1 of 5
Can Marasligil, c.e.o., Sunakin. Photo credit: Sunakin
2 of 5
Wiz pods are available with high-density CBD oils of up to 10.000mg per 100ml. Photo credit: Sunakin
3 of 5
Sam He, marketing specialist for Cilicon. Photo credit: ALD/Cilicon
4 of 5
Cilicon’s Solo 1 has sold more than 100 million units worldwide. Photo credit: ALD/Cilicon.
5 of 5
Sunakin’s Wiz Go, a remarkable engineering marvel. Photo credit: Sunakin.
Vaping CBD oils requires the use of specialized vaping devices.
Germany legalized cannabis in April 2023. An indirect consequence of this positive development is the first CB Expo, which takes place alongside InterTabac/InterSupply from September 19-21 at the vast Westfalenhalle exhibition center in Dortmund, Germany. As all available space was apparently booked out to the last square meter months in advance, visitors can expect a huge spread of companies openly – and legally! – exhibiting their latest cannabis-related gadgets and accessories.
Sunakin: Setting new goal posts for the cannabis vaping industry
Many of these exhibitors are from China, and they have made great inroads in developing specialized vaping devices that are explicitly compatible with CBD (cannabidiol) oils and other cannabinoid preparations.
“Traditional vaping devices are not suitable for CBD oils due to their high viscosity, which can cause blockages and leaks,” explained Can Marasligil, c.e.o. of Sunakin, based in Amsterdam. Furthermore, Marasligil stated that conventional devices lacked the precise temperature control needed for vaporizing CBD oil without degrading its active compounds. “In addition, using inappropriate heating coils also can lead to partial combustion of the oils, producing an irritating and potentially harmful vapor,” he said.
Innovation and advanced technologies are essential
To address these potential issues, Sunakin developed unique vaporization systems, including patented temperature control technologies and corrosion-resistant materials that ensure smooth, efficient, and safe vaping of CBD extracts and other cannabinoids. The Sunakin brand was only created in 2020 with the primary goal of “improving people’s lives by providing high-quality devices,” according to Marasligil.
“We firmly believe in the power of plants and their ability to offer exceptional experiences,” he said. “This philosophy guides our innovation and respect for the timeless benefits of plants.” He insisted that Sunakin, a new leader in the cannabis industry, had identified a strategic opportunity by combining its expertise in new technologies with the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids.
The growing demand for natural and potent CBD products as well as a consumer need for devices capable of handling high concentrations of CBD both were motivating factors.
High-density CBD oils were an important breakthrough
A crucial step in Sunakin’s r&d was the creation of high-density oils, offering unprecedented concentrations of up to 10,000mg of CBD extract per 100 milliliters. Since a natural extraction process without chemical agents extraction is deployed, the throat irritation that users may experience with such vaping products is practically eliminated completely.
“Thanks to our advanced technology and specialized devices, we have bridged the gap between vaping and the world of cannabis, setting new industry standards,” Marasligil emphasized. But, as already mentioned, CBD-compatible vapes also require significantly more advanced temperature control systems for exact temperature regulation that facilitates optimal vaporization of high-viscosity oils.
“[In Sunakin devices,] we use ceramic and quartz elements to ensure even heat distribution, avoiding hot spots and ensuring efficient vaporization,” Marasligil revealed. “Additionally, we have developed a unique heating coil technology with titanium chambers that allow for rapid and continuous heating.” Lastly, Sunakin devices also incorporate advanced safety systems, including overheat protection.
A quick overview of Sunakin devices
Sunakin has several interesting vaporizer models up its sleeve. The Wiz Hybrid is touted by the company as a “world first,” allowing simultaneous vaporization of “herbs” and e-liquids. Similarly, the Ekwik is presented as “the only true AIO [all-in-one] model on the market, capable of vaporizing ‘dry herbs,’ CBD wax, as well as e-liquids.” “Our ambitions to continue innovating are also reflected in the upcoming launches of the Wiz Go and Wiz One, two pod models that will exclusively use our patented high-density pod,” revealed Can Marasligil. The Wiz Go was officially launched on September 19 and will be one of the flagship products showcased at the Innokin/Sunakin booth at InterTabac. The Wiz One, meanwhile, is scheduled to debut at Losanexpo in France (October 19-20) this year
A strong commitment to the environment
With its groundbreaking vape models such as the Wiz Hybrid and the Wiz One, Sunakin also makes a commitment to environmental concerns. “We care deeply about the environment and staying in harmony with the spirit of our users,“ said Marasligil. As such, Sunakin’s high-density pod vaping systems boast interchangeable batteries. “Disposable devises are totally banished from our product portfolio,“ he asserted. “That enables sustainable and eco-friendly use without ever having to discard the vaporizer itself.”
