Santa Cruz Naturals takes the health and well-being of our clients seriously. Recently, an alarming trend of lung illnesses and a number of deaths have been associated with the use of vape cartridges. 

Although there’s no clearly identified common thread among these illnesses, what is clear is that the majority, if not all, of those who’ve become ill from vaping have used a vape cartridge purchased outside the regulated cannabis market. 

Verify when buying cannabis

Whenever buying a cannabis product, you should verify that the retailer or delivery service has a valid California license. Also confirm the product itself has been properly lab tested and has been distributed through a licensed distributor.

Speculation about vape-related illnesses

There’s been a variety of opinions and much speculation about the common cause of these lung illnesses. Some researchers believe that chemical byproducts resulting from the heating of Vitamin E Acetate (often found in tobacco and non-cannabis “e-cig” vape oils) are causing the illnesses. 

Others believe that vaporized oils are literally coating and suffocating the lungs of consumers. And yet, others suspect that heavy metals or other chemicals found in cheap imported components are poisonous. 

Many researchers agree it’s unlikely these illnesses are caused by vaporizing THC or related cannabinoids. But until federal rescheduling happens with cannabis, the CDC and FDA won’t be legally authorized to conduct the research necessary to determine any clinically associated risks of vaporizing THC.

We emphasize clean, green cannabis

Santa Cruz Naturals can’t guarantee with 100% certainty that cannabis products are harmless. But we can guarantee that we only work with reputable, state licensed manufacturers and distributors. 

We continue to place an emphasis on organic, clean, pure and Clean Green Certified products. 

None of our products contain Vitamin E Acetate or other non-cannabis derived emulsifiers or liquifiers.

Be mindful of what you consume

In light of this recent issue, we want to remind you to be mindful of everything you put into your body - food, medicine, cannabis, and media. 

Always check your sources. Ask questions, be suspicious, stay informed. Copy-cat and counterfeit products are abundantly available through unlicensed retailers and delivery services, posing grave health risks. Unfortunately, anyone buying products from unlicensed retailers are truly putting themselves, and anyone they share their products with, at risk.

Shop smart and stay healthy!

Colin Disheroon, CEO

Santa Cruz Naturals