Regulatory Concerns Emerge

Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) has identified a potentially harmful ingredient in some marijuana vaping products, but testing for it won’t begin until October 2024. The substance in question is medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, often derived from coconut or palm oil. Studies have shown that inhaling MCT oil could lead to respiratory problems, including shortness of breath and lung inflammation.

The Issue with MCT Oil

MCT oil is used to dilute THC distillate oil in vaping products. This dilution serves two purposes: it makes the oil easier to heat and convert into an inhalable aerosol, and it reduces production costs, potentially increasing profits for manufacturers. While MCT oil is not permitted in Michigan vaping products, the lack of testing has allowed some producers to include it without detection.

Cassin Coleman, chair of the National Cannabis Industry Association scientific advisory committee, explains that some producers may be unknowingly adding MCT oil through terpenes, which are allowed additives that enhance flavour and smell. These terpenes and flavourings are sometimes diluted with MCT oil themselves.

Extent of the Problem

The full scope of MCT oil use in Michigan’s marijuana vaping products remains unclear. However, Jackson-based Infinite Chemical Analysis Lab conducted sample tests on various retail products earlier in 2024. Their findings revealed that nearly 10% of the tested products contained MCT oil, with concentrations ranging from less than 1% to as high as 20%.

Regulatory Response

The CRA believes that the market will largely self-regulate the use of MCT oil out of existence. CRA spokesman David Harns stated, “We’ve seen marijuana retailers voluntarily removing products with MCT oil from their shelves already and we fully expect that this action will result in the rest of the industry doing the same prior to the October 1 deadline.”

However, some industry experts, like Coleman, question the delay in action. Coleman expressed confusion about why it would take until October to implement testing and why the information wasn’t being more broadly presented to the public.

Parallels to Past Health Crises

The use of MCT oil in vaping products bears similarities to the previous use of vitamin E acetate, which was linked to nearly 2,800 hospitalisations and 68 deaths in the U.S. by February 2020, including three in Michigan. Like vitamin E acetate before the health crisis, there haven’t been significant studies to determine the risks related to MCT oil.

David Egerton, lab manager at Infinite Chemical Analysis, noted, “It’s believed to have some potential, similar to vitamin E acetate, for causing lung issues to occur. The acute harm potential from these compounds is not quite at the level of vitamin E acetate but there is certainly some potential there.”

Industry Impact and Response

Vaping cartridges constitute a significant portion of Michigan’s marijuana market, accounting for about 20% of all sales last year, translating to nearly $585 million in revenue. In May 2024 alone, vaping cartridge sales reached over $52 million.

Some industry insiders argue that immediately halting the sale of all vaping cartridges for MCT oil testing is not feasible. Egerton described it as an “impossible task” to require across-the-board MCT oil testing “right off the bat.”

However, some businesses are taking proactive measures. Robin Schneider, executive director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, reported that several retail members have been pulling and testing their inventory to ensure the brands they showcase do not contain MCT oil.

Consumer Awareness and Safety

For consumers, there is currently no foolproof way to know if vaping products contain MCT oil. Experts suggest that lower THC concentrations might indicate that producers are cutting the distillate with something else, but this is not a definitive indicator.

The CRA hopes to have a new state-run lab operating by the end of 2024, which regulators believe will help hold producers accountable and better protect the public. CRA Executive Director Brian Hanna emphasised the importance of prioritising respiratory safety when formulating inhalable products.

Source: MLive