If you’ve used the internet or watched TV in the last few months, you are probably aware of the national controversy surrounding vape products — particularly THC vaporizers. Apparently, at least 13 Americans have died as a result of tainted THC vape cartridges. While the news has been disturbing, it’s important for people to understand where tainted THC products come from — and where they don’t come from. Check out the infographic below regarding safe vaping use, and then continue reading as we dive into the subject and separate fact from fiction:
Fiction: Vaping THC Has Killed More Than a Dozen People
When people read national headlines that decry THC vape cartridges as the cause of death for rising numbers of individuals, they aren’t getting the full picture. THC is not causing lung disease — it’s actually the harmful chemicals that are used to cut black market vape cartridges. Residents of Philadelphia, PA, with eligible conditions can get medical marijuana and THC vapes that are completely free of vitamin E acetate and other harmful chemicals.
Fact: Reported Cases of Lung Disease Are Linked to Vitamin E Acetate
In other words, vaping THC does not kill people — but vaping THC cartridges laced with vitamin E acetate could be causing fatal lung disease in some patients. Unless you are buying black-market THC products, you should have nothing to worry about. When medical marijuana and prescription THC products are prescribed to patients, they go to a state-licensed dispensary to get their medicine. You can rest assured that medical marijuana dispensaries do not sell tainted THC, because their products are subject to strict legal regulations.
According to the PA Department of Health spokesman Nate Wardle, “None of the [lung disease] cases have been associated with our medical marijuana program.” This means that PA medical marijuana patients have nothing to worry about. Health regulators know that THC is medicine for many people, and they are aware of the dangers of laced vape cartridges — which is why the medical marijuana industry is so strictly regulated.
Individuals from Philadelphia, PA, with certain health conditions may qualify for medical marijuana. Find out if you are eligible today, and stop worrying about tainted THC vapes!