California’s stringent cannabis testing requirements have become even more rigorous, as dangerous levels of lead contamination are now being found in vape cartridges. Vaping has gained popularity among both medicinal and recreational cannabis users due to its convenience and portability compared to traditional smoking methods. However, recent testing has revealed concerning levels of lead metal contamination in some vape carts.
Lead exposure is known to have adverse health effects, particularly in children. In adults, symptoms may include high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, headaches, mood disorders, and difficulties with memory or concentration. Pregnant women exposed to lead can experience miscarriage or premature birth, which can impact the child’s health even if carried to term without complications. To minimize lead exposure, many countries have banned products containing lead, such as paint.
Typically, heavy metal contamination in cannabis products occurs through cross-contamination during processing or absorption from soil-borne heavy metals during the plant’s growth phase. However, the source of lead contamination in vape carts is different. Chinese metal foundries add small amounts of lead into brass and copper feedstocks to improve moldability during electronics production. While these levels comply with Chinese standards (4% or 40,000 parts per million), they exceed California’s new regulations that require detectable lead levels to be under 0.5 parts per million.
It is essential to note that while the metal used in vape carts may contain high levels of lead, it does not necessarily mean that the cannabis oil inside the cart will be contaminated. Testing at SC Labs has shown that approximately 0.5% of vape carts fail lead contamination tests. The failure could result from acidic cannabis oil leaching lead from metal components or different testing methods contaminating previously uncontaminated oil.
Consumers should be aware that certain brands of vape carts have been affected by lead contamination, despite some performing better in heavy metal tests than others. To completely eliminate the risk of lead contamination, changes in the production process at Chinese metal foundries are necessary. However, this cannot occur immediately as many foundries are currently closed for Chinese New Year celebrations. Consumers concerned about lead detection should check the dates of manufacture on their vape carts. Products manufactured after January 1, 2019, will have passed heavy metal detection tests and have lead levels no higher than 0.5 parts per million.
To ensure lead-free products, consumers will need to wait until new lead-free vape carts enter the California market in late February. It is crucial to avoid purchasing vape carts from the illicit black market as they have not undergone testing and may contain high levels of lead. The discovery of lead contamination in vape cartridges highlights the need for continued vigilance in ensuring consumer safety and regulatory compliance within the cannabis industry.
