Vaporizing cannabis has seen a fulgurant rise to fame in the cannabis world. This is due to the fact that the euphoric and physical effects of the cannabis plant can still be enjoyed without having to inhale smoke. Vaporizers allow CBD and THC enthusiasts to get their fair share of psychotropic effects with reduced harm to their lungs.
In this article we talk about the optimal vaping temperature so that you can better control your vaporizer and consume your cannabis more effectively. Given that oil or dry herb vaporizers are relatively new on the cannabis market when compared to joints, bongs, and other paraphernalia, this guide aims to educate and share the best vaping practices.
What's the best temperature for vaping weed?
The best temperature for vaping weed depends on your personal preference, and whether you have a dry herb vaporizer or an oil one. In general, you want to keep the temperature low enough that you don't burn the ground cannabis plant, but high enough to get a good hit of vapor.
If you are looking for big hits from your dry herb vaporizer, higher temperatures will provide more vapor, but may not be as flavorful as lower temperatures. Some people prefer to progressively increase the temperature of their vaporizers the more “toasted” their cannabis gets.
For example, users may set the weed vaping temperature to low when freshly grounded weed is placed in the vaping chamber, but when it starts browning, they increase the vaporization temperature to get the most cannabinoids and terpenes.
All you need to know about cannabis vaporizers
How does temperature impact your vaping experience?
The vaping temperature greatly impacts the vaping experience since cannabinoids have more taste at a high temperature. Furthermore, psychotropic effects are enhanced when the temperature is higher. The psychoactive effects are stronger as there is more CBD and THC released at high temperatures.
The science of vaporizing cannabinoids and terpenes
It all starts with temperature
The temperature and duration of a vaporization session determine the chemical makeup of the cannabis compounds you're inhaling and its physical and antianxiety effects. As mentioned above, the higher the temperature the stronger the psychoactive effects.
Here are vaporizing tips:
- The temperature should be monitored with a thermometer and kept between 176°C and 205°C.
- If using flowers, 0.1 grams is suitable for experienced users. If using concentrates, use no more than three 5-second draws per hit.
The boiling point of vaping THC compared to terpenes
The psychoactive effects of marijuana are caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The concentration of these cannabis compounds varies depending on the strain of weed used. Some strains contain high THC levels and low levels of CBD, while others have just the opposite ratio.
The boiling point of THC is 157°C, while the boiling point of terpenes is generally between 180°C and 250°C. Though not as familiar to most people as THC, terpenes are the little hydrocarbons that give different cannabis strains (as well as other fragrant plants) their aromatic qualities. In cannabis, they are found in the plant’s sticky resin, where cannabinoids are also produced.
Here are the most common terpenes and their boiling points:
- Pinene: This terpene has a pine-like f and fragrance that acts as a bronchodilator. Boiling point: 155˚C.
- Limonene: This terpene possesses a citrus scent, and is thought to have anti-cancer and anti-depression abilities. Boiling point: 176˚C.
- Myrcene: This terpene has an earthy, almost fruity tone. Its main benefit is that it can increase the effects of THC. Boiling point: 168˚C.
- Beta-caryophyllene: Also found in cloves and black pepper, this terpene has a spicy flavor that fights anxiety, inflammation, and tumors. Boiling point: 160˚C.
- Linalool: This terpene is sought for its sedative effects. Boiling point: 198˚C.
More efficient than smoking
Many people believe that vaping is more efficient than smoking because it doesn't burn all of the THC (the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) like smoking does, which means that more THC makes it into your bloodstream. However, this isn't true for all vaporizers as some can deliver up to 80 % efficiency while others fall short of 40 % efficiency.
Reduces health hazards
Vaporizers are a healthier alternative to smoking because they contain less acidity than combustion methods. When you combust your cannabis, it releases carbon monoxide and other carcinogens into your lungs which can cause long-term health problems such as emphysema and cancer.
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Vaping temperature chart
Cannabinoid boiling point:
CBG: 126°F / 52°C
THCa: 220°F / 104°C
Δ9THC: 315°F / 157°C
CBDa: 248°F / 120°C
THCv: 428°F / 220°C
CBC: 428°F / 220°C
CBN: 365°F / 185°C
CBD: 356°F / 180°C
Δ8THC: 350°F / 177°C
Terpenes boiling point:
A-Pinene: 311°F / 155°C
β-Caryophyllene: 320°F / 165°C
β-Myrcene: 334°F / 168°C
Citronellol: 437°F / 225°C
d-Limonene: 349°F / 176°C
Eucalyptol: 349°F / 176°C
Terpinolene: 365°F / 185°C
Linalool: 388°F / 198°C
Humulene: 388°F / 198°C
Phytol: 399°F / 204°C
Caryophyllene oxide: 495°F / 257°C
Tips for finding the ideal vaporizer temperature
Here are key tips for finding the ideal vaporizer temperature:
- Start low and go slow
- Focus on flavor
- Try different temperatures
- Find your favorite concentrate
- Think about your lungs
- Use a digital thermometer
Start low and go slow
To find the optimal vaporizer temperature, start low and go slow. This will help you avoid potential burns or other issues that could ruin your vaping experience. If you don't have a digital display, then keep an eye on your dry herb or wax. You’ll be surprised by the effects of the lowest heat setting, just as you’ll be when you get the courage to try the highest setting.
Focus on flavor
By focusing on flavor you’ll develop your palate when it comes to the various flavors of cannabis and you’ll thoroughly test your vaping device doing so. What most people are stunned about when transitioning from analog ways of smoking to vaping is how much more pleasant the flavor is with vaporizers.
Try different temperatures
Many vaporizer users start by vaping at one temperature before gradually increasing it as they get used to the experience. This is a great way to get started, but there's no need to limit yourself if you want to experiment with different temperatures right away.
Find your favorite concentrates
If you're using concentrates instead of dry herbs, you may find that different concentrate types require different temperatures to optimize their effects and flavors. For example, distillate tends to be smoother at lower temperatures, while shatter and waxes produce more potent hits when vaped at higher temps (although they might not taste as good).
Think about your lungs
If you're new to vaping, it might feel strange inhaling this heated air into your lungs. The amount of vapor produced by each hit will vary depending on how long you inhale and at what temperature you set your vaporizer. Just note that there's a limit to how much you should take in if you don't want to risk damaging your lungs!
Use a digital thermometer
If you don't have one already, pick up a digital thermometer so that you can monitor the temperature of your vaporizer as it heats up. Digital thermometers are inexpensive and very easy to use. You just have to insert the probe into your vape before turning it on and wait for the reading. If it's too hot for your material, turn down the heat or give it some time to cool down before trying again.
Shop for vapers
Seed & Stone is the ultimate cannabis destination in British Columbia as it is an owner-operated non-medical cannabis retail brand. Our cannabis stores provide guidance with the goal to educate, inform, and contribute expertise on safe cannabis purchasing and consumption.
Our mission is to provide our customers with an exceptional cannabis retail experience that speaks to local sensibilities. Through community engagement, we are committed to creating a safe and convenient place to interact with cannabis products.
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