Marijuana compound found in Wisconsin illnesses tied to vaping

MILWAUKEE — Nearly 9 out of 10 cases where vaping led to people developing a severe lung disease in Wisconsin involved the use of THC products, such as waxes or oils, Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services said.

Health officials said Thursday that 89% of the 27 people they interviewed who became sick reported using e-cigarettes or other vaping devices to inhale THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

“Vaping cartridges containing THC may include chemicals or additives that are unknown, unregulated, and unsafe,” Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said in a statement. “We strongly urge people not to vape.”

Health officials said despite the finding that they are still investigating all possible causes for why people became ill with “severe chemical pneumonitis, or chemical pneumonia.” Officials say it’s an inflammation of the lungs due to inhaling irritants.

Health officials say they’re also working with the FDA to determine the contents of vaping products the people used.

No deaths have been reported in Wisconsin, but Illinois reported the first death in the country related to vaping last week.

Wisconsin health officials called the investigation “complex and ongoing” and said investigators “are working to gather information about the products used, collect products for testing, and investigate new cases.”

There have been nearly 200 illnesses related to vaping in at least 22 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

Wisconsin health officials said they’re still interviewing new patients as part of the investigation. The department said there are currently 32 cases, with 11 patients who need further investigation to determine the cause of their illness. The 32 cases...