With rising concerns about vaping and health, authorities are investigating the sources of ingredients used to manufacture “vape juice.” Specifically, they are looking into the supply chain of ingredients that go into “home-brewed” vape products purchased or obtained on the street or from friends or acquaintances, particularly those used to create cannabis vape, which has been implicated in 85 percent of vape-related illnesses.

Much Remains Unknown

So far, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has gathered more than 900 vape cartridge samples from across the country. These samples are undergoing tests for opioids, pesticides and other potential toxins that dealers may be using to “cut” — or stretch — their supplies. One such cutting agent that has been found in approximately half of the people who have contracted a lung disease is Vitamin E acetate, a substance commonly used by dealers to dilute THC vape oils in order to increase profits.

According to Mitch Zeller, head of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, nine out of 10 vape cartridges implicated in lung injuries were obtained from “informal sources” – and a great deal has yet to be learned. “We don’t know what kind of modifications are being done to the devices,” Zeller told USA Today. “There could be multiple causes [of illnesses].”

Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control agreed. “We don’t know what the risky material or substance is,” she said.

What About Commercial THC Vape Products?

While most of the recent concerns over vaping and health have centered on bootleg THC cartridges, commercial products have not escaped scrutiny. One company, PAX Labs, has found itself drawn into the controversy. In September, a PAX representative issued a statement assuring the public that none of its products has been implicated in cases of the “mystery lung disease” or deaths resulting from vaping THC. “None of the brand partners who fill and distribute our pods use Vitamin E acetate in PAX formulations, and all pods are subject to rigorous state regulatory compliance and testing,” the statement read.

PAX also echoed the FDA’s advisory, warning consumers to avoid purchasing cannabis vape products from unlicensed retailers. However, in early October, the FDA went further, advising U.S. consumers to stop using cannabis vape altogether, even if purchased from legitimate sources.

Both PAX and the FDA have also warned consumers against modifying vape devices or adding anything to the oils. Faced with questions over vape-related lung diseases, PAX established its own “health advisory board” in late September. Although the company categorically denies that its products are responsible for the lung disease, the fact remains that very little is known for certain about the cause of these illnesses.

Despite Vaping and Health Warnings, Some Hackers Continue Promoting ‘Mods’

Regardless of intentions, PAX has little to no control over what happens to its products once it leaves retail stores. For example, a YouTube channel entitled “Vape How Tos” posted a video entitled “How to Fill a PAX Era Pod the Easiest Way Possible,” touting it as a way to save money. Since it was posted nearly a year ago, it has garnered some 57,000 views.

To date, vape-related lung disease has affected more than 1,600 people, with 34 deaths reported.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.