top of page

Updated info on EVALI (E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury, formerly VAPI)

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

https://www.cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/28179/Physicians-urged-to-report-vaping-associated-pulmonary-injury


 

Colorado


Nov. 13 -- CO bans vitamin E acetate

https://www.westword.com/marijuana/colorado-pot-industry-bans-additive-linked-to-vaping-illness-11545124


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

https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/washington-cannabis-industry-reacts-to-emergency-vape-regulations/


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

https://www.ganjapreneur.com/massachusetts-cannabis-patients-ask-to-join-lawsuit-challenging-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

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/09/04/michigan-bans-flavored-e-cigarettes/2207061001/


 

Minnesota

Oct. 10 – Two cases in Minnesota – “Both cases also reported vaping illegal THC products.”

https://www.cannabisbusinessexecutive.com/2019/10/two-people-have-vaping-illnesses-in-minnesota-medical-cannabis-program-unclear-if-vaping-sole-cause/


 

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

https://merryjane.com/news/heavy-metal-poisoning-may-be-causing-the-vaping-illness-epidemic-lab-suggests


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

85 views0 comments
bottom of page