New regulations proposed by the California Bureau of Cannabis Control are intended to protect consumers from the rise in vaping lung problems.

The new regulations would require that cannabis companies display QR codes that would allow customers to quickly find the company’s license information according to the California Bureau of Cannabis Control. QR (quick response) codes can be scanned with a smartphone to bring up a website or application, in this case bringing the customer to a page that would let them verify if the store has their proper, active licenses.

“The proposed regulations will help consumers avoid purchasing cannabis goods from unlicensed businesses by providing a simple way to confirm licensure immediately before entering the premises or receiving a delivery,” said Bureau Chief Lori Ajax in a statement according to Law360. “These requirements will also assist law enforcement in distinguishing between legal and illegal transportation of cannabis goods.”

These proposed rules are considered emergency regulations, and come in response to an increasing number of reports of vaping lung problems. More and more people are reporting vaping lung problems such as e-cigarette/vaping-associated lung injury, also known as EVALI. One of the major concerns regarding vaping risks is that many of the vape products associated with these injuries reportedly came from unlicensed retailers.

It is not always obvious whether or not a particular business is legal—their names are often very similar to the names of legitimate businesses, so simply searching the internet for confirmation that a company is legitimate may not be easy.

These QR codes are meant to bring a consumer directly to that licensure information, making it much more clear to the consumer if the shop they’re entering is licensed and, therefore, subject to the state’s testing requirements for safety.

“We initially put the QR code campaign forward as a voluntary measure to help consumer identify legal shops,” said a spokesperson for the California Bureau of Cannabis Control, Alex Traverso, in a press release. “But in the interest of public safety, we thought it would be best to make it mandatory. And we feel like this is something legal shops want to display.”

A total of 2,711 cases of vaping lung injuries resulting in hospitalization had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as of January 21, 2020, along with 60 deaths.

Filing an E-Cigarette Lawsuit Over Vaping Lung Problems

If you or someone you love has suffered from vaping lung problems or other complications after using e-cigarettes, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these health complications, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Pursuing litigation can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.