Breathing Easier: An Update on the Massachusetts Vape Ban

By Lilly Bertone

Yesterday, December 12th 2019, the Cannabis Control Commission released an amended quarantine order, ending the current ban on THC vaporizing devices and products. Don’t go running to the dispensary yet, though. Licensees now have a list of new compliance regulations they need to implement before sales get started up again. 

Customers will now have the knowledge of all additives used in the production of the contents inside the cartridge (like thickeners and reintroduced terpenes) and the manufacturing information of the batteries, atomizers and coils used in the vaporizing devices. This can’t just be shared by word of mouth at check out. A disclaimer and warning of potential health risks associated with vaping must be posted in the store and printed literature with that same disclaimer and warning must be included at the point of sale. The licensees will also have to update their website with this information.

The ban originated on November 12th as a result of a public health crisis declared by Massachusetts Governor and the CDC. The additive Vitamin E Acetate (VEA) was found to be the cause of a multi-state outbreak of E-cigarette and Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI).  Over 1,000 patients reported using a vaping device and then feeling symptoms like chest pains, coughing, and even death. ​

Further investigations prompted the amendment from the CCC because of the samples collected from licensed marijuana establishments and medical treatment centers, none contained VEA. Echoing the point made by the public that these illnesses were from a non-regulated establishment, or the “black-market”. 
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 If you have a vaporizing product purchased before December 12th and are concerned about it’s contents, the establishment should have the product’s original testing information. As always, if you need guidance on vaporizing cannabis for medical relief, reach out to us here at the CED Clinic!