On October 4, 2019, FDA strengthened the warning initially issued to consumers and healthcare providers in early September regarding avoiding use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vaping products due to a potential association with respiratory illness. FDA is now warning consumers to stop using all vaping products containing THC.
The FDA in collaboration with the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments are analyzing samples of vaping products for chemicals that may cause harm with use, such as heavy metals, opioids, pesticides, and poisons. The majority of vaping product samples tested in this investigation have been found to contain THC and most patients with respiratory illness report using THC vaping products. There have now been over 1,000 reports of lung injury in patients using vaping products. The investigation is still ongoing.
There are no FDA-approved vaping products, so it is difficult to ensure the ingredient make-up and safety of vaping products containing THC. FDA has issued several warnings due to the association of THC vaping products with the outbreak of respiratory illness. Stop using vaping products containing THC or illicit vaping products obtained from noncommercial sources. Do not alter vaping products purchased in stores by adding THC or other oils to them. Do not using vaping products if you are under the age of 18. Do not use vaping products if you are pregnant. Do not start using vaping products if you are not a tobacco user. Adults using e-cigarettes should not return to smoking cigarettes.
If you continue using vaping products containing THC, monitor for signs and symptoms of respiratory illness (eg, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain). Contact your provider if you experience any adverse effects from vaping products.
Patients and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report adverse effects associated with these products to the FDA Safety Reporting Portal: https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/tobacco-science-research/safety-reporting-portal-tobacco-products
More information is available at the following link:
- FDA Safety Alert
- October 4, 2019
- September 6, 2019