As concerns over e-cigarette heart problems and other health risks escalate, some states are taking steps to protect the public. Some are even banning vape products.

NPR shares that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that over 1,600 cases of illness related to vape use have been identified. Many of these cases are reportedly connected with the use of vape cartridges containing THC. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and has become more popular as marijuana has become increasingly legal.  

The CDC’s principal deputy director Dr. Anne Schuchat says, “The data do continue to point to  THC-containing products as the source of the vast majority of individuals’ lung injury.”

Schuchat explains that the danger around vaping is still not fully understood. She notes that experts have not pinpointed the dangerous element or elements in e-cigarettes that are causing the injuries.

In some cases, the risk of e-cigarette heart problems may be due to nicotine poisoning. Vox explains that experts think that nicotine may put stress on the cardiovascular system, which can cause problems. Reportedly, nicotine may activate the sympathetic nervous system, causing blood pressure to elevate, increasing heart rate and elevating arteries.  

There may be risks associated with vaping even if the vape pod does not contain nicotine. A study conducted at Stanford’s School of Medicine indicated that the flavored vape liquids, even if they do not contain nicotine, can cause e-cigarette heart problems.  

In Schuchat’s eyes, the presence of THC in vape products continues to complicate the issue. The principal deputy director of the CDC says, “We are seeing the THC as a marker for products that are risky, but at this time, because of the continued presence of cases that only report exclusive nicotine-containing e-cigarette or vaping product use, we feel that it is very import for people to consider refraining from use of any kind of e-cigarette.”

Some of the states that have instituted vaping restrictions include Washington, Massachusetts, and Oregon. For its part, Washington has required cannabis shops to warn customers of the risk of vaping by hangings signs warning of “severe lung injuries” and “deaths,” says NPR. Massachusetts has temporarily stopped selling all vaping products. Oregon has enacted an emergency ban on flavored nicotine.

NPR goes on to explain that Washington and Oregon both have regulated cannabis markets but have nonetheless seen cases of injury linked to THC-containing vape products. Reportedly, these injuries have prompted local health agencies to examine protections in place for customers. Though vape products sold illegally certainly come with more than their share of risks, unfortunately, these injuries linked to legal vape products indicate that even legal products may pose a health danger.

NPR notes that testing standards for cannabis are not consistent across states that have legalized the drug, so vape products may contain may contain elements that are tested for in some states, but not in others.

Schuchat says that more data is needed to fully understand the risks of vaping, especially give the number of factors at play — state regulations and differing chemicals, to name a few.