State-regulated marijuana vape cartridges aren’t safe in Hawaii, doctor and whistleblower say

June 5, 2020
AggregatedNews
Hawaii, Science and Technology, Vaping Crisis
0 Comments

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) – A lack of proper controls over Hawaii’s medical marijuana dispensaries is putting patients’ health in danger, a doctor and state Department of Health whistleblower told Hawaii News Now during a months-long investigation.

Medical cannabis is prescribed to provide relief for some of the most crippling conditions, and is supposed to be a safe alternative to addictive prescription painkillers.

But an HNN investigation revealed many of the vaping cartridges being sold in Oahu’s dispensaries would be banned in other states for failing to meet safety standards.

And some patients are reporting symptoms that doctors believe are directly linked to chemicals the state Department of Health doesn’t require testing for.

Dr. Clifton Otto is one of two board-certified cannabis physicians in the state, and has grave concerns about the state’s oversight of the program.

“At least a third of my patients are coming to me with concerns about the cartridges,” he said.

And he’s not talking about the ones bought on the black market. The vape pen refills his patents use are being purchased at Hawaii’s state-regulated marijuana shops.

Otto says they’re at the center of dozens of complaints.

“Not all of them experience the burning or the strange taste. But the majority of them do,” he said. [Read More @ Hawaii News Now]