Updated: Dec 24, 2019
Updated December 6, 2019
Like many of you, we’re keeping our eyes on the VAPI situation. The deaths and illnesses are tragic.
In 49 US states except Alaska, plus one territory and the District of Columbia, almost 1,300 people have become ill and 26 have died.
Researchers have not yet pinpointed the cause of the illness, but nearly all cases report using illegal THC products, sometimes in addition to e-cigarettes.
Check back here for updates as they emerge, at least weekly.
Heavy metal injury caused by vaping in first case study
https://merryjane.com/news/heavy-metal-injury-caused-by-vaping-confirmed-in-first-case-study
The CDC believes Vitamin E acetate is the culprit behind the illnesses and deaths: https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/08/health/vaping-injury-vitamin-e-thc-bn/index.html
California
Oct. 22 -- The BCC released an update on the number of cases in California. As of October 22 it stood at 136. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/CDPH%20Document%20Library/VAPI_Weekly_Public_Report_10.22.19.pdf
Oct. 10 – CA company develops nearly metal-free vape cartridge
https://hightimes.com/business/california-company-develops-metal-free-vape-cartridge/
Oct 9 – CA urges doctors to report cases of VAPI
Colorado
Nov. 13 -- CO bans vitamin E acetate
Oct. 12 – CO weighs new vape regulations
https://www.westword.com/marijuana/colorado-proposes-stricter-rules-over-thc-vape-products-11509544
Oregon
15-Nov Oregon Strikes Down Cannabis Vape Products Ban
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/oregon-court-strikes-down-cannabis-vape-products-ban/
Oct 14 – Oregon Enacts 6-Month Flavored Vape Ban
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/oregon-enacts-6-month-flavored-vape-ban/
Washington
4-Nov -- Analysis of Washington's emergency rules surrounding vapes
10-Oct – Washington bans sale of flavored vape products
https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/10/health/flavored-e-cigarette-ban-washington-thursday-bn/index.html
Massachusetts
21-Oct -- Four medical marijuana patients join a lawsuit pushing back against the state's vape ban
24-Sep – MA orders four-month ban on sale of vape products
https://gizmodo.com/massachusetts-governor-orders-four-month-ban-on-sale-of-1838426715
Michigan
Michigan temporarily bans all vape sales
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/michigan-temporarily-halts-cannabis-vape-sales/
Michigan becomes the first state to ban all vaping products
Minnesota
Oct. 10 – Two cases in Minnesota – “Both cases also reported vaping illegal THC products.”
Nevada
Dec. 23 - Nevada asks cannabis producers to submit inhalable products with ingredients listed for review by regulators by January 5, 2020.
Other Developments
Oct 28 -- CDC says illnesses appear to be in decline
https://hightimes.com/news/cdc-announces-vape-related-illnesses-appear-declining/
Oct 28 -- Deaths linked to THC products
https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/28/health/cdc-vaping-death-data-mmwr/index.html
Oct 15 – Centers for Disease Control give illness a new name – EVALI
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/cdc-gives-vaping-illness-new-name-evali.html
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/vaping-related-illness-has-a-new-name-evali/
Oct 11 – Lab suggests heavy metals may cause VAPI
Oct. 11 – Some patients relapse and have to be admitted to the hospital a second time. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2019/10/11/some-patients-with-vaping-related-lung-injuries-are-being-hospitalized-second-time/
Ongoing – Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html