Colorado regulators released new rules on Friday that require the testing of vapor from cannabis oil and/or concentrate products. Under the new regulations, companies must test the vapor emissions from their products — which is what consumers are actually inhaling — in addition to the oil itself.
The new rules, which take effect starting January 1, 2021, are aimed at reinforcing consumer safety guidelines in light of last year’s outbreak of the vaping-related lung disease dubbed EVALI by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The announcement by Colorado regulators was commended by industry representatives in the state and cannabis vapor companies from around the country.
“We applaud the collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and our regulatory bodies. Emissions testing of vaporizer cartridges maintains Colorado as a leader in cannabis testing. Such forward-thinking policy continues to protect the safety of patients and consumers. Our membership is eager to implement the new testing standards, and further drive quality throughout the supply chain.” — Kevin Gallagher, Executive Director and Founder of the Colorado Cannabis Manufacturers Association
The change is “a common-sense evolution,” according to Echo Rufer, PhD, DABT, Head of Biocompatibility and Toxicology for California-based PAX Labs. “We’re pleased to see Colorado continue to adopt industry-leading cannabis policy, grounded in research and science,” Rufer said.
A study published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association showed that EVALI could be caused by the metals used to create certain e-cigarette and vaporizer products.
Get daily cannabis business news updates. Subscribe
End
