As the cannabis industry heads into 2026, consumer behavior, technology, and regulation are all evolving at once. We sat down with Dan Hannawa, President of Cannatron, to get his take on where the industry is really headed, and what trends actually matter beyond the headlines.
Q: What are the biggest cannabis industry trends to watch in 2026?
A: 2026 is all about practicality. Consumers are more educated, more price-conscious, and more aware of the long-term impact of their choices, especially when it comes to sustainability, device waste, and value. The industry is starting to feel that shift in a real way.
Q: How important will sustainability be in the cannabis industry in 2026?
A: Sustainability is no longer just a branding angle. It's becoming a cost conversation.
We see it clearly in vape hardware. Disposable vapes might dominate dispensary shelves, but our sales data clearly shows 510 cartridges and batteries are still extremely relevant. A rechargeable 510 battery can last years, while disposables require throwing away electronics (which include rare earth metals) every time you finish a gram.
When money gets tight, consumers start asking smarter questions. Reusable hardware means more of their budget goes toward THC, not replacing devices over and over.
Q: Are 510 vape cartridges still relevant with all the disposable vapes on the market?
A: Absolutely. The idea that disposables have replaced 510s just isn't true.
510 batteries are affordable, rechargeable, and (with warranties like Ooze's) a long-term solution. From a sustainability standpoint, it's a huge win. From a consumer standpoint, it's just smarter spending.
A 510 battery is also easier to recycle; it never contains any actual THC product, so recycling facilities are more likely to accept these batteries in their waste programs than a sticky disposable device filled with residue.
In 2026, value matters more than novelty.
Q: Is vape waste becoming a bigger issue for the cannabis industry?
A: Yes, and it's finally being acknowledged.
New York launching a vape recycling program is a big signal. People know these disposable devices are a problem, and governments are starting to respond. In 2026, we expect more pressure on brands to take responsibility for what happens after a device is used.
This is where reusable systems and real recycling efforts stop being optional.
Q: What role will dry herb vaporizers play in cannabis trends for 2026?
A: Dry herb vaping has been around for a long time, but price has always been a barrier.
What's changing now is accessibility. Ooze's Pinch is a great example. It's a slim flower vape that retails for about the same price as a standard Ooze pen. That opens the door for a lot of casual users who were previously priced out.
I expect more brands to follow this path: fewer features, lower cost, and devices that do the job just as well.
Q: What new cannabis product formats will continue to grow in 2026?
A: Convenience still wins. Infused pre-rolls, fast-onset edibles, and beverages are popular because they're easy, predictable, and social. Consumers aren't just chasing what's new; they're choosing formats that fit into their routines.
The brands that succeed will focus less on novelty and more on reliability and value.
Q: How will banking and payments impact the cannabis industry in 2026?
A: It's one of the quietest but most important trends. Better banking access and improved payment systems make everything smoother, from checkout to inventory management. As those tools improve, well-run cannabis businesses gain a real edge.
Consumers may not notice it directly, but they'll feel it in faster transactions, better availability of their favorite products, and more consistent checkout experiences.
The cannabis industry is maturing. In 2026, the brands that win won't just chase trends; they'll solve real problems for consumers. Sustainability, affordability, and smarter design are no longer optional. They're the baseline.