{"id":80164,"date":"2023-06-20T23:57:29","date_gmt":"2023-06-20T23:57:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/uncategorized\/2023\/06\/20\/why-troops-should-be-wary-of-blue-lotus-when-using-vapes-e-cigarettes\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T15:10:46","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T15:10:46","slug":"why-troops-should-be-wary-of-blue-lotus-when-using-vapes-e-cigarettes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/off-duty\/military-culture\/2023\/06\/20\/why-troops-should-be-wary-of-blue-lotus-when-using-vapes-e-cigarettes\/","title":{"rendered":"Why troops should be wary of blue lotus when using vapes, e-cigarettes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An Egyptian plant called Nymphaea caerulea, more commonly known as \u201cblue lotus,\u201d is a flower featuring natural properties purported to help with sleeplessness and anxiety. In high doses, it can also cause paranoia, hallucinations, and even seizures<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, because it is not considered a controlled substance, blue lotus is legally available in a majority of U.S. states \u2014 namely, in the form of vape and electronic cigarette products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 2021 study of several service members who ingested such blue lotus products highlighted the concoction\u2019s possible dangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe purpose of the study was to seek to be able to better recognize and identify complications arising from the use of mostly legal products that contain the flower, such as oils for vaping using an electronic cigarette, and to ensure providers can better understand and identify its effects when patients present with symptoms similar to the case studies,\u201d according to Defense Health Agency spokesperson Peter Graves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The five troops listed in the study came in presenting an array of symptoms, from chest pain to flailing limbs, and, even worse, an inability to identify where they were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis case series describes five active duty patients who presented to the emergency department with altered mental status following the use of blue lotus products, four after vaping and one after making an infused beverage,\u201d according to the report. \u201cPatients displayed similar symptoms, including sedation and perceptual disturbances.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A uniformed TikTok\u2019r with the username \u201cMrYungProdigy\u201d also joked about the hallucinogenic nature of blue lotus in a brief video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

@mryungprodigy<\/a>

Don\u2019t hit the Blue Lotus #army<\/a> #marines<\/a> #navy<\/a> #militarylife<\/a> #militarytiktok<\/a><\/p> \u266c When I Hear Music – Debbie Deb<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote>