(CNN) -- People who died as a result of a mysterious outbreak of vaping-related lung injury often used products exclusively containing THC, the main psychoactive substance in cannabis, according to new numbers released Monday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Full Answer
Are THC vape products to blame for vaping-related illness?
For weeks, it’s been clear THC vape products are playing a major role in the outbreak of vaping-related illness that has sickened more than 1,600 people across the country. But what hasn’t been clear is what substances the people who died from this sickness had been using.
How many people have died from vaping-related illness?
Eighty-four percent of people who died in the outbreak used THC products, according to an analysis of a subset of patients. Among 19 patients who’ve died in the outbreak of vaping-related illness — a subset of the 34 total deaths for which the CDC had substance use data — 84 percent reported using THC-containing products.
How many people have died from THC?
Among 19 patients who’ve died — a subset of the 34 total deaths for whom CDC had substance use data — 84 percent reported using any THC-containing products. Sixty-three percent reported exclusive THC product use.
Is vaping marijuana harmful?
Marijuana is typically viewed as a less harmful substance since overdose is unlikely, and unlike federally legal substances — alcohol, tobacco — it’s not a major cause of death. But as this more nuanced outbreak data emerges, a deadly new cannabis risk is coming into focus: vaping certain THC products, particularly those sold on the black market.
How many cases of THC are linked to black market?
Why do people turn to Vox?
Is vitamin E acetate a contaminant?
Is marijuana a cause of death?
Does Washington state have a cannabis board?
Is there a black market for cannabis?
Is cannabis tested in California?
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CDC says 47 deaths and 2,290 illnesses now linked to vaping - CBS News
CDC identifies vitamin E acetate as possible cause of vaping illnesses 06:41. The Canadian teen had been vaping flavored e-cigarette pods and THC for five months before he became ill.
4 Major Health Risks Linked To E-Cigarette Use - WebMD
E-cigarette use, or "vaping," has been linked to lung, heart, brain, and gum illnesses. While using e-cigarettes ("vaping") may be healthier than smoking traditional cigarettes, users still face ...
How many cases of THC are linked to black market?
Research in Illinois and Wisconsin uncovered the same pattern. And in New York, the state Department of Health commissioner has said the vast majority of the 125 cases there have been linked to black market THC cartridges.
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Is vitamin E acetate a contaminant?
One potential contaminant is vitamin E acetate. Of the 225 THC-containing products the FDA has tested, as of October 11, 47 percent contained the oily substance, which is used as a cheap thinne r in vaping products. The recent Utah data found the chemical in 89 percent of the THC-containing cartridges tested there.
Is marijuana a cause of death?
Marijuana is typically viewed as a less harmful substance since overdose is unlikely, and unlike federally legal substances — alcohol, tobacco — it’s not a major cause of death. But as this more nuanced outbreak data emerges, a deadly new cannabis risk is coming into focus: vaping certain THC products, particularly those sold on the black market. And experts who study e-cigarettes and marijuana say — with 34 deaths nationwide and counting — it’s time for health regulators to catch up.
Does Washington state have a cannabis board?
So in Washington, for example, the Liquor and Cannabis Board regulates the recreational cannabis marketplace, and products are tested for “potency, moisture, foreign matter, microbiological, mycotoxins (fungi), and residual solvents,” according to a spokesperson there. But only medical-grade products are also tested for pesticides and heavy metals.
Is there a black market for cannabis?
Meanwhile, a black market — with no safety oversight — is flourishing across the country, even in states with official cannabis markets.
Is cannabis tested in California?
In California, products are third-party tested for the same kinds of contaminants Washington looks for, and the state Department of Health’s regulations for cannabis requires “manufacturers to utilize good manufacturing practices in the production of cannabis products,” a spokesperson there said, including listing all ingredients on the label.
