ARTS & CULTURE
3
WHAT’S GOING ON WITH OREGON’S VAPING ILLNESSES?
BY VICTORIA DU RLING
COPY EDITOR
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On Oct. 4, Governor Kate Brown announced her plan for a 180-day ban on thè
sale of flavored cannabis and,nicotine vaping products in the state of Oregon.
October 15, Gov. Brown’s ban was enacted — and less than 48 hours later, the
Oregon Court of Appeals sort of dverturned it. Where does that leave vaping
fans in Oregon?
What changed?
Because the appellate court decision had no bearing on the standing of
cannabis vaporizing products in Oregon, the ban remains in effect as originally
mandated by Brown. The Oregon Health Authority issued a statement the day
of the court’s decision, saying, in part, “ The Oregon Health Authority has been
informed that the Court of Appeals granted a temporary stay of OHA’s rule's
that ban the sale of flavored vaping products. This decision means the rules
are, for now, not in effect; the agency is communicating With its partners,
including local public health authorities and other state agencies, that
enforcement of the rules will betemporarily suspended. ”
So, what can I buy?
restricted in the state, tob’acco-flavored, marijuana-flavored, and nicotine-
based flavored vapingproducts arc back on the market. The only products still
banned'are flavored marijuana-based goods.
What was the problem?
Two people in the state of Oregon died as a result of vaping a flavored
product, on top of nine other illnesses reported as well 7* it’s unclear at the
time exactly what caused the illnesses here in Oregon, and in other states. In
an effort to stop further harm from befalling Oregonians, Brown attempted
to institute the full ban. The ban stood for 48 hours, before it was overturned
as smoke shop owners disputed her action; many had to come to terms with
potentially closing their stores and letting their employees go in a matter of
days.
Overall, the Center for Disease Control reported on Oct. 17, that 33 people
have died thus far from vaping around the United States, and new illnesses are
still being reported.
Have they figured out what’ s causing the problems?
While the sale of flavored marijuana-based vaping products is still
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While officials are still unaware of exactly what is causing the illnesses and
deaths of vaping fans, one stand-out product has emerged. “ Dank Vapes
appears to Be the most prominent in a class of largely counterfeit brands,
with common packaging that is easily availableonline and that is used by
distributors to market THC-containing cartridges,” reads a report from the
Center for Disease Control.
The offending substance, believed to be causing the vaping illnesses, as
reported by the FDA, is vitamin E acetate. The vitamin E acetate is used to
dilute, or “ cut” the THC oil and produce a cheaper product.
Is vaping safe?
x While is it still recommended hy Oregon public health officials to not begin
vaping, they warn active srnokers to only purchase their products through
legitimate stores, so.you know what you’re purchasing.
of students surveyed, smoke
of CCC smokers vape
of vape smokers do not plan to quit
■
of students survey don’t smoke
* Z
,
Clackamas Print
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of students surveyed followed the
news about vaping
Source: survey of 99 CCC students on the Oregon City campus
theclackamasprint.com
October 3 0 ,2 0 1 9