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Measuring Vape Cartridge Success with N.N. Analytics  

After exploring the reasons why vape cartridges fail in our previous blog post, it’s time to dive into the science of measuring vape cartridge success. Joining us again is Jake Rubenstein, the President and CEO of N.N. Analytics. In this blog, Jake shares his expertise on how Vape-Jet, N.N. Analytics, and other contributing factors ensure your cartridges perform at their best for a premium vaping experience. 

What Leads to a Vape Cartridge Success?  

Before we get into the finer scientific details of vape cartridge success, we should look at the factors that lead to a premium vaping experience. Here are the key elements that contribute to successful vape cartridges we’ve seen at N.N. Analytics:  

  • Ensure your vape cartridge performs the same when full, half-full, or near empty without leaks, clogs, or dry hits. 
  • Correct amount of delivered aerosol—correct standard Aerosol Collected Mass (ACM) between 25 to 60mg/puff in most vaping applications measured under a standard ISO regimen.   
  • Low-Pressure Drop (PD) values—a properly assembled cartridge with an oil that has a matched rheology will not have a high PD value when compared to a control sample.  
  • Lack of leaks through the 510 center-post—minimal device weight loss (DWL) is measured throughout the lifetime of a cartridge that was not captured or measured as Aerosol Collected Mass (ACM).
  • Lack of evaporation through the 510 center-post—minimal device weight loss (DWL) as measured throughout the lifetime of the cartridge that is not captured and measured as Aerosol Collected Mass (ACM). 
  • Lack of leaks into the center post by way of the failure modes identified above. 
  • Lack of leaks through the mouthpiece by way of the failure modes identified above.  
  • The proper delivery of cannabinoids measured in the Aerosol Collected Mass (ACM) without deterioration by way of elevated coil temperatures and a lack of airflow through the cartridge.   

What variables are critical for vape cartridge success?   

  • Choosing reliably vetted hardware with a proven track record and direct relationships with a trusted analytical lab.    
  • Confirming the compatibility between each type of cannabis oil and the hardware you intend to fill.   
  • Standardizing your formulation and enforcing process control throughout your extraction and filling operation to reduce variability in your oil output as measured by standard rheological assessments on a batch-by-batch basis.   
  • Confirming that the batch-to-batch variance does not fall outside of the approved rheological bracket defined for the cartridge-oil combination.   
  • A collaborative effort with open communication between the vape hardware manufacturer, vape filling machine manufacturer, vape testing facility, and you.   
  • The Vape-Jet product support team can tailor your filling temperatures and speeds to your formulation. N.N. Analytics can also develop and confirm with Vape-Jet the correct filling parameters that will support ideal cartridge performance without failure.  

How N.N. Analytics Can Resolve Your Vape Cartridge Failures

N.N. Analytics facilitates the standardization of oil-hardware combinations with characterization testing. Our approach to resolving your vape cartridge failure challenges comes in two phases.    

Phase One: Establishment of Approved Parameters    

Rheology Characterization and Performance Assessment of Solutions for Cartridge Filling—this is where we characterize the oil solutions to understand how they perform in each hardware SKU. In short, this process helps us understand whether known rheology will affect the performance and failure rate of the cartridge part number that is approved for sale.    

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis: Cartridge Performance Assessment (Leakage & Dry Hits)—we use this standard metric to evaluate a new part number in hardware that we haven’t assessed yet. We evaluate stability performance, including device weight loss, pressure drop, and aerosol collected mass. This testing is performed with standard solutions (oils) that are deployed by NN Analytics, meeting the criteria of low, medium, or high viscosity:  

  • Low Viscosity: Akin to rosin formulations or those with terpene additions of greater than 10%  
  • Medium viscosity: Akin to formulations that have a standard number of terpenes and are standard performers – This is our target range for most formulations  
  • High Viscosity: High potency oils with minimal terpene or diluent additions require optimum shear rates of cartridges tuned to high-viscosity oils.   

