STORZ & BICKEL: Pioneers of Vaporization in the Cannabis Industry

“The cannabis world is always growing. It’s a steady and slow process, but it never stops,” says Jürgen Bickel, managing director and co-founder of STORZ & BICKEL. With over two decades in the vaporization business, he has changed how consumers and patients experience cannabis.

Since the introduction of their Volcano device in 2000, a time when vaporization was relatively unknown, to the recent VENTY, named 2024’s Vaporizer of the Year at the EMJAYS, Bickel’s method has centered on a science-driven approach that prioritizes user experience. Despite significant advancements in vaporization technology, Bickel asserts that the journey continues—there’s always more to innovate.

The Foundation of STORZ & BICKEL: A Story of Innovation

Long before vaporization became a popular choice, consumers were introduced to the Volcano.

The company’s history dates back to the late 1990s when Markus Storz, a graphic designer in Germany, began exploring hot air extraction as a substitute for smoking. His concept aimed to heat cannabis enough to release its beneficial compounds without combustion, thus avoiding harmful byproducts.

During this era, vaporization was virtually unknown, especially for those reliant on cannabis for medical reasons. The potential for a healthier consumption method was groundbreaking.

See also: EXCLUSIVE: DoorDash Reveals Why It’s Betting On THC, CBD Delivery

Bickel, an engineer, recognized Storz’s potential and teamed up with him in the early 2000s to enhance the design and incorporate a forced-air system, a feature that defined the Volcano.

“People didn’t even realize you could inhale cannabis without smoking it,” Bickel recalls. “It was a novelty. But once they tried it, they understood the benefits immediately.”

The Volcano’s unique balloon-based delivery method was revolutionary. It separated heat generation from inhalation, allowing for a safe and controlled dosage, a particularly important aspect for medical marijuana patients.

“Once it’s in the balloon, there’s no heat, no electricity—it’s very safe,” Bickel explains. “You can fall asleep with it, and it doesn’t matter. You can easily inhale at your own pace.”

Advancing Vaporization: A Commitment to Innovation

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, the Volcano remains a vital part of the industry, but STORZ & BICKEL has continued to evolve its product lineup to cater to different user preferences.

• 2007: The Volcano Digit introduced precise digital temperature controls.
• 2014: The Mighty and Crafty brought portable, battery-powered convection heating.
• 2019: The Volcano Hybrid combined balloon and whip inhalation for added flexibility.
• 2023: The VENTY—STORZ & BICKEL’s most advanced vaporizer—set new benchmarks in airflow and heat-up time.

Consistent progress is a hallmark of the company’s philosophy, balancing scientific research with user feedback for continuous improvement.

See also: He Worked On Producing Oxygen On Mars, Now He Builds Cannabis Robots: The Fascinating Story Of Sorting Robotics

“We constantly look at development,” Bickel shares. “We like to let new products settle a little bit… but of course, we are always working on new things.”

This pursuit of excellence has earned STORZ & BICKEL a reputation for quality and reliability, catering to both medical patients and cannabis enthusiasts alike.

Medical-Grade Quality: The Cornerstone of Success

One significant aspect of STORZ & BICKEL’s success lies in the medical-grade quality of their devices. The company was the first to receive medical certification for a cannabis vaporizer, distinguishing it from the competition.

Bickel underscores the necessity of safety and reliability for medical users. “It was never just about innovation for the sake of it—we wanted to create something that genuinely improved how people consume cannabis.”

This commitment to precision has made STORZ & BICKEL the preferred choice for medical cannabis patients, researchers, and enthusiasts. By emphasizing quality over passing trends, they have established themselves as the gold standard in vaporization technology.

The VENTY: A Leap Forward in Vaporization

In October 2023, STORZ & BICKEL unveiled the VENTY, aiming to redefine the standards of speed, airflow, and efficiency.

See also: ‘This Is How You Make Quality Joints’ – How One Machine Produces 900 Pre-Rolls An Hour And Why They’re Better Than Cones

“The VENTY heats up in just 20 seconds,” highlights Bickel. “It offers a wide range of draw possibilities and boasts very high airflow.”

Featuring an adjustable airflow system, users can customize their experience according to their preferences. With dual lithium-ion batteries, the VENTY also allows for longer usage periods between charges.

“We are always working on development,” Bickel reiterates. “With the VENTY, we’ve introduced a truly exceptional device.”

The Impact of Canopy Growth’s Acquisition

In 2018, STORZ & BICKEL was acquired by Canopy Growth Corp CGC for $145 million. This acquisition occurred during Canopy’s strategic expansion to secure global assets and strengthen its market presence.

STORZ & BICKEL: Embracing Innovation in the Evolving Cannabis Market

“There was a moment in the company’s life when we decided to sell,” Bickel recalls. “We had a very good offer at the time. There were personal reasons for the decision, but also the opportunity made sense.”

Even after the acquisition, STORZ & BICKEL has kept its operational independence, with Bickel continuing to lead as managing director.

“Nothing changed in terms of how we develop our products or how we interact with our customers,” he emphasizes. “We still focus on what we do best: making the highest-quality vaporizers in the world.”

Being part of a larger organization has allowed STORZ & BICKEL to widen its international reach. This partnership brings access to greater resources while enabling the brand to keep innovating at its own rhythm.

Future Plans for STORZ & BICKEL

Following the successful launch of the VENTY and with a history spanning over 20 years, what lies ahead for STORZ & BICKEL?

“Right now, we’re focused on letting the VENTY settle into the market,” Bickel states. “But, of course, we’re always working on new things.”

While the company remains discreet about future product releases, STORZ & BICKEL is actively expanding its presence beyond just manufacturing devices. The brand is forming strategic partnerships in the growing consumption lounge sector, beginning with The Woods, a cannabis lounge co-founded by Woody Harrelson. These collaborations are designed to enhance consumer experiences and establish the VOLCANO Hybrid and VENTY as essential devices in upscale social settings.

Moreover, the company made history at Super Bowl 59 by becoming the first cannabis brand to host an on-site consumption event at Sports Illustrated’s The Party. The VOLCANO Bar, featuring CEO Jürgen Bickel alongside retired NFL star Pacman Jones, introduced fans to sophisticated, smoke-free vaporization—marking a significant step for mainstream cannabis acceptance.

As cannabis culture continues to progress and public consumption spaces gain popularity, STORZ & BICKEL is poised to remain a leader in innovation—not just in technology, but also in shaping how and where people engage with cannabis.

“The cannabis world keeps growing, and we’ll continue to evolve with it,” Bickel concludes.

Photo courtesy of STORZ & BICKEL

© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.