State investigating 3, probably 5, cases of e-cigarette lung illness
Products at Derb E Cigs (Courier Journal photo by Bailey Loosemore)
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At least 380 confirmed and probable cases of the illness have been reported in 36 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not determined its cause but says “most patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette products containing THC,” tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
“Local health advocates, however, say e-cigarettes still contain nicotine and other toxins that can be harmful to health, and a ban could prevent young users from developing future issues,” Loosemore notes. On the other hand, a leading dealer of e-cigs in Louisville, Troy LeBlanc of Derb E Cigs, told the CJ they shouldn’t be blamed because “It’s all street-level drugs that are causing the illnesses.”