AB 1833 tasks the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) with creating the “Good Cannabis Manufacturing Practice Certification” program, which creates higher production standards for cannabis manufacturers.

“We are in the midst of a public health crisis,” Lackey said.  “Individuals who consume cannabis through vaping have no idea what they are ingesting and many (are) ending up in the hospital.”

Vape cartridges are the most popular cannabis product behind traditional flower or “bud,” according to Lackey’s office.

Current regulations require all cannabis products to be tested; however, vape cartridges do not have the same testing requirements. Industry testing laboratories are reporting that some vape cartridges are testing positive for lead and other heavy metal contamination, according to officials.

On Sept, 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a notice discouraging the use of vaping products after six confirmed deaths and 450 possible cases of pulmonary disease linked to the smoking device, with 60 of the reported cases in California.

Los Angeles County Public Health officials also warned of a recent death due to vaping where the victim reportedly used a vape containing THC products.

“Vaping use really detracts from a person using healthy coping skills,” said Bob Sharits, program director for The Way Out Recovery SCV, in a previous story. “They are learning to run to a drug to soothe themselves. It teaches teenagers to seek a quick fix for their stressors.”

AB 1833 is pending referral to a policy committee.