Don’t blame legal cannabis for the vaping health crisis, focus on black market THC
As health officials learn more about the cause of a nationwide outbreak of vaping-related illnesses and deaths, illicit-market cannabis products have emerged as a primary suspect. Unfortunately, many news reports continue to conflate these illegal products with the highly regulated and compliant products produced by state-licensed operators — sowing confusion that could ultimately strengthen the illicit market and drive more people to dangerous products.
HIGHLIGHTS
- New York’s health commissioner asserting that illegal THC products have accounted for “just about all” of the incidents in the Empire State.
- Despite these official statements, news headlines continue to misleadingly conflate illicit, often counterfeit products with regulated cannabis products.
- Unfortunately, rather than focusing on what has emerged as the root of the problem, some state policymakers are advocating for a total ban on all vaporizer products.
