Vape-Related Cannabinoid Deaths in the US
On September 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a report about an epidemic among vape users. The agency recorded 530 cases of illness and eight deaths linked to vaping liquids sold under 150 different brands. FDA staff investigated both nicotine and THC products, but the cause of the respiratory illness has not yet been determined.
Jeff Mascio, CEO of Cannabis One, noted a negative trend in the vape market for marijuana products. However, customers have started buying more marijuana flower and cannabinoid-infused edibles. Before the crisis, vape liquids accounted for 23.8% of total cannabis product sales. By September 9, this share had dropped by 3.2–4.6%, depending on the state. Revenue from vape cartridges and oils fell by nearly a quarter.
Despite this, Cannabis One’s management is not worried about the company’s financial position. According to economists’ forecasts, total sales volume will remain unchanged as consumers switch to other products. However, between September 6 and 23, the company’s stock price dropped by 22% and continues to fall.
Counterfeit Products May Be to Blame
Max Simon, founder of the marijuana education portal Green Flower Media, believes that sensationalist media coverage could hinder the development of the marijuana industry in the US. According to him, some outlets spread false information in pursuit of headlines, causing public panic. Simon stated that consumers are now afraid of e-cigarettes and are reluctant to buy vape liquids.
Daniel Buelna, head of Green Pearl Organics, blamed the epidemic on manufacturers of counterfeit products. He believes that additives used by illegal dealers caused the illnesses.
Scientists have suggested that the respiratory disease may have been caused by vitamin E, which was found in several samples. Doctors say that inhaling vitamin E can lead to lipoid pneumonia—a rare disease caused by fat molecules entering the lungs. Symptoms include chest pain, coughing, and difficulty breathing.