Cilicon, the highly successful CBD brand from ALD
Based in the vaping hub of Shenzhen, China, ALD Group Limited is, according to its own claims, “the world’s largest OEM/ODM vape manufacturer.” But the company also ranks among the world’s leading developers of proprietary devices under several brand names. In 2021, as the CBD craze started to gain momentum, the company created its cutting-edge Cilicon brand to inject additional energy into this relatively young product segment.
“With Cilicon, we have created a professional, reliable, and influential cannabis-based electronic cigarette brand community that enhances industry standards and provides end users with an excellent experience,” said the brand’s marketing specialist Sam He. Largely agreeing with Sunakin’s Marasligil, He confirmed that “appropriate heating elements, an improved wick system, effective coil design, and adjustable temperature settings” are essential for a proper CBD vaporizer. “Standard devices are not suitable for CBD oils, which can cause safety issues or even health risks. Using the wrong device can also affect the flavor and effectiveness,” he said.
Pod models more common than open-system vapes
Although some existing open-system devices allow consumers to fill their integrated tanks with CBD oils or liquids, it is more common to find CBD vapes with pre-filled “click-on” cartridges (also known as pods) or in the form of single-use pre-filled disposables.
“This preference is due to the convenience, consistency, and quality control they offer,” He explained. Pre-filled cartridges also are simply more user-friendly. Furthermore, they reduce the risk of spills and contamination and are designed for optimal performance and safety. Although some Cilicon devices are compatible with both proprietary CBD cartridges and standardized pods from third-party manufacturers, the brand’s best-selling model, the Solo 1, is a pre-filled disposable.
Solo 1, Cilicon’s flagship brand
ALD likewise has several CBD-compatible gadgets in its portfolio, but the brand’s undisputed flagship product is the Solo 1, which, according to Sam He, has already sold more than 100 million units. A disposable device using Cilicon’s patented BioBaleen heating module as well as the Deliflow Tech heating control system. As cannabinoid formulations are illegal in China, the Solo 1 is shipped with its integrated tank empty to Cilicon’s partner companies worldwide.
Those partners will then fill the units before distributing them to sales outlets. Although the Solo 1’s battery is rechargeable, the unit must be discarded after its tank is depleted, because refilling it is impossible. The re-chargeability of the battery is simply considered a smart preventive measure to comply with local regulations that ban disposable vaping devices and/or single-use batteries.
Going to market
Sunakin is already present in the major global cannabis markets. “In the United States, the legislation of many states permits the use of various cannabis-derived molecules, allowing us to offer our high-density solution with a wide range of cannabinoid blends there,” Marasligil told Tobacco Asia. And in Europe, the brand also has a strong presence in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy – all countries where the demand for high-quality CBD products is high. According to Marasligil, Sunakin also plans to expand soon into Eastern Europe, a region with high growth potential. Japan, with its new CBD-friendly regulations, also represents a promising market. Furthermore, Marasligil stated that the company is looking to quickly enter rapidly evolving markets, especially in the medical cannabis sector. “We aim to play a significant role in the history of medical cannabis.” Meanwhile, Cilicon currently limits its marketing primarily to the United States, although European countries such as Germany or Spain may soon get on the list as well. Time will tell.
Both article contributors are attending this year’s InterTabac exhibition in Dortmund, Germany. Sunakin, sharing a booth with Innokin, can be found at booth no. 5.B04 (Hall 5) while ALD occupies booth no. 1.A02 (Hall 1), with its Cilicon brand having a separate location, booth no. CB.B06 at the first CB Expo.