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Massachusetts’ Ban on THC Vapes Comes to an End

Massachusetts' Ban on THC Vapes Comes to an End

Politics

Massachusetts’ Ban on THC Vapes Comes to an End

One day after the ban on e-cigarettes was lifted, THC vapes will be allowed again under new rules.

As the number of mysterious vape-related illnesses seems to slowly wane, some of the restrictions implemented on them, at least within certain state jurisdictions, also appear to be fading along with them. Most notably, in Massachusetts, where a full-on ban on vaping and the sale and distribution of vape-related products was recently reversed.

On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health voted to remove the ban while implementing lesser-regulations on flavored tobacco products and e-cigarettes. However, the new ordinances did not originally mention anything about THC vaping products; the state legalized recreational marijuana sales in November of last year.

But cannabis smokers didn’t have to wait long on the issue—the state’s ban on THC came to a ban just one day later, albeit with some new regulations in place.

THC Vape Cartridges Once Again Permitted in Massachusetts

On Thursday, the Cannabis Control Commission voted to once again allow the sales of cannabis vape pens and cartridges filled with THC oil. Patrons were allowed to purchase the product as of 2 p.m. that day.

The commission determined that there was not nearly enough evidence to determine that the mysterious lung illnesses were the result of dispensary-issued products. Still, the commission’s executive director, Shawn Collins, said that they will take additional preventive measures to ensure all THC products are clean and free from harmful additives.

“Today, hopefully, is the start of a process,” said Shawn Collins, the commission’s executive director.

Under the new set of laws, all cartridges sold after December 12th must be tested vitamin E acetate and other contaminants, such as heavy metals. Vitamin E acetate has been the chief contaminant found in black market products. The cutting agent wasn’t found in any legally-sold products, however. Other harmful components, such as Hydrogen Cyanide, have been found in illicit vapes.

Conversely, any products produced before December 12th will be quarantined indefinitely.

Each product will have to include a disclaimer on the packaging as well. The warning must read: “This product has been tested for contaminants, including Vitamin E Acetate, with no adverse findings. WARNING: Vaporizer Products may contain ingredients harmful to health when inhaled.”

The move comes as a major win for cannabis dispensaries. Some businesses saw up to 40% decreases in sales after the statewide ban. However, New England Treatment Access president Amanda Rositano believes its a win for all sides.

“ is really a win for our customers and our patients who can now have access to a product that has been tested, that’s well regulated, that comes with accurate information about what’s inside those products, and that really drives them back into the regulated market and away from the illicit market,” she said.

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