Phase Two: Continual Evaluation of Approved Ranges    

Stability Studies—used to evaluate the stability performance of a new batch of hardware by ACM/DWL and by delivered cannabinoid concentrations in the ACM.   

Oil Performance Assessment—used to evaluate a new batch of oil manufactured to a specific recipe by rheological assessment and terpene/cannabinoid measurements in the ACM according to the standard (approved) reference sample. 

Standard Measurements We Use at N.N. Analytics 

Device Weight Loss   

Device Weight Loss (DWL) measures the total change in filled mass of oil in a cartridge. This measurement is taken when the vape cartridge is filled and capped at T=0, then monitored throughout the lifetime of the cartridge during testing or stability studies before Aerosol Collected Mass (ACM) measurements are taken. 

Over time, oil may leak or evaporate due to leakage or evaporation from an improper cap seal or airhole feed size that allows atmosphere to enter the vape cartridge by way of the center post or air inlets at the bottom of the cartridge, leading to reduced ACM, evaporation of volatile terpenes, and possible oxidation of cannabinoids. 

DWL and reduced ACM are both causative variables of leakage that causes oil to emit from the 510 thread or air feed holes, which are indicative of a rheological mismatch of the oil viscosity with the hardware, namely:   

  • coil-wicking material porosity    
  • feed hole size    
  • airflow hole size    
  • Improper oil rheology  

Aerosol Performance   

Aerosol collected mass (ACM)—this variable determines the efficiency of the cartridge as a complete unit that will establish a parameter we call “ACM” for the amount of vapor emitted from the cartridge during normal expected vaping conditions.   

ACM can be influenced by many factors and is considered a correlative variable for cartridge performance rather than a causative variable, such as device weight loss (DWL) or pressure drop (PD).  

Aerosol Constituents   

There are many constituents in cannabis and hemp aerosol, which we can classify as indicative of proper or improper performance. These measurements are taken hand-in-hand with aerosol collected mass (ACM) to understand the correct selection of good oil and hardware combinations during expected vaping conditions (ISO and CORESTA methods) and identify failures during vaping that may lead to emissions of harmful or potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs), such as:   

  • Heavy Metals    
    • Tested using ICP-MS    
      • Chromium (stainless steel parts or coil)    
      • Nickel (coil)    
      • Cadmium (stainless steel parts or coil)    
      • Lead (coil solder)  
  • Aldehydes    
    • Tested using GC/MS    
  • Volatile Solvents    
    • Tested using GC/MS    
  • Microplastics and solvated plastics    
    • Tested using LC/MS    
  • Other foreign material (coil-wicking material including ceramic particles, rayon, or cotton fibers)     
    • Tested by Scanning Electron Microscopy Tandem Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDX)  

Guaranteeing Vape Cartridge Sucess: Measuring Solution Rheology and Cartridge Performance  

How do vape cartridge producers guarantee their solution will not leak when choosing new cartridge hardware?    

The way to guarantee that leakage will not occur is to standardize the minimum “thickness” of the solution used in a particular hardware platform. N.N. Analytics accomplishes this with strict measurements of solution rheology to define the viscosity, shear rate, and elasticity of oils using an iso-accredited method for rheology measurements.    

Additionally, N.N. Analytics measures coil performance by deploying its patent-pending Iron Lung aerosol collection technology to assess aerosol performance by measuring pressure drop, capturing the aerosol, and measuring the total weight and constituents within the aerosol. Pressure drop measurements allow us to evaluate leakage preventing aerosol delivery. Aerosol weight measurements allow for the characterization of atomizer/coil performance.    

N.N. Analytics' patent-pending Iron Lung aerosol collection technology
N.N. Analytics’ patent-pending “Iron Lung” aerosol collection technology

How can vape cartridge producers guarantee their solution will feed well when choosing new cartridge hardware?    

The way to prevent dry hits is by standardizing the maximum thickness of the solution in a particular hardware platform.    

