This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:11:38
The video centers on Josh Temple, a failed actor who turned to the cannabis industry in California, founding Honey Cut Labs. Temple's business thrived for eight years, largely due to a product called Honeycut, used to dilute THC cartridges and marketed primarily in the black market. This product became infamous during a nationwide outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), which resulted in over 2,800 cases and 68 deaths. Hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin were among the first to treat young men with these mysterious lung injuries, which were later linked to black market THC cartridges contaminated with vitamin E acetate. Despite initial success and legal loopholes, Temple's business faced scrutiny and decline as the CDC identified vitamin E acetate as the harmful agent responsible for the medical crisis. Efforts by Temple to evade responsibility included rebranding and recalling products, but he ultimately faced legal challenges from New York officials. The video's narrative emphasizes the severe impact of Temple's actions on public health and the reputation of the vaping industry.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, a man named Josh Temple, who failed to secure a career in acting, ventured into the cannabis business in California by founding Honey Cut Labs. Over the next eight years, his business thrived due to a product that became highly popular in the cannabis black market. However, this product led to a severe nationwide lung disease outbreak affecting over 2800 teens and resulting in 68 deaths. By April 2019, hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin started seeing young, healthy men admitted with mysterious symptoms. Eventually, it became apparent that the patients were experiencing lung injuries linked to vaping devices, particularly THC cartridges. The CDC identified the disease as e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) but struggled to pinpoint the exact cause until they discovered that many affected teens were using black market THC carts contaminated with harmful chemicals. Further investigations revealed these carts often came from counterfeit brands like Dank Vapes, which wasn’t a legitimate company.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the narrative focuses on the rise and fall of Josh Temple, a struggling actor from Los Angeles who transitioned into the cannabis industry. Initially unable to secure significant acting roles, Josh turned to the booming THC vape market in California. He eventually founded a health supplements company named CB, with its flagship product being a cutting agent called Honeycut. This agent was used to dilute THC cartridges to make them appear legit while using less pure THC oil. Honeycut gained popularity because it didn’t alter the consistency of the oil, passing the “bubble test” and thus fooling consumers. However, the product was primarily composed of vitamin E, which hinted at the underlying issues that would lead to Josh’s downfall.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the discussion centers on how Josh discovered that vitamin E acetate, a compound usually found in skincare products, could be used as a substitute for THC oil, making it a highly profitable venture. He was able to purchase vitamin E acetate cheaply, repackage it, and sell it at a high markup, benefiting both himself and illicit dealers who could stretch their THC oil supply. This practice was technically legal since vitamin E acetate is a health supplement and not a THC product. Josh’s business soared, particularly in late 2018 and early 2019, as the demand for THC cartridges increased. Despite the emergence of copycats, Josh’s brand remained dominant in the market. However, by August 2019, the negative health effects associated with vaping, including deaths, began to surface, marking the beginning of the end for Josh’s lucrative empire.
00:09:00
In this segment, the video outlines the CDC’s investigation into a mysterious infection affecting teenagers, which was found to be linked to vitamin E acetate in vaping products. This chemical, safe for ingestion or topical use, proved toxic when inhaled, causing severe respiratory issues and leading to numerous hospitalizations and deaths. The video follows Joshua Honeycut, who sold products containing the harmful substance. As the CDC’s findings were publicized, Honeycut attempted to evade responsibility by changing his business details and recalling products. Despite these efforts, New York officials issued a subpoena, but details on his fate remain unclear. The video concludes by highlighting the national health crisis and reputational damage inflicted on the vaping industry by Honeycut’s actions.