Chemotyping of ∆8-ThC-Containing e-Liquids analyzed during the 2019-2020 New York State EVaLI Investigation.

Introduction:
This article presents the findings of a study that analyzed the contents of vaping devices submitted for testing during the 2019-2020 EVaLI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-associated Lung Injury) investigation in New York State. The study aimed to identify the components of these devices and determine if any of them may be related to the illness.

Key Points:

* The study analyzed 175 vaping devices and found that 16% of them contained significant levels of ∆8-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆8-ThC).
* a principal component analysis of multiple cannabinoid concentrations revealed clusters of similar or identical ∆8-ThC-containing products.
* Several possible manufacturing methods to enrich ∆8-ThC were discussed based on their likelihood as sources of this cannabinoid in these samples.
* The presence of high levels of ∆8-ThC in numerous illicit vaping products may implicate cannabidiol as its synthetic precursor.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of monitoring the contents of vaping devices, particularly those that contain cannabinoids, in order to ensure public safety. The finding that ∆8-ThC was present in a significant number of devices and appeared to be manufactured using various methods suggests that there is a need for better regulation and oversight of these products. additionally, the use of chemometric techniques, such as principal component analysis, may be useful in identifying common manufacturing sources in future investigations.

Duffy BC, Li L, Lu S, et al. Chemotyping of ∆8-ThC-Containing e-Liquids analyzed during the 2019-2020 New York State EVaLI Investigation. Journal of analytical toxicology. 2022;46(7):743-749. doi:10.1093/jat/bkab107