ASTM International and VapeSAFER Lead Efforts to Establish Cannabis Vape Standards
ASTM International and VapeSAFER are spearheading efforts to establish safety and quality standards for the rapidly growing cannabis vape industry
Key Points
- 1Cannabis vape market projected to grow at 13.6% annually from 2025 to 2030
- 2ASTM International and VapeSAFER lead efforts to establish safety standards
- 3Lack of standards poses risks like material leaching and 'cannafraud.'
- 4Science-based regulations expected to improve consumer safety and product reliability
The rapid growth of the cannabis vaporizer market in the United States has highlighted the urgent need for standardized safety and quality regulations. Despite the market's significant expansion, with projections indicating a 13.6% annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030, the industry lacks comprehensive standards for device performance and safety. This gap poses potential risks to consumers, as the materials and design of vape devices remain largely unregulated
ASTM International is at the forefront of efforts to establish these crucial standards. The organization formed the ASTM D37 Committee on Cannabis in 2017, which includes a dedicated subcommittee for cannabis vaporizers. Darwin Millard, chair of the ASTM D 37 Vape Device Safety and Testing Initiative, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between manufacturers, consumers, and regulators to develop robust safety and quality standards. The initiative, launched in 2024, involves over 200 volunteers working together to address the industry's pressing needs
VapeSAFER, a nonprofit organization, is also playing a pivotal role in advocating for safety and quality standards in the cannabis vape industry. Under the leadership of Arnaud Dumas de Rauly, VapeSAFER focuses on promoting scientific research to inform policy and ensure responsible packaging and labeling. The organization has published several documents to establish regulatory clarity and address issues such as flavorant regulation and the unintended consequences of THC caps on inhalable products
The absence of standardized regulations has led to various risks for consumers, including the leaching of harmful substances from vape cartridges. Darwin Millard points out that tests have not been conducted to assess how prolonged exposure to cannabinoid extracts can cause materials like metals and plastics to leach into vape contents. This lack of regulation also opens the door to 'cannafraud,' where manufacturers can misrepresent products to consumers, further underscoring the need for stringent standards
Looking ahead, the development of science-based standards is expected to bring numerous benefits to the cannabis vape industry. Arnaud Dumas de Rauly notes that regulations based on scientific evidence will encourage manufacturers to adopt safer hardware platforms and traceable ingredients, leading to a more predictable and reliable consumer experience. Additionally, ongoing research and collaboration will be essential in addressing the challenges posed by e-waste disposal and ensuring that consumers are educated about the safety concerns associated with different vape devices