A man in Oregon is taking legal action after a cannabis vape pen allegedly exploded in his hands, leaving him with burns across his body—including a particularly sensitive area. The lawsuit, filed on February 7, claims the device, purchased from a licensed dispensary, was defective and resulted in life-altering injuries.
Vape Pen Explosion Leaves Man with Serious Burns
Gustavo Mendes was in his bathroom, unclothed, when the vape pen he recently bought from Hwy 99 Cannabis Co. exploded, according to the lawsuit filed in Lane County Circuit Court. The device, manufactured by Quantum Alchemy, had only been used a few times before Mendes noticed it becoming unusually hot.
Then, without warning, it detonated in his hands. The blast caused burns to his eyes, torso, and genitals, as well as a fire in his bathroom. The injuries to his eyes were severe enough to affect his ability to work as a welder—a profession requiring exposure to bright lights. Unable to continue in his field, Mendes was forced to change careers, significantly impacting his income in 2023.
Legal Battle Targets Cannabis Retailer and Manufacturer
Mendes’ lawsuit, filed through Clark Law & Associates LLC, seeks damages from both Hwy 99 Cannabis Co. and Quantum Alchemy. The legal complaint alleges negligence and product liability, claiming the companies sold a dangerous and defective product that resulted in severe harm.
His claims include:
- Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
- Property damage: $20,000 for repairs to his fire-damaged bathroom
- Lost wages: $51,596 due to his inability to continue working as a welder
- Noneconomic damages: $150,000 for pain, suffering, embarrassment, and disruption to his life
In total, Mendes is demanding $233,069.50 in compensation.
Company Response—or Lack Thereof
Attempts to reach Quantum Alchemy have hit a dead end. Their website is inactive, and emails sent to the company bounce back. The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that a phone call to Hwy 99 Cannabis Co. was met with a dismissive response, with an employee saying, “There is no lawsuit, bud,” before hanging up.
Meanwhile, Mendes has not spoken publicly about the case, and his attorney, Brendan Burke, has declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Quantum Alchemy’s Troubling History
This isn’t the first time Quantum Alchemy has faced scrutiny. In December 2022, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) issued a mandatory recall of their products due to pesticide contamination. The recall affected thousands of cannabis items, including:
| Category | Affected Products |
|---|---|
| Products Sold | 13,600 |
| Products Recalled Before Sale | 9,300 |
The OLCC determined that Quantum Alchemy and another company, Bobsled, failed to properly track and isolate cannabis products that tested positive for pesticides. The regulatory violation led to contaminated products reaching customers before authorities intervened.
What’s Next for the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit raises serious questions about product safety and corporate accountability in the cannabis industry. With Quantum Alchemy seemingly inactive and Hwy 99’s response raising eyebrows, it remains to be seen how the case will unfold in court.
For now, Mendes is left dealing with painful injuries, a career setback, and the financial burden of an explosion that, according to his lawsuit, never should have happened.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
