We at Arizona Natural Concepts Dispensary take the health and safety of our patients very seriously. We are deeply concerned by the recent news reports surrounding certain vape products and their alleged connection to detrimental health outcomes. While the source and cause of these issues is being looked into by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and other agencies, we want to share some important information about the vendors that supply the various vape products we carry at ANC Dispensary.

The CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) are currently investigating approximately 450 reported cases of illness and death resulting from the use of e-cigarettes, including those associated with a nicotine delivery system commonly known as “vaping.” Nationwide, some of those incidents involve THC-products.

None of the reported incidents have occurred in connection with products procured from an Arizona medical marijuana dispensary.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the adverse reactions have involved the use of products infused with Vitamin E acetate, a substance which is not an approved additive for medicinal cannabis. Vitamin E acetate causes a wax-like buildup in the lungs and can result in serous or fatal respiratory distress for users.

According to our vendors, none of the vape products sold at ANC Dispensary use vitamin E acetate as an additive, nor do they use cutting agents such as polyethylene glycol (“PEG”), propylene glycol (“PG”), vegetable glycerin (“VG”) or medium chain triglycerides (“MCT”) which are used by many vape manufacturers. Additionally, the vaping hardware that they supply us is produced by vendors that maintain the highest quality manufacturing standards.

Until the CDC/FDA can conclusively determine the cause of the reported illnesses/fatalities, the government recommends that consumers refrain from using e-cigarettes. The Arizona Department of Health urges e-cigarette users of all ages to refrain from buying cannabis products from street vendors or adding substances to the regulated cannabis product sold at ANC Dispensary.

The well-being of our patients is, and has always been, our number one goal and we will continue to ensure
compliance for all our vaporized medicine products.

–ANC Dispensary