Pulmonary Illness-Linked Compound Found In New York Cannabis Vapes

Nearly all of the cannabis vape products tested by the New York State Health Department were found to have “very high” levels of vitamin E acetate, a compound linked to vape-related pulmonary illness in 25 states.

Vitamin E acetate is not an approved additive for medical cannabis vape products; although the agency did not indicate whether any of the vape products available under the state’s medical cannabis program were found to have the compound.

“We urge the public to be vigilant about any vaping products that they or any family members may be using and to immediately contact their health care provider if they develop any unusual symptoms. In general, vaping of unknown substances is dangerous, and we continue to explore all options to combat this public health issue.” – Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, in a statement.

At least one vitamin E acetate-containing product has been linked to each patient who fell ill and submitted a product for testing; it was not, however, found in nicotine-based products that were tested. Many of the affected products are believed to be counterfeits based on products from states with legalized sales, including knockoffs of Chronic Carts and Dank Vapes.

As of Thursday, the Health Department had received 34 reports from around the state about the pulmonary illness with patients ranging from 15 to 46-years-old. Vitamin E acetate is a commonly available nutrition supplement that is not known to cause harm when applied to the skin or ingested as a pill.

The investigation is ongoing.