Test Shows Bootleg Marijuana Vapes Produce Vapor Containing Formaldehyde

A cannabis testing lab in California found that illegal marijuana vape cartridges produce vapor that contains harmful and deadly chemicals. Technicians at CannaSafe tested six bootleg vapes and found that the vapor contained pesticides, formaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide. While previous tests have been conducted on the oils used in the devices, CannaSafe is the first lab to test the vapor that users inhale.

One of the products illegally sold under the name Maui Waui contained 1,500 times the legal limit of pesticides.

"It had everything bad in it," said Antonio Frazier, the vice president of operations CannaSafe. "If you look at some of the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] data for fatal dosing, I'd be willing to bet that some of these are over what they would consider a fatal dose."

The harmful chemicals only appeared in vapor from bootleg cartridges. The company also tested seven vapes purchased legally at dispensaries and found no traces of the chemicals or pesticides.

Over the past year, thousands of people have developed a lung disease related to vaping. The disease has killed 39 people, and the CDC announced they believe that illegal cartridges cut with vitamin E acetate may be responsible for the outbreak.

Photo: Getty Images


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