Future of Delta 8 THC Vape Laws Post Juul Ban
Cannabinoid and nicotine products are different from each other – from “growing” to their pharmaceutical effects. However, certain governments have regulated both hand in hand. Think of the agencies’ general overbearing sense of duty. Will the FDA’s recent ban on Juul products hint at future vape laws regarding minor cannabinoids like delta-8-THC?
New illegal vape pods
The FDA has restricted vapes from Juul, a popular vape brand in the US. Four pods were also banned, including two nicotine concentrations of Virginia tobacco and menthol flavors. According to the FDA, this is due to health concerns. Studies by Juul raise toxicological concerns. In addition, safety against leaking liquid cannot be guaranteed.
Consumers cannot be targeted by the law. But retailers who sell banned Juul vapes are doing so unlawfully and may be fined. In line with an outright ban on a popular vape product, there are plans to reduce the nicotine content in cigarettes.
Compare deaths next to the obvious player
Cigarette deaths have been appalling for decades. Related to this, deaths from cannabis are rare and occur more frequently when large amounts of biomass overwhelm a person. Weed is as deadly as a brick. While synthetic cannabinoids as well as poor formulations in THC vape pens have been responsible for several deaths in recent years.
E-cigarettes and vapes for nicotine and cannabis products have caused 68 deaths and 2,807 injuries. One factor in any vape is its construction and formulation. And in the case of vaping-related injuries, poorly formulated vape oils are almost entirely to blame. Aside from vitamin acetate, another flavoring compound can cause popcorn lung. However, keep in mind that acetylated cannabinoids like THC-o-acetate can also produce a toxic gas when vaporized.
A Juul vape device now banned by the FDA in the US.
Cannabinoids in Stream
Oregon recently banned all man-made cannabinoids, which includes Delta-8, among other isomers. Delta-8 THC is chemically converted from hemp-derived CBD. This means that legislation affecting THC isomers in the US was crucial – categorizing the plant as either hemp or cannabis.
In Canada, the future vape pens for cannabis and even delta-8-THC depend on several laws. First, there is the Cannabis Act (Bill C-45), which encompasses Canada’s cannabis regulations. Second, the Tobacco and Vapor Products Act combines cannabinoids and nicotine.
Is Delta 8 THC safe?
Nicotine binds to a specific site on the acetylcholine (ACH) receptor. Activation of nicotinic receptors causes depolarization and an increase in calcium currents. THC isomers tend to counteract this effect. Aside from how delta-8-THC affects humans, little is still known in the literature. But regulators are more concerned with clinical trials, which were previously restricted due to the ban on THC.
A Delta-8 THC pharmacology study that highlights what happens to the cannabinoid after consumption is a big step. Over time, science will continue to separate cannabis and nicotine laws into their respective categories for the future of vape pens, and hopefully the market as a whole.
Let us know what you think of the FDA’s decision to ban Juul vapes in the comments. What do you think the future of the small cannabinoid market will be without the support of clinical trials?
Sources
- FDA. 06/23/2022. FDA Denies Marketing Approval for JUUL Products Press Release.
- Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. Division 26 limits for adult use of cannabis and hemp. Chapter 845. Accessed 6/24/2022.
- Gastaldo, E. 2013. Guy Crushed to Death by His Own Marijuana. United States today.
- Strongin R, Munger K, Jensen R. Vaporization of cannabinoid acetates leads to ketene formation. ChemRxiv. 2022. doi:10.26434/chemrxiv-2022-v379b-v2 This content is a preprint and has not been peer-reviewed.
- Tage M, Klumpers LE. Review of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC): Comparative Pharmacology with Δ9-THC [published online ahead of print, 2022 May 6]. Br J Pharmacol. 2022;10.1111/bph.15865. doi:10.1111/bph.15865
footnote(s)
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-denies-authorization-market-juul-products
https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=287299
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