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According to a new report, marijuana abuse on the streets of California could be linked to the emerging public health crisis.
In the United States, hundreds of people have been sick in recent weeks and months, mainly by spraying cannabis oil. Seven deaths have been reported on the last Monday in Tulare County, California.
Public health officials do not really know what causes breathing problems, vomiting and other symptoms, but in California, most patients reported buying vows at ephemeral shops or other illegal vendors constituting a pipeline of counterfeit products.
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Here's how it works: Bootleggers eager to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers mimic the popular brands of legal vape, combining replicas of packaging made in Chinese factories with untested or even dangerous cannabis oil produced on the vast underground market of the state. Genuine-looking cartridges are sold through dispensaries and unlicensed delivery services, as well as dishonest websites.
The problem has become so ubiquitous that a major legal brand, Kingpen, is investing millions of dollars to redefine its packaging and the safety of its products, AP learned.
The distributor of another major brand, Heavy Hitters, is devoting a section of its website to the phonies declaration and hired former federal prosecutor, Priya Sopori, to help fight counterfeiting.
"The danger presented by counterfeit products is simply the natural result of not having the money, resources or power of the people to enforce licenses," said Sopori. "Someone buys this package, buys these cartridges and fills them with anything. It is sold as our brand. "
As marijuana has become popular, electronic cigarette versions that spray highly inducible cannabis oil are one of the best selling products, popular with those who do not want the smoke that illuminates a joint. In addition to rapidly producing a high effect, there is a perception – unsupported by science – that vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking.
In the California legal market, the largest in the world, the state requires that cannabis oil be tested before being put on the market for sale. For example, safety checks are carried out to detect the presence of 66 pesticides, mercury, lead and other heavy metals and 21 solvents that can be used in the extraction process, when the oil is extracted from cannabis .
But it can be difficult for consumers to know if a product they buy is manufactured by a legitimate company. The phony packaging is convincing to the unsuspecting eye, some even wearing dummy labels that seem to carry the test results required by the state. Most consumers will probably not know the difference unless they vape it. The taste and the level of THC could be very different from the authentic product.
To add to the confusion, consumers may have difficulty distinguishing between legal dispensaries and unlicensed stores in Los Angeles that sometimes operate in the same neighborhoods and seem indistinguishable.
"My biggest fear of counterfeiting is that people buy a dangerous and illegal product, and think it comes from our company, a legal company," says Bryce Berryessa, Board Member of California Cannabis Manufacturers. Association, whose company, Skunk Feather, produces concentrates and vape cartridges.
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In light of the disease associated with vaping, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers to avoid spraying products containing THC. Although no additives, ingredients or specific substances have been identified in vaping-related illnesses, the health departments of some states – notably New York – have linked some of these diseases to the disease. Vitamin E acetate present in marijuana vaping devices.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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