The Missouri chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) has expressed grave concerns over the state's Division of Cannabis' recent decision to allow a 25-fold increase in the amount of Vitamin E Acetate permitted in cannabis products sold throughout the state. The decision, made in February, has left advocates questioning the rationale behind the move and its potential impact on public health.
Vitamin E Acetate, a substance that does not occur naturally during marijuana growth, has been linked to thousands of hospitalizations and dozens of deaths in the United States in 2019 when it was added to illegal cannabis products. The chemical is often used to enhance the viscosity of organic products, such as vaporization cartridges, to make them more appealing to consumers.
Missouri NORML coordinator Dan Viets stated, "There appears to be no rational explanation for why the state of Missouri would dramatically increase the amount of a very toxic substance in legal cannabis products when none of it whatsoever should be present in them."
In February, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' (DHSS) Division of Cannabis Regulation made the controversial decision to revise the tolerable amount of Vitamin E Acetate in legal products from 0.2 parts per million (ppm) to 5 ppm, a staggering 25-fold increase. This change has left advocates and public health experts baffled and deeply concerned about the potential risks to consumers.
NORML claims to have reached out to DHSS several times, seeking an explanation for the dramatic increase. The only response they have received so far states, "DCR determined the good cause for granting this variance is that it provides accurate standardization of the method reference material for testing licensees, reduces the risks for false failures, and to ensure Vitamin E Acetate is not added to marijuana product."
However, NORML argues that increasing the tolerance level for Vitamin E Acetate cannot possibly "ensure Vitamin E Acetate is not added to marijuana products." The organization believes that the decision contradicts the very purpose of ensuring consumer safety and preventing the addition of this harmful substance to cannabis products.
The lack of transparency and clear communication from DHSS has further fueled concerns among advocates and the public. Many are calling for a thorough explanation of the decision-making process and the scientific basis behind the increased tolerance level.
The public and cannabis industry stakeholders are eagerly awaiting further clarification on this matter, as the health and safety of consumers remain the top priority.
The decision to allow higher levels of Vitamin E Acetate in cannabis products has not only raised questions about the state's commitment to public health but has also cast doubts on the regulatory process and its ability to protect consumers effectively. As more states legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, it is crucial that regulatory bodies prioritize consumer safety and make evidence-based decisions to prevent potential harm.
The Missouri chapter of NORML, along with other advocates and concerned citizens, will continue to press for answers and demand accountability from the state's regulatory authorities. The outcome of this controversy could have far-reaching implications for the cannabis industry and the trust that consumers place in the products they purchase from legal dispensaries.
Vitamin E Acetate, a substance that does not occur naturally during marijuana growth, has been linked to thousands of hospitalizations and dozens of deaths in the United States in 2019 when it was added to illegal cannabis products. The chemical is often used to enhance the viscosity of organic products, such as vaporization cartridges, to make them more appealing to consumers.
Missouri NORML coordinator Dan Viets stated, "There appears to be no rational explanation for why the state of Missouri would dramatically increase the amount of a very toxic substance in legal cannabis products when none of it whatsoever should be present in them."
In February, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' (DHSS) Division of Cannabis Regulation made the controversial decision to revise the tolerable amount of Vitamin E Acetate in legal products from 0.2 parts per million (ppm) to 5 ppm, a staggering 25-fold increase. This change has left advocates and public health experts baffled and deeply concerned about the potential risks to consumers.
NORML claims to have reached out to DHSS several times, seeking an explanation for the dramatic increase. The only response they have received so far states, "DCR determined the good cause for granting this variance is that it provides accurate standardization of the method reference material for testing licensees, reduces the risks for false failures, and to ensure Vitamin E Acetate is not added to marijuana product."
However, NORML argues that increasing the tolerance level for Vitamin E Acetate cannot possibly "ensure Vitamin E Acetate is not added to marijuana products." The organization believes that the decision contradicts the very purpose of ensuring consumer safety and preventing the addition of this harmful substance to cannabis products.
The lack of transparency and clear communication from DHSS has further fueled concerns among advocates and the public. Many are calling for a thorough explanation of the decision-making process and the scientific basis behind the increased tolerance level.
The public and cannabis industry stakeholders are eagerly awaiting further clarification on this matter, as the health and safety of consumers remain the top priority.
The decision to allow higher levels of Vitamin E Acetate in cannabis products has not only raised questions about the state's commitment to public health but has also cast doubts on the regulatory process and its ability to protect consumers effectively. As more states legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, it is crucial that regulatory bodies prioritize consumer safety and make evidence-based decisions to prevent potential harm.
The Missouri chapter of NORML, along with other advocates and concerned citizens, will continue to press for answers and demand accountability from the state's regulatory authorities. The outcome of this controversy could have far-reaching implications for the cannabis industry and the trust that consumers place in the products they purchase from legal dispensaries.
