Industry Expert Calls for Enhanced Safety Standards in Vape Manufacturing
Darwin Millard, a key figure in cannabis safety, advocates for stronger regulations in vape manufacturing to protect consumers. The ASTM D37 initiative aims to fill current regulatory gaps
Key Points
- 1Darwin Millard advocates for stronger vape safety standards
- 2The ASTM D37 initiative addresses regulatory gaps in vape manufacturing
- 3Current regulations focus on electronic components, not overall device safety
- 4Industry stakeholders are encouraged to participate in developing new standards
The cannabis industry is witnessing a pivotal moment as experts call for stronger safety standards in the manufacturing of vape devices. Darwin Millard, Technical Director of Cannabis Safety and Quality (CSQ), emphasizes the need for comprehensive regulations to ensure consumer safety. Millard, who is also known as "The Spock of Cannabis," has been instrumental in the ASTM D37 Vape Device Safety & Testing Initiative, which aims to establish necessary performance and safety specifications for vape devices
During a recent interview, Millard highlighted the current regulatory gaps in the vape manufacturing industry. While there are strict safety requirements for electronic components like batteries to prevent overheating or explosions, there is a significant lack of regulations governing the overall manufacturing of vape devices. This absence of standards leaves consumers vulnerable to potential safety hazards, prompting the need for initiatives like the ASTM D37 to address these issues
The ASTM D37 initiative, spearheaded by Millard, is a response to these regulatory deficiencies. It seeks to develop and implement safety standards that will ensure vape devices are not only fit for purpose but also safe for consumer use. "That's exactly why we launched the ASTM D37 vape device safety initiative, to create those desperately needed performance and safety specifications," Millard stated, underscoring the critical nature of this endeavor
Looking ahead, the cannabis industry is poised for significant changes as these safety standards begin to take shape. The establishment of comprehensive regulations will likely lead to safer products and increased consumer confidence. As the initiative progresses, stakeholders in the cannabis industry are encouraged to participate actively in the development of these standards, ensuring that the safety of consumers remains a top priority
The broader context of this push for safety standards reflects the growing pains of an industry still in its relative infancy. As cannabis products become increasingly mainstream, the demand for robust safety regulations will continue to grow. With leaders like Millard advocating for change, the industry is moving towards a future where consumer safety is paramount, potentially setting a precedent for other sectors within the cannabis market