How to dispose of used medical cannabis products in the UK

Not too long ago, we announced the launch of cannabis-based extract vape cartridges - a welcome addition - to our medical cannabis formulary. The SOMAÍ THC4000 Hybrid Essentials offers a new and easy way for our patients to administer their medication. But with a new product, there are also important questions to be answered. 

While receiving your medical cannabis prescription can be a huge relief, many patients are unaware of what to do with their products after they’ve used them. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process for disposing of your used medical cannabis cartridges, as well as medical cannabis oil bottles and used cannabis flower.

Medical cannabis vape cartridges

The SOMAÍ THC4000 Hybrid Essentials vape cartridges are the newest addition to our medical cannabis product offering. Following patient feedback, we came together with SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals to provide an alternative to vaping medical cannabis flower, which, while effective and fast-acting, can have drawbacks for some patients. 

Vape cartridges remove the need to fill flower sticks, making administration easier for patients who require fast delivery or those with dexterity issues. But what do you do with empty cartridges once you have finished with them?

What to do with old vape cartridges

The SOMAÍ THC4000 Hybrid Essentials THC vape cartridge is made from strong plastic to ensure it doesn’t break in transit or with normal wear. Unfortunately, these cartridges cannot currently be recycled with general household recyclables. So, you might wonder: “Can I throw my vapes in the bin?”

We recommend contacting local vape shops in your area to inquire whether you can drop your used cartridges off for recycling. Many shops are happy to take old products to ensure proper vape cartridge disposal; however, if this isn’t the case, they can be placed in the bin with your general household waste. 

Used medical cannabis flower 

Flower remains one of the most popular forms of medical cannabis in the UK. However, it remains illegal to smoke cannabis in any form - even when the product is prescribed. Instead, patients are directed to use a dry herb vaporiser to administer their medication. 

This provides fast onset through inhalation while reducing the risks associated with smoking, as the plant matter is gently heated rather than combusted. But it does raise the question of what to do with the vaped flower (often referred to as “already vaped bud”, AVB, or vape discard) after use. 

Disposing of “already vaped bud” (AVB)

AVB can be discarded along with your general household waste. We recommend collecting the vape discard in a sealable bag or compostable pouch which can be placed in your bin at home. You can also take your discarded medical cannabis flower to a pharmacy for disposal alongside other prescribed medications. Just ensure the product is in its original packaging and you have a copy of your prescription.

While it may be tempting to compost the used plant material, this is not recommended. This might seem like an environmentally friendly option; however, AVB still contains some active cannabinoids which may pose a threat to pets and local wildlife. 

Medical cannabis oils

Cannabis oils are another popular form of medical cannabis in the UK. These extracts are available in a range of formulations featuring various combinations of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes. They are generally administered sublingually (under the tongue), offering an alternative to inhalation. 

Medical cannabis oils are stored in glass or plastic bottles, typically with a dropper attached to the lid for easy administration. But how should these containers be disposed of after use?

How to dispose of medical cannabis oil bottles

The good news is that the bottles that medical cannabis oil comes in can be mostly recycled. With some simple separation, the containers can be distributed in your household recycling. 

Simply remove the rubber seal around the lid and dispose of this with your general household waste. Then, the plastic lid can be recycled alongside your normal plastic products, and the glass bottle - after a thorough rinse - can be recycled through your normal recycling bins at home!

Medical cannabis and correct disposal of medication

Many people are unaware of the regulations around medication waste disposal. As mentioned above, most pharmacies in the UK are equipped to dispose of used or unwanted medications, including medical cannabis, free of charge. This is often the best option, as disposing of medications in other ways - such as flushing them down the toilet or putting them in the bin - can pose a threat to wildlife and other people.

However, with thorough cleaning, your medical cannabis vape cartridges are typically suitable to be thrown away with your everyday waste. If you have any more questions about storing and disposing of your medical cannabis products, a member of our support team is always on hand to help - simply email support@releaf.co.uk.