SACRAMENTO, CA — California’s cannabis industry is undergoing significant changes as operators adapt to a new vape law that took effect on July 1, 2024. Aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and consumer safety, the legislation prohibits the use of the term “disposable” in advertising and labeling for vape products, prompting brands and retailers to rethink their packaging and disposal practices.
Industry Response and Compliance Initiatives
In response to the new regulations, cannabis companies across the state are implementing various strategies to ensure compliance. Perfect Union, a Sacramento-based retailer with nine locations, is proactively educating customers about the proper disposal of vape products, emphasizing the need to treat them as hazardous waste rather than regular trash. Angelica Sanchez, the senior director of government affairs and compliance at Perfect Union, stated, “This initiative is crucial for promoting environmentally responsible practices among our customers.”
Industry Response and Compliance Initiatives
To facilitate proper disposal, Perfect Union is installing vape disposal boxes at all its stores, providing a convenient solution for customers looking to dispose of their used products safely.
Packaging Overhaul
Brands are also making significant adjustments to their packaging. Final Bell Holdings, a Los Angeles-based supply chain service provider, is assisting its clients in updating existing labels and creating new packaging that complies with the new law. CEO Jeremy Green highlighted the absence of dedicated recycling solutions for cannabis vaporization products, indicating a pressing need for industry-wide innovation.
Mammoth Distribution, which distributes the popular Heavy Hitters brand, aligned its product packaging months in advance to meet the new compliance standards. Wesley Hein, head of global brand expansion at Mammoth, noted that the company has been integrating the bill’s language into its marketing and educational materials to ensure clarity for consumers.
Sustainable Practices
In addition to compliance, many brands are focusing on sustainability. Pax Labs, a leading manufacturer of cannabis vaping devices, recently launched a vape device made from reclaimed and recycled ocean-bound plastic. Scott Collins, the senior director of hardware product and design at Pax Labs, emphasized the importance of responsible consumption and disposal, stating, “We are keen to see not just responsible consumption but responsible disposal as well.”
Challenges Ahead
While the new vape law represents a step toward improved sustainability in the cannabis industry, challenges remain regarding enforcement and consumer education. Experts, including cannabis attorney Paula Savchenko, have raised concerns about the Department of Cannabis Control’s ability to effectively enforce the new regulations amid ongoing issues in the marketplace.
As California continues to set the standard for environmental policy and sustainability initiatives, the cannabis industry’s response to this new vape law will likely serve as a model for other states considering similar legislation. The ongoing adaptation of operators highlights the commitment to creating a safer and more sustainable cannabis environment for all stakeholders involved.
