Should I throw my Vape Weed pen?

Many people hospitalized for spraying-related diseases reported using THC oil. Here's what the experts know and how to proceed.

As As of September 12, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported at least six deaths and 380 hospitalizations following the use of sprays such as electronic cigarettes and disinfection pens. The diseases affected 36 states and one US territory, but deaths were caused by West and Midwest states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, California, and Oregon.

"The patients had various lung problems caused by lung irritation related to [vapes]Said Dr. MuChun Tsai, a pulmonary specialist physician at the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University. Although there were no deaths from vapor inhalation in Ohio, Tsai said community hospitals were seeing a sharp increase in the number of hospitalizations related to vapor inhalation. The most commonly reported symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The cause of illnesses and deaths is still under investigation and no vape product or electronic cigarette has been identified as responsible. But according to the CDC, the commonality between all sick people is a history of spraying product use, and the majority of hospitalized people have used THC oil – the active ingredient in the marijuana – in their spray pens. Tsai reports that the sick people she saw in Ohio commonly used THC or a combination of THC and nicotine in their capsules. Because doctors have found "no consistent evidence of an infectious disease," the suspected cause of lung irritation is chemical exposure.

What is behind recent hospitalizations?

Vape products were launched for the first time in the US market more than ten years ago. They use cartridges filled with oil and other additives; these oils are aerosolized and become vapors that the user breathes. Some vaporizers, such as electronic cigarettes, contain nicotine so that users can satisfy their cravings without some of the toxic chemicals from combustible tobacco. Others use cartridges containing THC oil.

It is clear that electronic cigarettes produce fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes. But they are far from healthy, say the experts: the chemicals in the vape liquids contain toxins such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and diacetyl (the same chemical used to create the flavor of butter on microwave popcorn). These chemicals can irritate the lining of the lungs, causing inflammation and a host of other serious symptoms as the inflammation worsens.

The ingredients in THC products are often less well known and this is a concern, says Tsai. Since products containing THC are illegal in many states (including its state of Ohio), consumers could buy unregulated oils or cartridges on the street or even make the oil themselves -Same. Unregulated cartridges or "bootleg" could contain high levels of toxic additives, warns the CDC, exposing people to the risk of lung injury.

Experts are also concerned about a compound called Vitamin E Acetate, used as a thickener in spray products. Health officials in New York said earlier this month that they were investigating the compound because "very high levels" have been identified in several samples of cannabis-based spray liquids used by sick people in New York.

So, does your pen have to leave?

"Due to the number of people hospitalized and the number of potential deaths, it is probably safer to avoid vaping, especially with THC oils," says Tsai. "If you are going to buy THC, buy it from a reputable supplier rather than on the street or at a friend's, and do not try to make it yourself."

If people have illegal vape cartridges or bought their vape products from an illegal vendor, it is advisable to throw them away.

For people who use vapor control products to stop smoking or to relieve pain, Tsai recommends talking to a primary care physician about any risk before continuing, or looking for a safer alternative.