Operating at Elevation: What Cannabis Businesses Need to Know

Cannabis vape companies have so many challenges to consider, from supply chain issues, regulatory compliance, customer whims, inclement weather, social stigmas, the list goes on and on. Well, now there's one more thing cannabis businesses and cannabis vape manufacturers need to consider when choosing a location to set up shop: elevation.

In this blog, we're going to dive into the effects altitude has on cannabis oils and what changes and challenges it poses for cannabis vape companies operating or planning to operate at higher altitudes.

Elevation

Elevation, simply put, is the height of a location above sea level. A location's elevation has a significant impact on various physiological and environmental factors. Cities closer to the ocean are usually at lower elevations compared to those further inland. Elevations can vary considerably from place to place; for instance, New York City is 33 feet, Los Angeles is 305 feet, Denver is 5,280 feet and Albuquerque, New Mexico, the highest major U.S. city is at 6,120 feet. El Alto, Bolivia, is the highest city in the world, perched at an astounding 12,693 feet above sea level!
 
At higher elevations, the air pressure is lower, meaning there is less oxygen in the air to breathe. And having less oxygen can affect people's breathing and physical performance and even lead to symptoms like shortness of breath or altitude sickness. Higher elevations also typically have cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels.

Cannabis Businesses

Understanding elevation can be crucial for vape cannabis manufacturers and retailers operating at higher altitudes. Businesses need to understand how elevation might affect their day-to-day operations and how these factors can affect the processing, storage, and even the quality of cannabis oils. Cannabis vape companies need to understand these factors when choosing where to set up their operations. Elevation can affect almost every aspect of the production of cannabis oil, from its storage to how it vaporizes. 

Here are some ways elevation can impact a cannabis vape company.

Air Pressure

Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air molecules above pushing down on a surface. At lower elevations, there is more air above, so there is more pressure. And at higher elevations with less air above, there is less pressure. This air pressure can affect cannabis oils and vape hardware by affecting the flow and consistency of the oils. Oils may become thicker and more viscous at higher elevations with less atmospheric pressure pushing down on them. Lower air pressure can cause oils to flow inconsistently in AIO vapes and cartridges. Low air pressure can also cause air bubbles to form more easily, which may cause inconsistencies when vaporizing and affect how smooth an oil's draw is. Another way air pressure can affect cannabis production is that liquids and oils have lower boiling points at higher elevations, causing them to evaporate more quickly.

Viscosity 

There are several ways that altitude may affect the viscosity of cannabis oil. Lower air pressure can make oils less dense and more fluid. But at the same time, cooler temperatures can increase an oil's viscosity, making it thicker and more challenging to work with. Businesses at higher altitudes need to consider these factors when extracting, storing, and filling vapes and cartridges with concentrated cannabis oil.
 
Each oil formulation will have its own unique viscosity. For example, full-spectrum cannabis oil is naturally thicker, while terpenes or distillates can thin other oils. Some thicker oils may not flow as smoothly at higher altitudes and require thinning agents to vaporize correctly. Therefore, vape businesses operating or selling at higher elevations should consider using naturally thinner oils or adding thinning agents to achieve optimal vaping performance.

Therefore, vape businesses operating or selling at higher elevations should consider using naturally thinner oils or adding thinning agents to achieve optimal vaping performance.

Temperature

At higher altitudes, temperatures tend to be much cooler. This lower temperature can, in turn, affect how oils function. Cooler temperatures can cause cannabis oil to thicken; at warmer temperatures, oils can become more fluid and less viscous. One oil at sea level may be more fluid, but at a higher altitude (higher than 4,000 feet from sea level), it may become thicker and require a higher temperature to vaporize correctly. So, businesses and users at higher altitudes may experience issues with an oil being too thick, not vaporizing smoothly, or causing possible clogging.

UV Radiation

There are higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation at higher elevations because the atmosphere becomes thinner as altitude increases, allowing more ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the surface. When it comes to cannabis oil production, higher UV radiation can influence the chemical composition of the plants. UV exposure can enhance the production of specific cannabinoids and terpenes, which are crucial for the flavor, aroma, and therapeutic properties of cannabis oils. For instance, UV light can stimulate the plant to produce more cannabinoids, potentially leading to higher concentrations of THC and CBD.

Cannabis Oil Purity

Altitude can also significantly alter the overall purity and potency of cannabis oils produced at higher elevations. Firstly, the increased UV radiation boosts the production of cannabinoids like THC, which can enhance the oil's potency. The lower air pressure can also be a benefit to cannabis oil production by increasing the oil's purity by helping to better separate cannabinoids from other plant materials. Additionally, cooler temperatures found at higher elevations can help preserve the integrity of more volatile compounds like terpenes, helping to improve the overall quality and therapeutic effects of the produced oil.

In Closing

When considering the location of their operations, cannabis vape companies often overlook the importance of elevation. As we've seen, altitude can significantly affect how cannabis oils behave in vape cartridges. Lower air pressure, cooler temperatures, and pressure fluctuations can impact the consistency and vaporization of these oils. However, extractors and retailers can ensure their products perform well at any altitude by testing their oils and vapes, adjusting oil viscosity, choosing suitable thinning agents, and optimizing vaping hardware.
 
Elevation can influence the viscosity of cannabis oils, which in turn affects how they are handled and processed. Additionally, storage conditions may need to be adjusted to maintain product quality. By being aware of these elevation-related challenges, companies can implement strategies to ensure their products remain consistent and effective, regardless of location.

Happy vaping—no matter how high your business is!