Attorney General Ford Cautions Consumers About Purchasing Street-Sold Vaping Products


October 15, 2019

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After reports of lung illness in Nevada, AG advises consumers to avoid modifying,  adding substances to nicotine, CBD, THC vaping products
 

    Carson City, NV – Amid reports of vaping-related illnesses across the United States, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford urges consumers to exercise caution while using vaping products. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) began investigating lung illnesses and deaths that appear to be related to vaping.

      While federal agencies have not yet determined the cause of the outbreak, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers not to use vaping products obtained off the street or from other illicit or social sources. Public health authorities, including the CDC, the Southern Nevada Health District, Carson City Health & Human Services, and the Washoe County Health District, are advising consumers to refrain from using all vaping products and e-cigarettes until more information is known.

        “Helping Nevadans live safe and healthy lives is a cornerstone mission of my Bureau of Consumer Protection,” said AG Ford. “Adults who use vaping products — nicotine or marijuana — should only purchase them from reputable, regulated retailers or directly from the manufacturer. Shop for THC products only at a state-licensed dispensary.”

          Thus far, the CDC has reported 1,299 cases of the lung injury from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory, including five cases in Nevada. Twenty six deaths have been confirmed in 21 states. All of the reported cases involve patients with a history of e-cigarette use or vaping, and most patients reported using products containing THC. At this time, the CDC cannot confirm the specific cause of the illness, nor can it identify a specific product or chemical. The CDC will continue to report confirmed and probable patient cases as data becomes available.

            The only legal way to purchase marijuana products in Nevada is from a state-licensed store or dispensary. Licensed marijuana retailers can be found on the State of Nevada’s Marijuana Enforcement Division website. All products sold at state-licensed dispensaries face rigorous testing prior to reaching consumers, and trained inspectors review establishments every day. Customers must show identification proving they are older than 21.

              Similarly, tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, may only be purchased by customers over the age of 18. Regardless of the outcome of the CDC’s investigation into the illness, AG Ford reminds consumers that vaping products should not be shared or used by underage youth, pregnant women or adults who do not currently use tobacco products.

                Symptoms of the lung injury include cough, shortness of breath or chest pain; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; and fatigue, fever or abdominal pain. Anyone who believes he or she may be suffering from these symptoms should consult with a doctor. Any issues related to tobacco and e-cigarettes can be reported on the FDA’s online safety portal.

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