While vape pens offer convenience and customization, they aren’t exempt from safety issues. Over the past few years, several models and cartridge brands—especially those involving cannabis oil—have been recalled due to harmful additives like vitamin E acetate, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, and pesticides. These substances pose serious inhalation risks and have been implicated in respiratory injuries and even fatalities.
Why Vape Pen Recalls Happen
- Contaminated cartridges or oil:
- In mid‑2024, California issued mandatory recalls for certain cannabis vape cartridges tainted with pesticides such as chlorfenapyr.
- In Michigan, voluntary recalls of popular cartridges—Platinum Vape and BLOOM—were triggered after detection of MCT oil, which can damage lungs when inhaled.
- Link to serious lung injury:
- In 2019–2020, the EVALI (E‑cigarette or Vaping‑Associated Lung Injury) outbreak sickened over 2,700 people and killed 68 in the U.S. Officials strongly linked it to vitamin E acetate in illicit cannabis vapes.
- Illicit market products:
- Many recalls stem from black‑market or unregulated products. Illicit brands like Dank Vapes, and homemade thickening agents—often made with vitamin E acetate—were central to EVALI investigations.
How Recalls Are Issued
- Mandatory recalls: Enforced by regulatory bodies (e.g., California’s Department of Cannabis Control) when a product poses a serious health risk; sellers must pull items from shelves.
- Voluntary recalls: Issued by companies in response to lab findings or health department alerts; usually includes instructions for customers to return or dispose of the affected product .
Where to Find Reliable Recall Information
- State and federal agencies
- State cannabis, health, or agriculture departments often publish recall notices online. For instance, Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency regularly updates recalls.
- The U.S. FDA and CDC share nationwide alerts, especially if public health is at risk.
- Manufacturer and dispensary communications
- Many businesses post recall info in stores, via emails, website announcements, or social media. Always check where you purchased your vape products.
- News outlets and press releases
- Trusted media like Fox 2 Detroit and Fox Business have covered recalls tied to MCT oil in BLOOM and Platinum Vape cartridges.
- Industry portals and registries
- Some regions (e.g., California) offer recall portals tracking products by batch, brand, and sale date.
Steps to Stay Informed
- Regularly check official channels: Bookmark your state’s cannabis/health department site, and subscribe to updates if available.
- Keep purchase info handy: Save batch numbers and purchase dates—this helps quickly identify affected products.
- Follow trusted news and retailers on social media: Alerts often break here first.
- Practice safe vaping habits: Avoid buying from unofficial or illicit sources. Stick with products that have clear labeling, testing certificates, and vendor transparency.
What to Do If Your Vape Is Recalled
- Stop using it immediately, even if you haven’t experienced symptoms.
- Follow recall instructions—return it to the retailer or dispose of it safely. Many manufacturers offer refunds or exchanges.
- Watch for symptoms: Persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or flu-like effects warrant medical attention.
Final Takeaway
Vape pen recalls may not dominate headlines, but they are critical for consumer safety. These recalls are prompted by serious health concerns—ranging from pesticide contamination to lung-harming additives—and occur through both mandatory and voluntary routes. Staying informed involves actively monitoring regulatory alerts, saving purchase data, and following trusted news. When used in a responsible, informed way, vape pens can remain safer than their unregulated counterparts—but vigilance and proactive awareness are essential.
By staying alert and informed, you can ensure that your vape products are safe, compliant, and free from harmful substances.