41 – who were extensively surveyed in Wisconsin and Illinois reported using the mark " Dank Vapes ".

The New York State Department of Health has identified "Dank Vapes" and "Chronic Carts" as products containing vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent in THC oil. , which was a key part of his investigation of these diseases. THC is the psychoactive compound of cannabis.

Although Vitamin E Acetate is often applied to the skin or used as a dietary supplement, the US Food and Drug Administration warned against inhalation because "the data on its effects on the lungs are limited". The agency advised consumers to avoid vaping THC oils or using devices purchased outside of the stores.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is investigating 380 confirmed or probable cases of atmospheric lung disease, have indicated that the disease has not been definitively linked to a product or ingredient. specific, especially vitamin E acetate.

The CDC advises against the use of e-cigarette or vaping products, as most of the patients surveyed used both THC and nicotine liquids, while 20% used only nicotine.

Leading Manufacturers of Nicotine Electronic Cigarettes, Including Juul Labs Inc., British American Tobacco Plc and Imperial Brands Plc , said this week that their products do not contain vitamin E compounds or THC.

AVAILABLE ONLINE

According to the product links caches, packaging under the name "Dank Vapes" was until recently available on Amazon, and a Reuters review shows that they are still widely available elsewhere on the Internet.

Amazon.com Inc said that this week, the accessories of vape were consistent with its policies, without however specify the exact products removed. She clarified that THC and electronic cigarettes were not and are not available on her platform.

The story continues

One of the merchants who seemed to sell packaging for Dank Vapes and another brand on Amazon called Cart Essentials, according to the cached links, which have now disappeared.

Cart Essentials has received 39 ratings this year, almost all five stars. The merchant did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent via the Amazon platform, and Reuters could not determine who was behind the company.

WHAT IS THAT?

Marijuana extracts used in vaping pens are one of the fastest growing segments of the cannabis industry in recent years. This is an easy way to use the product, it can be concealed and users can better control their consumption, said David Downs, head of the California office of the cannabis website, Leafly.com.

The category went from 2% of the legal market in 2014 to 16% last year, according to BDS Analytics, an industry monitoring tool.

The brand "Dank Vapes" is a illicit product that uses diluted THC oil, said Downs.

The drug traffickers, seeking to earn as much money as possible, have reduced the THC oil with Vitamin E acetate to dilute it, while making it look pure to the eyes of consumers said Downs. "It can cut THC oil while keeping it thick."

It is difficult to determine whether "Dank Vapes" is a real company or brand used by multiple operators. No one has answered calls and emails sent to numbers and addresses listed on a website, dankvapes.org.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has asked the Ministry of Health earlier this week to set up three companies to appear, he said, marketing vitamin E acetate to manufacturers of oil. The three companies are Honey Cut Labs LLC in Santa Monica, California; The Floraplex Terpenes in Ypsilanti, Michigan; and Mass Terpenes in Amherst, Massachusetts.

The Cuomo office, in a statement, said thickeners were marketed as "a cheaper and safer alternative that does not have a negative impact on aromas or smells" and "can be used to reduce vaporization products at any level of THC ".

Honey Cut and Mass Terpenes could not be contacted for comment. Floraplex said in a statement that it "will work with all relevant government agencies in a transparent and constructive manner" and will continue to "distribute quality products".

The mass-terpenes.com website contained a message telling customers that he was "alarmed" by reports that vitamin E acetate was associated with serious lung problems and that he "would cooperate fully" with federal and state health authorities. He added that the company had taken steps to ensure that the website does not contain any products containing vitamin E acetate.

DISTINCT OF ONE E-CIGARETTE & # 39;

Illicit THC vaping pens or similar devices are distinct from electronic cigarettes, such as those manufactured by Juul Labs, which vaporize a liquid filled with nicotine.

Nicotine, the addictive ingredient in cigarettes and other tobacco products, can cause serious brain development problems in teenagers. The liquid usually also contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and flavorings.

According to Juul, the research he sponsored showed that smokers who used this product for a few days were significantly less exposed to certain harmful compounds found in cigarettes. However, the long-term effects of inhaling aerosol-containing ingredients of this type on health remain largely unknown, and studies have shown potential risks of cardiovascular disease and lung health.

While e-cigarettes are marketed as a way to help smokers quit smoking or reduce them, US health authorities are concerned about bringing a new generation to nicotine addiction.

(Report by Chris Kirkham in Los Angeles, Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco and Bryan Pietsch in Washington, edited by Bill Berkrot)