Unleash Your Vape’s True Potential with Vape-Jet & N.N. Analytics

As you can see, the science behind a successful vaping experience requires cultivating a unique balance between the formulation of the oil, the hardware used, and the filling process.   

At N.N. Analytics, we use a combination of measurements to ensure that your vape cartridges perform optimally and meet industry standards. Our expert team works closely with you, the vape hardware manufacturer and the vape filling machine manufacturer to resolve your vape cartridge failure challenges. Let N.N. Analytics help you achieve the premium vaping experience your customers deserve.  

N.N. Analytics Full Service E-Liquid Testing Laboratory | Click to Browse Our Services

Need some help taking your vape cartridge filling performance to the next level? Reach out to our crew and learn how Vape-Jet can provide next-level products for your customers.  

Some of our success stories:  

Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. 

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Uncategorized

The Science Behind Vape Cartridge Failures with N.N. Analytics

We are excited to introduce Jake Rubenstein, the President & CEO of N.N. Analytics, as our first guest contributor to the Vape-Jet crew blog! Established in 2015, N.N. Analytics is a leading consulting and scientific support firm in the rapidly growing vaping industry. With an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory and a diverse team of professionals in regulatory compliance, manufacturing, software, and reverse engineering, N.N. Analytics helps their clients navigate the complex world of national and international regulation. With customers like Cilicon+, AVD, and Blinc you can trust that the team at N.N. is one of the best labs in the industry. 

As a full-service nicotine, e-liquid, and cannabis/hemp testing laboratory out of San Diego, California, N.N. Analytics provides numerous services, including vape cartridge leak and performance testing to help eliminate cartridge loss and improper formulations. They’ve even developed their own aerosol testing apparatuses to ensure the highest standards of results. 

At MJBizCon 2022, the Vape-Jet crew bonded with Jake over our shared love of the science behind great cannabis products. Together, we look forward to providing our customers with even more comprehensive support in assessing their oil and hardware for optimal performance, standardizing their formulations, minimizing end-user returns, and achieving better customer satisfaction and success. 

What Causes Vape Cartridge Failures? 

Most common vape cartridge failures are caused by improper hardware selection for that specific oil formulation, leading to poor performance within the hardware.   

How do you measure performance?  

We measure key variables of the oil and cartridge combination. Proper performance of an oil and cartridge combination starts with a regulated oil feed rate into the coil atomizer, allowing for atomization of oil into the vapor phase at a constant and predictable rate, without leaks or dry hits.  

Now, let’s look at the reasons vape cartridges fail in a bit more depth.

The Top 5 Reasons for Vape Cartridges Failures

First, Some Definitions  

Rheology—studies the deformation of the flow of material, and in this case, the liquid flowing through a vape cartridge reservoir into the vaporization chamber and out of the mouthpiece.  

Viscosity—a measure of a liquid’s thickness and ability to deform to a container/force when pressure or heat is applied.  

Shear-Rate—the stickiness of a liquid and how strong it clings to a container or surface.  

Elastic Modulus—a liquid’s ability to stretch when a force is applied, either by pressure or by heat.   

Tensile Modulus—a liquid’s ability to resist deformation when a force is applied, either by pressure or by heat.  

#1 Failure: Leaks 

Oil leakage into the air inlet chamber is due to a mismatch in:  

  • Cartridge Feed-Hole Diameter—the aperture of the feed hole is too large, allowing liquid to flood the cartridge-wicking material too quickly.  
  • Wicking Material Porosity—porosity is too high (not dense enough), leading to liquid seeping through the wicking material and leaking out of the bottom of the cartridge.  
  • Rheology of Liquid is Too Thin—the viscosity is too low, the elastic modulus is non-Newtonian, the shear rate is too low, or the tensile modulus is non-Newtonian or too high. 

