Increasing Vape Safety in the Cannabis Industry

Vape safety is currently the most pressing issue in the cannabis industry. These safety concerns have been brought on by the recent outbreak of vape-related illnesses in the U.S that have stemmed from tainted, black market cartridges and oil formulations. As of November 20, 2019, the CDC reports 2,290 cases of vaping-related lung injury.

EVALI (E-cigarette, or Vaping, product use Associated Lung Injury) is the most publicized issue in vape safety. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and gastrointestinal issues. In some instances, it has even lead to death. 

Fortunately, the CDC has linked one main additive to nearly every tainted THC cartridge it has analyzed, and the cannabis vape industry, as a whole, appears to finally be turning the corner. But to get the public back on its side, believing in vaping as a safe and reliable alternative to smoking cannabis, the entire industry will need to walk the straight and narrow and employ several safety-first protocols and initiatives going forward. 

Let’s take a look at these and what each one would entail:

    1. Follow Regulations & Policies

Regulations and policies exist for a reason. Taking shortcuts can lead to safety and/or legal issues. They can also severely damage a company’s reputation. Following mandated  regulations is a sure-fire way to not only protect your customers and brand but also steer clear of negative press. 

    2. Only Work With Licensed Producers & Manufacturers

Sourcing  regulated formulations  and materials for your hardware is the only way to ensure that your company is delivering the safe and high-quality products your customers deserve. Check to ensure that the businesses you work with are licensed and comply with the regulations in your country/region.

Vitamin E acetate is an additive used as a thickening agent in some unlicensed THC vaping products. Current CDC research paints this additive as a likely culprit for EVALI. It is a common factor in studied cases of the outbreak and is present in all lung fluid samples studied.

The current recommendation is to avoid vape products that contain Vitamin E acetate.

The other major culprit in the EVALI outbreak is “street vapes.” Being unregulated, users cannot know what is in the black market vape pens. 

In addition to Vitamin E acetate, issues with other drugs appearing in cannabis vape pens continue to emerge. Recently, two students were hospitalized after using heroin-laced vape pens.

Licensed producers, extractors and suppliers must undergo testing to ensure they provide safe products and hardware.

    3. Transparency

Earn loyal consumers with transparent business practices. Transparency isn’t just important for safety in the cannabis industry, it’s also essential for trust. Offering greater transparency helps reassure consumers about the products, as well as helping the communities see how the money and job creation is benefitting their communities. 

In addition to increasing public trust and satisfaction, transparent practices increase vape safety and streamline regulatory compliance. Companies in the cannabis industry should disclose certification, partnerships, full ingredient lists, and test results.

    4. Child-Resistant Packaging and Technology 

Safety considerations in the cannabis industry go beyond EVALI. It’s also about keeping cannabis out of the hands of the most vulnerable people in the community. 

Studies have shown that cannabis use during adolescence can cause functional and structural changes to developing brains. Responsible vendors, suppliers, and producers are taking action to keep youth safe from cannabis with child-resistant packaging.

Greentank is the first manufacturer to launch certified child-resistant vape pens. The GT CR meets the most rigorous standards and protocols in North America. This careful attention to product safety standards is an important step forward in improving safety in the cannabis industry.

Improve Vape Safety With Premium Vape Pens & Hardware

As manufacturers of premium quality vape pens and hardware, we take special care to meet safety standards. Greentank’s industry-leading designs and vape hardware innovations deliver the best vapor, flavor, and user experiences in the industry. 

Contact us now for quotes on wholesale vape pens and get the best tech at the best prices.