THC Products May Play a Role in Lung Injuries Associated with E-Cigarettes and Vaping

Findings published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) suggest that THC products are playing a role in the recent outbreak of lung injuries associated with e-cigarette and vape use.

The report details the first national comprehensive data on the characteristics of the cases, including sex, age, and select substances used in e-cigarettes or vaping products. In the CDC’s national-level report, data about substances used in these products were self-reported by 514 patients. Of the patients who reported what products they used, approximately 77% reported using THC-containing products, with or without nicotine-containing products. Meanwhile, 36% reported exclusive use of THC-containing products and 16% reported exclusive use of nicotine-containing products.

In a similar report from Illinois and Wisconsin, nearly all THC-containing products reported were packaged, prefilled cartridges that were primarily acquired from informal sources, such as friends, family, or illicit dealers.

Although the investigation is ongoing and the causes remain unknown, the CDC recommends people to consider refraining from use of e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly those containing THC.

Reference

THC products may play a role in outbreak of lung injury associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping [news release]. CDC Newsroom; September 27, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/p0927-thc-vaping.html. Accessed September 30, 2019.