#2 Failure: Clogs  

Lack of wicking material saturation is due to:  

  • Cartridge Feed Hole Diameter—aperture is too small for liquid rheology.  
  • Wicking Material Porosity—porosity is too high (too dense), leading to liquid not sufficiently saturating the wicking material, which presents as a dry hit.   
  • Rheology of liquid being too thick—viscosity is too high, elastic modulus or tensile modulus is non-Newtonian, shear rate is too high.  

#3 Failure: Hardware Issues  

Cartridge Feed Hole Diameter  
  • Feed holes too large or too many—flooding of the wicking material in the atomization chamber.  
  • Feed holes too small or too few—poor saturation of the wicking material in the atomization chamber, leading to dry hits, which can be harmful. 
Coil-Wicking Material Selection

Ceramic  

  • Ceramic particles can be emitted if the coils are not well washed/sintered before installation, leading to nano-particulates in the vapor stream.  
  • Porosity (see below)  

Rayon  

  • Density (see below)  

Cotton  

  • Same issues as rayon wicking.  
Coil-Wicking Material Porosity/Density   
  • Porosity is too high (not dense enough)—liquid flows too easily through and saturates the atomization chamber, leading to leaks through the 510-thread or clogs through the center post.   
  • Porosity is too low (too dense)—liquid does not flow easily or saturate the atomization chamber, leading to dry-hits or the emission of harmful constituents due to elevated vaping temperatures.
510-Thread Inlet Air Hole Feed Size  
  • Too large—leads to leakage related to improper rheology, making liquid too thin.  
  • Too small—alters the ability to generate sufficient amounts of vapor, leading to dry hits, which can be harmful.  
Center Post Diameter
  • Too small of a diameter leads to clogs from non-atomized liquid and a noticeable pressure drop.
Center Post Venturi-Effect Pressure Drop and Airflow  
  • Buildup of excess liquid that was not vaporized in the center post, leading to clogs.   
  • Rheology is too thin, leading to leaks.  
Cartridge Reservoir Size and Head-Pressure
  • Too large—can lead to too much head pressure, flooding the wicking material in the atomization chamber, and is a major cause of leaks.  
  • Too small—can lead to a lack of head pressure and dry hits due to a lack of liquid feed into the coil-wicking material in the atomization chamber.  

  

#4 Failure: Liquid-Based Issues 

  • Batch-by-batch variation of oils—when distilled in different batches, the rheology of cannabis/hemp oils can vary greatly from previous batches.   
  • Batch-by-batch variation of terpenoids and flavoring components—terpene products, especially in live resin formulations, can vary greatly.   
  • Measurements and mixing during liquid product assembly—a single variation in standard operating procedures can disrupt the balance between liquid rheology and hardware. 

#5 Failure: Filling and Capping Parameters and Execution 

  • Flooding of the Cartridge Coil—high fill temperature, unreasonably fast fill speed, or an improper fill angle leads to fast flooding without air gaps next to the coil-wicking material.  
  • Insufficient Fill Volumes—overfilling of cartridges forces solution into the coil-wicking material before negative pressure is initiated by standard vaping conditions.  
  • Clogging—poor saturation of the cartridge leads to capping failures from the application of caps without correct pressure leading to air gaps in the seal at the cap.
Vape-Jet 4.0 | The Most Advanced Fully-Automatic Vape Cartridge Filling Machine - Click to Learn More

Joining Forces: Vape-Jet x N.N. Analytics

Understanding the reasons vape cartridges fail is crucial to creating and producing a high-quality and reliable product. Whether it is due to hardware selection, leaks, clogs, hardware issues, or improper coil-wicking material selection, having the right knowledge and resources can help prevent common vape cartridge failures.  

But where do we go from here?  

Stay tuned for our next article where we discuss practical solutions to overcome these common vape cartridge failures and provide guidance for achieving enhanced product performance and a smoother vaping experience. If you’re looking to optimize your vape cartridge formulations, minimize returns, and achieve better results, you’re in the right spot. 

