Summary
Introduction:
This article presents a study on the chemical constituents of cannabis vape oil cartridges, with a focus on the differences between vape oil liquid, vapor, and aerosol phases. The study was conducted to better understand the potential health risks associated with vaping cannabis products.
Key Points:
* The study analyzed twelve cannabis vape cartridges obtained from California dispensaries, two before and ten during the EVaLI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) outbreak.
* a nontargeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) screen method was used to detect and identify unknown and suspicious compounds in the vape oil liquid.
* headspace GC-MS and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) GC-MS methods were used to test vape oil composition in its vapor and aerosol phases.
* The study identified over 100 terpenes and natural extracts, 19 cannabinoids, and other potential toxic additives such as Vitamin E acetate, Polyethylene Glycols, and Medium Chain Triglycerides.
* Delta9-ThC and potential toxic additives were found at lower levels in the vapor and aerosol than in the vape liquid.
* The study found that heating and aerosolizing the vape oil produced different major constituents and their amounts in the vapor or aerosol that get into the user's lungs.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of testing cannabis vape products for potential health risks. The authors suggest that a nonclinical toxicity assessment can help address the potential toxicity of chemicals, especially novel chemicals and impurities generated from heating in product delivery systems. The study also demonstrates that different major constituents and their amounts are present in the vapor or aerosol that get into the user's lungs, emphasizing the need for further research on the health effects of vaping cannabis products. Overall, the study underscores the need for stricter regulations and testing of cannabis vape products to ensure consumer safety.
Citation
Guo J, hecht SS. DNa damage in human oral cells induced by use of e-cigarettes. Drug testing and analysis. Published online September 28, 2022. doi:10.1002/dta.3375
