Lipid Additives and Vitamin E Acetate Testing
Lipids are natural substances found in cannabis. These fatty acids, also referred to as oils or waxes, are a normal compound found in many plants, as they play a role in energy creation and storage. When it comes to cannabis, fats can actually be a good thing: as a fat-soluble compound, phytocannabinoids like THC and CBD absorb better when eaten in combination with a fat, such as infused butter or oil in edibles.
However, the opposite can be true when it comes to inhaled products, such as cannabis oil in vape carts, concentrates, or other inhalable products made with cannabis extracts. That's because most lipids are not meant to be inhaled, and robust scientific studies on the effects of these compounds on the natural function of lungs have either not been completed or suggest negative outcomes on health and human safety. Inhaling lipids beyond acceptable limits can lead to lipid accumulation in the lungs, which can contribute to serious lung diseases like COPD or lipoid pneumonia.
Lipid fats are also considered undesirable compounds because they impact the flavor and texture of cannabis concentrates. In the interest of consumer safety as well as meeting regulatory requirements in certain states, it is in the best interest of a cannabis products manufacturer to test each batch for lipids before selling them.
Why is Vitamin E acetate testing, in particular, so important?
Some lipids, including Vitamin E acetate, vegetable glycerol, and propylene glycol, are additives used in the e-cigarette and vaping industries. They are also added for shelf stability and oil viscosity.
Vitamin E is a vitamin found in many foods, and is available as a dietary supplement and in many cosmetic products. Vitamin E acetate is also used as a condensing agent. It has been linked to vaping related injuries that caused a stir in the cannabis industry throughout 2019 and 2020.
When vitamin E acetate is heated and inhaled, research suggests that it is dangerous to consumers and may interfere with normal lung functioning. It’s believed to remain in the lungs long after the cannabis oil in question has been vaped. As of early 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported more than 2,800 cases of vaping-related lung injuries, and nearly 70 deaths. In most of these cases, vitamin E acetate was commonly detected and was identified as the chemical of concern. Additionally, a 2019 study published in Cureus identified Vitamin E acetate as a “plausible cause” of lung disease connected to vaping, including inhaled cannabis products.
For health and safety reasons, it is important to test and certify that any cannabis vape product is free of vitamin E acetate and other lipids.
How are lipids typically removed during the extraction process?
The cannabis concentrate manufacturing process involves steps to remove lipids, residual solvents, and other undesirable compounds and contaminants from the final product. These processes include dewaxing or winterization, both of which utilize cold temperatures to solidify the cannabis lipids and make them easier to remove from the cannabis oil by filtration.
Does New Jersey require cannabis lipids testing, including vitamin E acetate testing?
The State of New Jersey does not include vitamin E acetate or lipids on the list of substances to test for… yet, even though many other states do. New Jersey recently adopted interim testing standards to follow Maryland’s, and Maryland does require vitamin E acetate (VEA) testing as the state has banned the use of VEA as a processing chemical in all cannabis vape products. For all the health-related concerns mentioned, it is imperative for cannabis vape producers to ensure their products are safe for consumers and free of VEA and other harmful contaminants.
Test inhaled cannabis products for lipids and vitamin E acetate with True Labs for Cannabis with True Labs for Cannabis
True Labs for Cannabis goes above and beyond state regulation to provide lipid and vitamin E acetate testing and help provide cannabis product safety assurance to consumers. Even though New Jersey has not yet required medical marijuana alternative treatment centers (ATCs) to test for these contaminants, it’s vital to provide as much information as possible to patients, particularly when offering medical-grade products to a vulnerable population.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) will soon be deciding if cannabis licensees, cultivators, and processors are required to test for cannabis lipids. When the time comes, our East Hanover, New Jersey-based analytical laboratory is ready to ensure that your products are safe for consumers to enjoy.