Browse N.N. Analytics’ Complete Services

Need some help taking your vape cartridge filling performance to the next level? Reach out to our crew and learn how Vape-Jet can provide next-level products for your customers.  

Some of our success stories:  

Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. 

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Automation Uncategorized Vape-Jet

Industry Insight: A Look at Automation in Cannabis

Automation in the Cannabis Industry

The cannabis industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and as it continues to expand and mature, automation is becoming an increasingly important aspect of production. Automation not only allows for more efficient and precise operations, but it also has the potential to significantly reduce labor costs and improve overall profitability. One area of cannabis production where automation is particularly promising is in the filling of vape cartridges, pods, disposables and other devices. 

The vape cartridge market has exploded in recent years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Vape cartridges offer consumers a convenient and discreet way to consume cannabis, and as a result, they have become a popular choice for both recreational and medical users. However, filling vape cartridges by hand can be time-consuming and prone to errors, which is where automated vape cartridge filling machines like the Vape-Jet and Jet Fueler come in. 

Vape-Jet fully automated vape cartridge filling machine
Jet Fueler semi-automated vape cartridge filling machine

The Benefits of Automated Vape Cartridge Filling Machines 

Automated vape cartridge filling machines are designed to fill vape cartridges with a precise amount of cannabis oil including distillate, live resin, rosin, and more. These machines are equipped with a range of advanced features to ensure accuracy and consistency. With the Vape-Jet 4.0 specifically, this includes precision dispensing, multi-zone temperature control, and the ability to adapt to a variety of different oil viscosities and formulations. 

One of the primary benefits of automated vape cartridge filling machines is increased efficiency. These machines can fill cartridges much faster than manual methods, allowing producers to fill a higher volume of cartridges in a shorter amount of time. This can be particularly beneficial for companies looking to meet high demand or to quickly ramp up production for new product launches. 

In addition to increased efficiency, automated vape cartridge filling machines can also significantly reduce labor costs. These machines can operate continuously with minimal supervision, allowing producers to significantly reduce their labor force or to reassign employees to other manual tasks. For example, one operator can simultaneously run up to four Vape-Jet units. This can be particularly beneficial for companies operating in states where labor costs are high, as automation can help to offset these costs and improve overall profitability. 

Fernway facility: Vape-Jet fully automated vape cartridge filling machine
Learn more about how brands like Fernway have scaled quickly and efficiently with Vape-Jet.
Fernway facility: Vape-Jet fully automated vape cartridge filling machine

Automated vape cartridge filling machines are also able to improve the accuracy and consistency of the filling process. Vape-Jet filling machines are equipped with precise dispensing mechanisms that ensure that each cartridge is filled with the exact same amount of liquid, with an unmatched repeatability rate of ±0.25%. This can be particularly important for companies producing vape cartridges for the medical market, where precise dosing is critical. 

Another benefit of automated vape cartridge filling machines is the ability to handle a wide range of oil viscosities and formulations. Many cannabis oils and concentrates have different viscosities and require specialized filling equipment to ensure that they are accurately and consistently dispensed. Vape-Jet automated filling machines can handle a wide range of viscosities and formulations, allowing producers to expand their product line without the need for multiple filling systems. In fact, with Vape-Jet‘s configuration profile feature operators can save premade settings for each formulation, batch or hardware and simply load it from the library to begin filling. This saves them even more time and ensures a consistent and reliable fill. 

Potential Challenges of Cartridge Filling Automation 

As with any new technology, there are also potential challenges to the adoption of automated vape cartridge filling machines. One of the main challenges is the initial cost of purchasing and installing the equipment. These machines can be expensive, and producers may need to invest in additional equipment such as packaging machinery to fully automate their production process. (If the initial investment is a financial concern, we offer an upgrade path from our semi-automatic Jet Fueler to our fully-automatic Vape-Jet so you can grow your automation as you scale your operation. Reach out to our crew for more information on this offer.) 

