ARE CALI COMPANY VAPE PENS SAFE IN THE UK?
INTRODUCTION: WHY SAFETY MATTERS IN THE VAPE WORLD
In recent years, Cali Company vape pens have become increasingly visible in the UK’s underground vape scene. Known for their flashy packaging and association with California cannabis culture, many UK consumers wonder: Are Cali Company vape pens safe to use?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from legality and safety concerns to alternative legal options.
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WHAT ARE CALI COMPANY VAPE PENS?
A BRAND OR A TREND?
The term “Cali Company” is often used to describe black-market vape pens marketed as coming from California. These products:
Are not typically linked to an actual, licensed manufacturer
Use “Cali” branding to appear high-end or exotic
Often mimic the names and branding of legal U.S. cannabis strains
WHY THEY’RE POPULAR
These pens are known for:
High THC content
Cannabis strain-inspired flavours
Eye-catching packaging
Low price and easy availability (mostly via social media or street sellers)
But popularity does not equal safety.
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LEGAL STATUS OF VAPE PENS IN THE UK
WHAT’S LEGAL?
In the UK, vape pens can contain:
Nicotine (regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016)
CBD (Cannabidiol) (legal if it contains <0.2% THC and is from an approved hemp strain)
WHAT’S ILLEGAL?
THC-containing vape pens are illegal unless prescribed by a specialist under a medical cannabis license
Unlicensed products with high THC are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Cali Company vape pens usually fall into this illegal category.
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SAFETY RISKS OF CALI COMPANY VAPE PENS
LACK OF REGULATION
These products are not regulated by any health authority in the UK or abroad. That means:
No guarantee of what’s actually inside
No quality control for ingredients or manufacturing
No oversight for contamination or dosage
POSSIBLE CONTAMINANTS
Tests in the U.S. and UK have revealed that unregulated THC vape pens can contain:
Vitamin E acetate – linked to serious lung damage (EVALI)
Pesticides and heavy metals
Unknown synthetic cannabinoids
Contaminated cutting agents
MISLABELING AND DOSING RISKS
A common issue with Cali Company vapes:
Labels don’t match contents – e.g. “1000mg THC” may be false
Some contain zero THC, others contain too much
Users may unknowingly overdose, especially first-timers
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REAL-WORLD INCIDENTS AND HEALTH WARNINGS
EVALI OUTBREAK (2019–2020)
In 2019, the U.S. saw a mass outbreak of vaping-related lung injuries, known as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury). Many cases were linked to:
Black-market THC vape pens
Use of Vitamin E acetate as a thickening agent
UK health experts warned that imported or counterfeit THC vapes, including “Cali” pens, could pose similar risks.
UK-BASED REPORTS
Though less documented than in the U.S., UK authorities have:
Seized counterfeit vape pens labeled “Cali” or “Cali Plug”
Issued warnings about illicit THC vapes sold to teens
Emphasized that these are not the same as regulated nicotine or CBD products
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HOW TO TELL IF A CALI VAPE PEN IS FAKE OR DANGEROUS
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR
No lab test results or QR code linking to a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Over-the-top packaging with cartoon characters or holographic foil
Sold through Snapchat, Instagram, or Telegram rather than a licensed retailer
Names like “Cali Plug,” “Cali Gold,” “Cali Kush,” or “Cali Company” with no verified brand source
IF IT LOOKS DODGY, IT PROBABLY IS
These products are designed to look appealing — but they rarely come from a traceable source. Most are filled and packaged in illegal home-lab settings or imported in bulk from China or the U.S.
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LEGAL AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF USING CALI COMPANY VAPE PENS
LEGAL RISKS
Possessing or distributing THC vape pens in the UK can result in:
Up to 5 years in prison for possession
Up to 14 years for supply or production
Fines and criminal records
Even if you’re “just vaping,” if the product contains THC, it’s illegal without a prescription.
HEALTH RISKS
Unregulated vape pens can lead to:
Lung injuries (chronic cough, shortness of breath, chest pain)
Headaches, nausea, dizziness
Long-term respiratory issues
Potential exposure to cancer-causing chemicals
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WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE USED A CALI COMPANY VAPE PEN
SHORT-TERM ACTIONS
Stop using the product immediately
Monitor your symptoms — especially breathing difficulties
Contact NHS 111 or visit a GP if symptoms persist
REPORT THE PRODUCT
You can report suspicious vape products to:
Trading Standards
MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
Crimestoppers (anonymously if needed)
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SAFE, LEGAL ALTERNATIVES TO CALI COMPANY VAPE PENS
1. LEGAL CBD VAPE PENS
Many UK retailers offer CBD vapes inspired by cannabis strains, such as:
Paso CBD
Orange County CBD
Harmony CBD
Provacan
These are:
Lab-tested
THC-free
Sold legally in the UK
2. MEDICAL CANNABIS PRESCRIPTIONS (IF ELIGIBLE)
You can legally access THC-containing vape products in the UK with a private medical cannabis prescription for conditions like:
Chronic pain
Multiple sclerosis
Epilepsy
Anxiety (in some cases)
Private clinics such as Sapphire Medical Clinics and The Medical Cannabis Clinics can assess your eligibility.
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CONSUMER TIPS FOR BUYING SAFE VAPE PRODUCTS IN THE UK
BUY FROM LICENSED RETAILERS
Only purchase from:
CBD shops with clear labelling
Pharmacies offering nicotine vapes
Websites that provide:
Ingredient lists
Lab reports
Customer service contacts
RESEARCH THE BRAND
Before buying:
Google the brand name + “reviews” or “lab test”
Check for third-party lab certification
Avoid anything too cheap to be true
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FINAL VERDICT: ARE CALI COMPANY VAPE PENS SAFE IN THE UK?
No, they are not.
Cali Company vape pens are:
Unregulated
Often illegally imported
Contain unknown ingredients
Pose serious health risks
Are illegal to possess or use without a prescription
