Health

Illicit THC Cartridges May Be Linked To Vaping Illnesses

The death toll associated with vaping-related illnesses is now 12.

Illicit THC Cartridges May Be Linked To Vaping Illnesses
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New data from the CDC shows the recent spate of vaping-related illnesses may be linked to to products that include THC — the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

Researchers interviewed 86 patients in Illinois and Wisconsin. 87% of those people said they used THC vapes in the months leading up to when they got sick.

On Friday, health officials said that while no single product has been linked to all cases, there have been patterns involving cartridges with certain labels. 

Most prominently, many of the cases were linked to products that said "Dank Vapes" on the label. Officials say "Dank Vapes" is a generic label — THC sellers can put it on any product regardless of what it is or how it was made.

On Thursday, the CDC said the death toll associated with vaping-related illnesses is at least 12. It also updated the number of reported illnesses to 805 on Thursday, up 52% from the week before.

While researchers have found links to THC products, it's important to note that some patients have reported only using nicotine. The CDC recommends holding off on vaping altogether — but especially with THC products.