Massachusetts Cannabis Regulators Require More Vape Ingredient Details

The Massachusetts Cannabis Commission will soon require more detailed labeling of all cannabis vape cartridges, extracts, and concentrates amid the outbreak of a vape-linked pulmonary illness that has killed at least six people throughout the U.S., the Boston Herald reports. The illness has been linked to vape cartridges.

Cannabis Control Commission member Jen Flanagan said the move gives an added layer of protection to both regulators and consumers.

“Given what’s happening with the issue surrounding vaping, there’s a lot of concern and while I stand by the statement that while the industry says that vaping is safer than smoking, it never said it is safe. People really need to be aware of what’s in that product.” — Flanagan, to the Herald

Under the new requirements, extract and concentrate manufacturers must include on their ingredient list every additive used in the product, including thickening agents and specific terpenes.

Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that while they found a link between people who fell ill and use of both cannabis and nicotine vape products, they were not ready to blame the illness on cannabis cartridges. Last week the New York Health Department identified two counterfeit cannabis products that were used by individuals who fell ill. Those products contained vitamin E acetate – which health officials believe to be the cause of the illness.

At least 450 people have reported cases of lung illness associated with the use of vape devices.