Pot products containing THC-O-acetate could cause EVALI lung disease, a new study warns

from Nina Zdinjak

Remember the 2019-2020 EVALI lung disease outbreak that hospitalized thousands and killed nearly 70? What was making people sick back then was vitamin E acetate, an additive often found in unlicensed vape cartridges.

Now, a new study published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology warns about THC-O-acetate, a potent psychoactive cannabinoid derived from hemp, saying it could potentially cause EVALI lung disease when vaped or smoked is first reported by Cal NORML.

Photo by Ruslan Alekso via Pexels

Products containing THC-O-Acetate, which has not been tested for human safety and is believed to be three times more potent than delta-9-THC, are advertised online and sold on the black market.

RELATED: What Is THC-O, and Is It Legal?

THC-O-Acetate shares some structural similarities with Vitamin E Acetate, according to the report. Both substances, when heated in a vape pen, produce a “highly potent lung toxin” ketene – a likely cause of EVALI. The study authors noted that toxicity can be acute or chronic, depending on dose and duration.

“Cal NORML strongly advises consumers to avoid hemp products containing psychoactive cannabinoids, particularly novel ones that are more potent than THC, the safety of which is particularly questionable,” wrote Cal NORML.

RELATED: What Is THC-O, and Why Is This Psychedelic Cannabinoid 3x Potent Than THC?

“CBD products can be safely sourced from federally registered manufacturers of industrial hemp products, whose products must be tested for safety and cannabinoid content. Under state law, hemp products should have a batch number and label, as well as a website, QR code, or barcode that links them to lab results that indicate cannabinoid levels, total THC, and the presence of impurities. The results also include the manufacturer’s address and phone number. Violations can be reported to CDPH.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.

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