Click to Learn More About Jet Fueler 2.0 Semi-Automated Vape Cartridge Filling Machine
Click to Learn More About Vape-Jet Fully Automated Vape Cartridge Filling Machine

Another potential challenge is the learning curve associated with operating and maintaining automated filling machines. These machines can be complex, and producers may need to invest in training and support to ensure that they are able to effectively operate and maintain the equipment. Vape-Jet CEO Ryan Hoitt calls training one of the “hidden costs” of automation. He says “The cost of training personnel on complex mechanical automation machines can be high. However, Vape-Jet overcomes this hidden cost by building the operating procedure into the user interface. Users always have the most up-to-date reference information available immediately, lessening the need for extensive training.” Our machines also come backed by our industry-leading product support, including a one-year renewable warranty that covers installation, training and support.  

Click to Learn More About Vape-Jet's Six Star Service & Product Support
Read more about our product support on our blog.

Despite these potential challenges, the future of automation in cannabis production looks bright, and automated vape cartridge filling machines are likely to play a significant role. As the cannabis industry continues to grow and mature, automation will become increasingly important for improving efficiency, reducing labor costs, and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of products. Producers who can effectively integrate automation like Vape-Jet into their operations will be well-positioned to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry. 

To learn more about how embracing Vape-Jet automation can bring success to your operation, check out these customer features: 

Think Automation is a Thing of the Future? 

This article was written by an AI copywriter. The future is now, so join the revolution or risk getting stuck in the past. If you’re ready to integrate automation into your workflow reach out to our crew with your questions to see what Vape-Jet automation solutions can do for you. 

Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. 

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Jet-Fueler Uncategorized Vape-Jet

How the Global CO₂ Shortage Affects Cannabis Oil Extraction

Industry Insight

For cannabis oil producers, the importance of CO2 cannot be understated. As the primary solvent in one of the most popular cannabis oil extraction methods in the industry today, the recent CO2 shortage has profound implications for oil production processes. With so much volatility in the market, let’s take some time to think about this CO2 dilemma and propose some solutions so oil producers can keep meeting customer demand while maintaining the same high-quality products consumers deserve. 

How did this CO2 Shortage Begin? 

As with any global shift in market availability, the reasons for the current CO2 situation are varied. Perhaps most significantly, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has created extensive oil and natural gas supply interruptions in Europe, leading to volatile petrochemical and agricultural markets which directly affect fertilizer production, of which food grade CO2 is a byproduct.  

This market uncertainty, tied to lack of supply, has already affected other industries close to cannabis. In the brewing industry, for instance, the impact of the CO2 shortage is already playing out, leading to increased input costs which have numerous upstream and downstream workflow ramifications.  

The Significance of CO2 for Vape Cartridge Producers

The benefits of using CO2 for cannabis oil extraction are well-documented, but it’s worth revisiting just how vital CO2 is for vape cartridge production.  

As the most common solvent for Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), CO2 earns its place because of multiple factors: 

  1. It is one of the safest non-polar solvents 
  2. It is more dependable during SFE for preserving the compounds found in cannabis 
  3. It can pull various cannabinoids from the plant through fractioning 

When Will the Cannabis Oil Extraction Industry Feel the Shortage?

“[CO2 demand] from the cannabis industry, for cannabinoid and terpene extraction, [has] been growing quickly, and not enough new capacity is coming online to compensate.” – Craig Bettenhausen, “US faces CO2  shortage” 

The worlds of cannabis production and retail are accustomed to fluctuating markets. Most post-legalization markets, for example, overinvest in production capacity leading to wholesale cost reductions. Dealing with lower prices isn’t new, and it usually leads to consolidation and restructuring until the supply and demand for cannabis come back into alignment. How is this CO2 shortage different, and how is it similar? 

Well, although it can be difficult to predict when and how certain industries will react to a decreased CO2 supply, there are some reasonable expectations of when we will start seeing the shortage affect the cannabis industry. 

