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While vape sales around the nation continue to plummet as news of a vaping-related lung disease spreads, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released preliminary findings from a nationwide investigation into the probable cause. 

As of Monday morning, there are 805 cases of lung disease suspected to be related to vaping across 45 different states, and 12 deaths are now associated with the issue. 

Although the new CDC report does not identify a specific solvent or source that led to the outbreak, the organization has now identified a number of clear patterns behind vape users who have suffered from lung issues. 

77% of those with the illness reported using THC vape products, though it remains unclear if the cartridges associated with the lung disease outbreak come from multiple suppliers or a single source. 

That preliminary info relies on self-reported data from more than 500 confirmed cases, and includes findings culled from official morbidity and mortality weekly reports issued in Wisconsin and Illinois. 

Warning against using any vaporizer products at all until the outbreak’s root cause is discovered, the Centers For Disease Control issued this statement: 

While this investigation is ongoing, CDC recommends people consider refraining from use of e-cigarette/vaping products, particularly those containing THC. In addition, the report from Illinois and Wisconsin showed that nearly all THC-containing products reported were packaged, prefilled cartridges that were primarily acquired from informal sources such as friends, family members, illicit dealers, or off the street.

Health organizations at individual state levels have released their own warnings in recent weeks, with the New York Department of Health notably updating its medical marijuana guidelines website to warn patients against using any vape products at this time.  

Other countries have taken similar measures, as Health Canada just issued a statement requesting that all vape users monitor themselves for symptoms of pulmonary illness and seek medical attention if they experience shortness of breath or chest pain. 

Meanwhile, licensed cannabis producers in both the U.S. and Canada have issued their own statements reassuring customers that their THC products are safe and tested according to all applicable laws. Those statements haven’t soothed skittish investors at this point, as most cannabis stocks continue to trade well below their earlier 2019 prices from back in April. 

About Author

Ty Arthur

Ty Arthur

Ty Arthur has spent the last decade of his journalism career covering everything from cutting-edge tech to local news through outlets such as the Houston Chronicle. He has focused on the counterculture aspects of society, from marijuana legalization to underground music through Metalunderground.com and rapidly changing trends in the entertainment industry. He lives in the cold, dark north with his wife and son.

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