The cannabis vape market is on the cusp of a seismic shift. For years, 510 thread cartridges and similar refillable systems have dominated the landscape out of sheer necessity, but as technology evolves and consumer preferences change, disposable vapes could be poised to take the crown.

Once dismissed as a convenience-driven niche, limited-use technology has rapidly matured, delivering better battery life, precise dosing, and high-quality vapour production in compact, sleek designs. With advancements in manufacturing and sustainability, these devices are no longer just for casual users but are becoming a preferred choice for cannabis consumers seeking simplicity without sacrificing performance.

This transition mirrors trends seen in other industries where ease of use, portability, and innovation have reshaped market preferences.

“I would not be surprised if all-in-one (AIO) disposables overtake 510 thread in the next two to five years,” said Kieth Bao, Managing Director of Aveo. “510 technology right now, the most dominant in the market, was not created for cannabis oils. It was a creation of the e-cig industry and the viscosity of e-cig juice is very different from cannabis.”

Bao added that pre-legalization, cannabis companies started toying with that technology, but because it was intended for a different product, the carts have tendencies for leaks, blockages, and clogging. He also said this system can affect flavour as well.

“The three things that will impact most people for a really good vape experience are, [first] some quality hardware produced specifically for cannabis. Then you’ve got the manufacturer, the oil they put in, and how they put it in with their SOPs. The third component is the end user. When you break down all three, if you have unreliable hardware, you’re pretty much dead in the water.” 

Bao added that this is because before you even fill the vape, you are already starting with a major element of the experience that is sub-sufficient, which will automatically affect the other two.

Matchmaker make me a match

“An AIO, we like to call them AIOs (All In Ones) instead of disposables, [will be] the future of vapes,” agreed Nafisa Subedar, Director of National Sales for Cannabrand Solutions. “We’re getting more educated users that want a tailored experience, versus how to figure out what battery is going to fit or is this hardware going to work in the winter time. When you have an AIO you’re able to tailor that whole experience.”

Subedar added that the internal stakeholders, the hardware and lab team, for instance, who are putting the product’s components together, need to be mindful of how the products interact. For example, they need to ensure that the oil pairs well with the chosen hardware. 

“I have an R&D manager that used to work as a lab manager,” she said. “He speaks to all my LPs and MSOs, making sure that we’re gearing their beautiful oil with the right product. I know the magic they are putting into [these] products, so why can’t we pair that with proper hardware that’s going to give the best experience to the end user?”

Subedar went on to say that technology is getting quite advanced in this area, with manufacturers able to detail the consumers’ AIO experience all the way to the voltage, temperature, and everything in between. That said, a complete transition from current technology will not happen overnight, or entirely, for that matter. 

“I think that 510s aren’t going to leave the Canadian market in the next two years because we still have a lot of value brands that have an excess in biomass, and want to put distillates out there.”

The more you know

One of the glaring realities of the current disposable vape market is the lack of oversight in the materials being used. Kyle Michael, President of Follow The Leader Distribution, has noticed this.

“As far as I can tell, there’s literally no oversight from our governing body, Health Canada,” he said. Michael went on to add that the “excessive excise tax regime” that the government puts on concentrates forces the hand of manufacturers to cut corners in order to survive.

“If a company is putting out a 1g live resin vape that has 90% THC in it, they’re paying nine dollars in excise tax,” said Michael. “That’s before other taxes.”

Michael said that the same manufacturers are pursuing profit margins of below two dollars. Compound that with current market price compressions, and it’s a perfect storm for sub-par materials. “The manufacturers are trying to put out a less expensive product [so] they’re looking for less expensive hardware,” he said. “My personal concern is that the market is shifting to all-in-ones and bringing the price down.”

Michael was quick to point out that he is not referring to the other companies mentioned in this article, which are reputable. He is referring to people buying generic stock straight from manufacturers in China, as an example.

The cannabis vaporizer market is experiencing significant growth. Current projections indicate a rise from USD$5 billion in 2023 to approximately USD$25.20 billion by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5%.

In Canada, the disposable vape segment has shown notable expansion. For instance, Ontario reported a 21.6% year-over-year increase in total cannabis vape sales for the third quarter, rising from $63.7 million in 2021 to $77.4 million. Additionally, disposable vape sales in the province increased by nearly 30% over the same period.

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