The Right cannabis VAPE Hardware Partner Makes All the Difference

Choosing a hardware partner is one of the most consequential decisions a cannabis brand can make. After investing a lot of time and resources into developing different oils, brands need confidence that the hardware they select will accurately deliver the intended experience.

“It’s very important for the oil and the hardware to marry together well,” says Corey Koffler, CEO and co-founder of Greentank, a vape technology company. “It takes a lot of collaboration between cannabis brands and hardware companies.” His advice for cannabis companies is simple: establish trust, prioritize quality, and communicate effectively. With that framework in mind, any company can lay the foundation for a strong, long-lasting relationship with a hardware partner. Here’s what it looks like in practice.

Establishing Trust Between Cannabis Brands and Hardware Companies

1. Establishing Trust

The first step to building trust between cannabis brands and hardware companies? Starting with full disclosure. By being hands-on with both the vape technology and cannabis oils, both partners know exactly what they’re working with.

“At GreenTank, it’s really about making sure we understand the cannabis oils we’re using,” Koffler says. “The proof is in the pudding. Testing the oils and understanding what we’re working with is our starting point.”

In fact, Greentank is the only vape hardware company that has an R&D license from Health Canada. This allows the company to import oils from its partners and perform on-site testing in its device lab.

“Running real consumer panels and getting real feedback—whether it’s the hardware or the oil itself—helps our brand partners prepare for their product launches,” he explains. “It gives them more data and information to make those launches more successful.”

Once the product meets performance and sensory standards, both partners can start evaluating price, payment terms, and the company culture. After all, Koffler says, you must rely on your partners to produce a quality product. When the foundation is in place, the real test begins: getting the product right.

Why Quality Matters in Cannabis Vape Hardware

2. Prioritizing Quality

Today, about 25% of cannabis consumption falls into the vape category, making the market extremely competitive. For those looking to join, it’s essential to create a quality product that stands out.

“Make sure you have a differentiated winning product that doesn’t run into any challenges,” he explains. “The moment an issue comes up, it’s very easy for consumers to jump to another brand, and you don’t want to lose their business.”

Once the finished product is on the market, ensuring the consumer has the best possible experience should be a top priority for both companies. If it isn’t, then the partnership probably doesn’t have a strong foundation.

“If you’re going to rely on a brand partner to do your hardware and technology, then you want the failure rates to be zero,” Koffler says. “As good as your oil may be, it won’t matter if it doesn’t perform well in the vape device.”

Greentank’s unique quantum chip technology helps cannabis brands set themselves apart. The company developed a first-of-its-kind heating technology using a different material than its substrate. It borrowed practices from the semiconductor industry to manufacture the chip, ensuring a safer, cleaner, and elevated vaping experience for consumers.

 “It’s a true differentiator and a real innovation,” Koffler says. “It will continue to make a major impact for brands in the industry and ultimately their consumers.” But even the best product can fall short without ongoing communication between partners.

Building Strong Cannabis Hardware Partnerships Through Communication

3. Communicating Effectively

To ensure the partnership gets off on the right foot, it’s essential for hardware companies and cannabis brands to have the same mindset.

“If a brand wants to work with us and they’re focused on producing the lowest-cost product, then we’re probably not the right fit,” he explains. “Greentank is more focused on innovation and technology than moving as much volume as we can for a lower price.”

Greentank’s strongest partnerships share the same goals, prioritizing evolving along with the industry instead of winning a market share at the lowest cost. To keep that partnership strong and steady, both partners must focus on market trends and how it will affect their product portfolio long-term.

“We pride ourselves on being able to say ‘here’s the solution you’re looking for today,’” Koffler says. “But we don’t stop there. We’ll start working on a product six months before our partner asks for it because we know where the market is going.”

The company has detailed market insights that show prominent industry trends and innovations that are performing well on the market. This allows Greentank to prepare a “product roadmap” for their cannabis partner, enabling them to introduce new products over time as a part of their portfolio.

For cannabis brands just starting to think about their hardware strategy, Koffler encourages them to understand the market and to avoid chasing industry trends of the past—things move fast in the cannabis space. Working with a reliable hardware partner and differentiating their product are the most effective ways for cannabis brands to stand out.

Choosing the right hardware partner is a strategy. For cannabis brands serious about vape technology, Koffler’s framework of trust, quality, and communication gives them a solid place to start.

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