Ohio bans vitamin E acetate from medical marijuana vapes after CDC links it to lung illnesses

COLUMBUS – Ohio medical marijuana regulators have banned a vape oil ingredient after federal health officials linked the additive to cases of vaping-related lung injury.

The Ohio Department of Commerce on Friday night banned tocopheryl acetate, also known as vitamin E acetate. Earlier on Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a link between the oil and cases of the lung illness seen in more than 2,000 people nationwide, including 52 in Ohio.

The ban is preemptive – none of Ohio’s licensed processors uses the additive in its vape oils. In a press release, commerce director Sheryl Maxfield said vape products will now be tested for vitamin E acetate.

Vitamin E acetate is a supplement found in lotion and skincare products. It’s also been used as a cutting agent in oils containing THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis. Pure THC oil extracted from cannabis is very thick. Vitamin E acetate is used to make less potent oils thicker.

Most confirmed cases of the lung injury have been linked to illegal THC vape products, though some patients reported only using nicotine vape products or e-cigarettes, or a combination of THC and nicotine vapes.

Vitamin E acetate was first suspected as a culprit by New York officials in September.  [Read More @ Cincinnati Enquirer]