The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently revealed that the health epidemic arising from the e cigarette lung damage may be largely coming from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-based products. According to Health News Florida, the federal government is willing to acknowledge for the first time that THC represents a big piece of a puzzle that health officials are trying to piece together in several states across the U.S.

The article indicated that of the 867 victims of the mysterious illness linked to e cigarette lung damage, those with detailed medical records only, a full 86 percent or 746 confessed to using THC vaping products at least once in the three months prior to becoming sick. THC is the active ingredient in marijuana that leads to the feeling of being “high”. Those admitting to its use may or may not be living in states where marijuana has been legalized. This fact complicates investigations and causes researchers to question whether the remainder have in fact obtained THC vaping pods but refuse to admit so.

In a Vox.com article posted on Oc. 28, 2019, it was indicated that a full 1,600 people have come down with the strange unidentified sickness across the nation. To date, 34 people have succumbed to the disease started by e cigarette lung damage. The CDC had managed to collect a thorough substance-use history on 19 of the deceased and 84 percent reported having used THC vaping products, but not necessarily singularly.

A full 63 percent of this same group reported exclusive THC vaping, while 16 percent claimed sole use of nicotine products. The products being reported are varying and a single source has not been pinpointed, according to the CDC as reported in a Vox.com article. The common thread running through most of the stories is that THC pods were obtained through friends, in-person, and via online dealers. The cartridges used have been pre-filled and they have often been sold under the brand name “Dank Vapes” which is a cover label able to be purchased online and not really a brand at all.

What Happens When A Person Vapes

As indicated by a Sept. 4, 2019 Harvard Health blog posting, electronic or e cigarettes use a small battery-powered device that resembles a USB thumb drive to rapidly heat a liquid to form vapors to inhale. Among the substances inhaled are nicotine, flavorings – definitely a factor in the popularization of the habit among young people – THC, and other chemicals that offer a “supportive” role in the delivery system of the above.

Aside from the fact that nicotine has been known to be addictive for decades and harmful in that respect, it was first believed that vaping offered a healthier alternative for smokers seeking to decrease the health effects of smoking on their lungs. When the mysterious illness showed up, it took consumers by surprise and revealed itself by gradually developing shortness of breath and severe chest pain. As indicated by the Harvard blog, it is believed that the culprit in these cases is likely a contaminant (along with THC) rather than an infectious agent.