The first people to feel the CO2 supply shortage will be grow and cannabis oil extraction facilities, especially when natural gas and oil consumption spike in winter (Butane Hash Oil extractors will likely feel this pain as well). Accordingly, all cannabis flower, extract, and distillate will probably see cost increases by the end of 2022, which will squeeze profit margins on vape cartridges. 

Of course, this spike in the price of natural gas during wintertime will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased gas exports to Europe from North America. As energy costs inflate due to decreased supply and increased demand, input costs for cannabis cultivation, extraction, and refinement will rise, ultimately yielding lower margins on cannabis products across the board and increasingly small returns. 

In short, with high electricity costs, high CO2 costs, and high butane costs, every step in the cannabis product chain will be affected.  

So, What’s the Solution?

“Wholesale and retail marijuana prices continue to fall in most states, with production often outpacing consumption… The glut of cannabis products and brands have retailers in many states increasingly discounting their merchandise in hopes of shrinking bulging inventories and boosting sales amid growing competition.” – Andrew Long, “Midyear State Cannabis Sales a Mixed Bag Across the United States”

With such clear indicators of pesky inflation and increased input costs on the horizon, we ought to think of some solutions. After all, we shouldn’t just read this information and run to the closest bar. It’s what we do with the information going forward and how we use it to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for the uncertainty that matters. 

So, what can you do? 

Solution 01: Invest in Automation

As input costs rise due to CO2 and other raw materials—and oversupply issues continue for the cannabis industry—prices will continue falling, ultimately squeezing out many operators with high costs and low returns. In other words, cost reduction is key, and reducing labor costs with automation may be the only way to compete.  

Luckily, this solution is our specialty. At Vape-Jet, we manufacture the most advanced fully-automated (Vape–Jet) and semi-automated (Jet Fueler) vape cartridge-filling systems on the market. In fact, we’ve discussed how vape cartridge automation is one of the most proactive, crucial investments you can make in your cartridge filling process quite a bit. 

Not only do our vape cartridge-filling machines fill your cartridges faster, more accurately, and help you overcome cartridge hardware challenges, our team also provides unmatched after-sales support to keep your operation running. That means higher productivity, decreased labor input, and satisfied customers. 

Vape-Jet 4.0 | The Most Advanced Fully-Automatic Vape Cartridge Filling Machine - Click to Learn More
Jet Fueler 2.0 The Most Advanced Semi-Automatic Vape Cartridge Filling Machine - Click to Learn More
Solution 02: Plan for a New Pricing Strategy

As Krista Raymer writes in her article, “to combat price compression, cannabis retailers can use psychology and consumer behavior tendencies to guide them toward certain products or shopping patterns. One important tactic to do this is through the lens of price perception.”  

Krista lists three strategies cannabis companies can use to stay ahead: ‘visualization of pricing,’ ‘in-store signage,’ and ‘insignificant numbers.’ Read detailed descriptions of these strategies in “Dispensary Pricing Strategy: How to Combat Price Compression.” 

Solution 03: Solventless Cannabis Oil Extraction

As we discussed earlier, CO2 is a dependable solvent for Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE). But what if you moved your workflow away from solvents? Well, it is safe to assume that solventless processes will see a significant boost if solvents inflate high enough. If you want to learn more about this cannabis oil extraction method and how it affects production, product quality, and operation costs, start with this article—“Extracting the Bottom Line.” 

And That’s Where We Come In

As we watch the CO2 shortage impact other industries around us, cannabis businesses should start preparing for the necessary strategies (cultivation, production, sales, etc.) to combat the inevitable results of price increases in our industry. Automation is one of the most straightforward ways to set your business up for success now and especially when uncertainty starts affecting the markets on which we depend. 

Reach out to the Vape-Jet team today, and let’s optimize your operation now and secure your workflow for the long haul. 

While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  

Interested in our new partner program? Learn more here.