Vaping Illnesses Rise in the U.S.. Here’s How to Protect Yourself

March and Ash, as a licensed dispensary, only stocks legal and lab-tested products.

In awareness of the vape-related illnesses that have affected the country, we want to assure our customers that March and Ash, as a licensed dispensary, only stocks legal and lab-tested products.

The cartridges that are reportedly making people sick come from unlicensed and unregulated manufacturers, according to WebMD. Many of the illnesses and deaths reported have been in states that don't have regulated recreational cannabis programs. Unfortunately, the black market still exists today, in part, due to lack of federal regulations. Cannabis’ federal status as an illegal substance can have the unintended consequence of fueling illicit products, hindering research and limiting the ability to develop consistent regulations.

As reported by the New York Times , health officials have not confirmed which contaminant in these illicit products are making people sick. Furthermore, black market cartridges are inherently dangerous because they do not undergo mandatory state testing. Illicit cartridges may contain pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants you would never want to fill your lungs.

Here are ways you can protect yourself:

  • Buy products from licensed, legal shops, like March and Ash. Luckily, California is a state that regulates and tests all products sold on licensed dispensary shelves.

  • If you are concerned about additives in your cannabis, stick with flower , edibles , sublinguals , topicals , and drinks. If you want to enjoy concentrates , the best additive-free extract is “live resin,” or rosin, of which we stock plenty at March and Ash.

  • Although each vape product we carry is tested and legal, here is a list of vape cartridge brands we stock that derive cannabis oil from a single source the flower itself, pure and uncut: Field Extracts , Friendly Farms , Arcturus , Buddies Liquid Diamonds , Team Elite Genetics

What’s clear is that there needs to be stronger regulations, standardizations, and oversight at the federal level in order for legal manufacturers to produce consistent and safe products for consumption. When cannabis is prohibited at a state or federal level, it can allow for bad actors to fill the supply void with dangerous and untested products.

Some states, including Massachusetts, have put in place temporary bans on the sale of vaping products, although California has not yet done so. These bans are intended to allow medical experts and public officials to better assess the risks of vaping and underlying causes. This article in The Washington Post provides information on the decision of the State of Massachussets and the issue generally.

If you have any questions about the tested and legal products available at March and Ash, feel free to give us a call. We are happy to walk you through our menu of 100% pure cannabis and CBD products.

March and Ash, Mission Valley: (619) 314-7336 March and Ash, Imperial Valley: (760) 624-7336

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO GET AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE REGARDING THE RISKS OF VAPING BEFORE PURCHASING THESE PRODUCTS.

DISCLAIMER: THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

All information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other materials contained on this site are for informational purposes only. No text, graphics, images or other materials on this site are intended to be professional medical advice or a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional medical advice because of something you have viewed on this site.

DISCLAIMER: THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

SHARE:

By Keila DeFade March 27, 2026
$4,200 in credit is up for grabs. Ten recipients will each have the chance to claim $420. Sign up now and read below to see how it works.
Dark gray abstract leaf pattern with overlapping textured leaves
March 11, 2026
Customers who shop at select March and Ash locations may receive a Refer a Friend coupon . Once you have your coupon, share the “For a Friend” portion with someone who has never shopped at March and Ash. When they redeem it, they’ll receive 30% off their first purchase — and you’ll get 30% off your next visit . Two coupons. Two discounts. One great introduction. What Your Coupon Includes For a Friend Give this portion of the coupon to someone new to March and Ash. They’ll receive 30% off their first purchase . For You Keep this portion of the coupon. Use it for 30% off your next visit . How It Works Step 1 — Get a Coupon Customers may receive a Refer a Friend coupon when shopping at select March and Ash locations. Step 2 — Share with a Friend Give the “For a Friend” coupon to someone who has never shopped at March and Ash. Step 3 — They Redeem It Your friend brings the coupon in-store and receives 30% off their first purchase . Step 4 — You Save Too Keep the “For You” coupon and use it for 30% off your next purchase . Who Qualifies The Friend Coupon is valid for customers who: Have never made a purchase at March and Ash Are 21+ with valid ID Present the coupon at checkout Where It’s Valid Valid at participating March and Ash locations including Mission Valley Imperial Valley Availability may vary by location. Important Details • Coupon must be presented at checkout • One coupon per customer • Coupons cannot be duplicated or reproduced • Coupons are valid for a limited time and subject to change or cancellation at any time. What products are excluded? Discount excludes: Accessories Items under $10 CBD / ratio products (Imperial Valley and Palm Desert only) FAQ Can I give the friend coupon to anyone? Yes — as long as the person has never made a purchase at March and Ash before . Can the coupon be used online? No. The coupon must be presented in-store at checkout . Can the discount be combined with other deals? No. Referral coupons cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts . Terms Valid in-store only at participating March and Ash locations. One coupon per customer. Coupon must be relinquished at time of purchase. 30% off first-time purchase valid for new customers only. 30% off next purchase valid on a return visit. Not combinable with other offers. Excludes accessories and items under $10 at all participating locations. Excludes CBD/ratio products at Imperial Valley and Palm Desert locations only. Limited time offer. See store for details.
January 7, 2026
March is Women's History Month. Check out some of our favorite female-owned cannabis brands you can find at March and Ash in San Diego, Vista and Imperial Valley.
January 7, 2026
LEUNE is a California born lifestyle brand forged on the principle of transcending the narrative of cannabis culture. LEUNE is sold at March and Ash in San Diego, Vista and Imperial, California.
January 7, 2026
Staying on top of the latest cannabis trends is what we do here at March and Ash. Check out what strains are at the top of the list so far in 2021.
January 7, 2026
Few things go better together than cannabis and food. Take mealtime to the next level by visiting some of our favorite taco stops in San Diego, and enjoying these complementary cannabis pairings.
January 7, 2026
Support the LGBTQ+ community when you shop these cannabis brands at March and Ash in San Diego and Imperial County.
January 7, 2026
Drew Martin is an herbalist, award-winning mixologist, and self-proclaimed wanderer. He launched his eponymous line of botanically blended pre-rolls in 2020 with a goal of creating new ways for people to experience cannabis.
January 7, 2026
How to get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer with Papa and Barkley's new Sleep Releaf collection. Available now at March and Ash.
January 7, 2026
The best cannabis products and accessories to gift everyone on your list.
Show More