Are you new to vaping weed and have no idea about the right vape temperature or why the vaping temperature even matters at all?
Finding the right temperature is critical for maximizing the benefits of vaping because the good stuff in cannabis, like the cannabinoids and terpenes, have specific temperatures at which they vaporize.
In this article, we’ll show you the best temperature to vape weed so you can get the most out of your cannabis and vape.
What are Cannabinoids, Terpenes and Flavonoids?
The cannabis plant contains a range of organic compounds, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
At least 60 cannabinoids have been found so far, but it’s thought that over a hundred more could be waiting to be discovered. The two most famous cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), and both have a range of potential medical benefits.
However, THC is the only one that can get you high. Each of these cannabinoids has its own boiling point, which affects their vaporization and the overall vaping experience.
Terpenes are aromatic oils that give cannabis its range of smells and flavours. They are not unique to cannabis—they give pine, orange peels, black pepper, lavender, and mint their distinctive aromas.
Flavonoids aren’t as well-known as the previous two types of compounds. Still, they work together synergistically with terpenes to create the range of flavours and tastes of cannabis while also being responsible for the pigmentation. Do you know the famous colour of the Purple Haze strain? That’s largely due to the flavonoids.
Why Does Temperature Matter?
The cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are responsible for the medical properties, the sensation of being high, and the taste and aroma of cannabis, among other things.
But did you know that the release of these compounds only occurs at specific temperatures when you vape weed? Those temperatures are called the vaporization temperatures, and they can be challenging to get right if you don’t have the experience or knowledge.
If your temperature is too low, you won’t vaporize anything, but if it’s too high, those compounds can get burned off and destroyed, making it critical to know the temperature range you’re aiming for. The minimum temperature for effective vaporization is typically between 320°F (160°C) and 356°F (180°C), which yields the most flavorful vapor and mild effects. Going below this range may result in ineffective vaporization and lack desired psychoactive effects.
You’ll need to learn the vaporization points of the desired compounds you want from the cannabis you are consuming because that will allow you to start targeting them through your vaporizer’s temperature control settings.
You may need to play around with your specific heating element to see how it responds. For example, your heating element may heat up to a lower level in reality than the setting you have.
Try setting your vape to lower temperatures so you get a steady and slow release of the desired compounds and allow for a smooth release of cannabinoids. The strategy is perfect for new users since the thicker vapour from higher temperatures may be too much for lungs unaccustomed to cannabis.
Temperature control is also essential as it helps you avoid ruining your cannabis. Here’s a handy chart to show you some of the boiling points of the most popular cannabinoids and terpenes:
Boiling Points of Cannabinoids and Terpenes
Understanding the boiling points of cannabinoids and terpenes is crucial for optimizing your vaping experience. Each compound in cannabis vaporizes at a specific temperature, influencing the flavour, aroma, and effects of your vape. Knowing these boiling points allows you to tailor your vaping temperature to achieve the desired effects.
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): 315°F (157°C)
- CBD (Cannabidiol): 320°F (160°C)
- CBG (Cannabigerol): 310°F (154°C)
- CBC (Cannabichromene): 330°F (165°C)
- THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): 290°F (143°C)
- CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid): 300°F (149°C)
- A-pinene: 350°F (177°C)
- β-caryophyllene: 360°F (182°C)
- β-myrcene: 370°F (188°C)
- d-limonene: 380°F (193°C)
By setting your vape to the right temperature, you can ensure that you are vaporizing the specific cannabinoids and terpenes you want, enhancing your overall vaping experience.
What’s the best temperature to vape flower?
It depends because there is no “best” temperature in practice since it depends on how you want to enjoy your dried flower.
If you want to get small hits over a longer period with maximum flavour, keep the temperature low, so the release of cannabis compounds is less intense. But if you’re more in the mood for short and intense bursts, opt for higher temperatures.
It may take some practice to achieve the ideal temperature for a specific type of cannabis plant, as the ratio of cannabinoids and types of terpenes vary depending on the strain. Still, part of the fun with vaping weed is the level of control you have that lets you experiment and enjoy different sensations based on your taste and setup.
Choose vaping weed equipment that allows you to achieve the right setting accurately. It’s not helpful if the setting shows 300 degrees, but in reality, it is 280 degrees. The flower will not reach the vaporization temperature, and the experience would be more frustrating than enjoyable.
You could hone in on the temperature range by vaping at the range of 160 – 220°C.
It’s a common range that most vapers tend to consume cannabis. You’ll notice that the chemicals released change as you move up the temperature scale. Through trial and error, you’ll learn the temperatures that match up with what you’re trying to achieve.
Low temp: 163-177°C
This temperature range is ideal for newcomers or those who prefer a smooth vapour with a lot of flavour from the terpenes and a mild high from the moderate amounts of CBD and THC released- making it ideal for daytime use or a wake-and-bake in the morning.
Vaping cannabis at low temperatures can be beneficial for medical users seeking therapeutic effects, as it allows for the activation of specific cannabinoids and terpenes that cater to individual medical needs.
At these temperatures, the vapour will be thin and airy—to the point where it may be hard to see—and we don’t recommend going below 163°C, as temperatures lower than that will not effectively vaporize the compounds.
Medium temp: 177-205°C
You’ll unleash more of the cannabinoids for a more potent high and a thicker, more visible vapour at this temperature range.
Many people consider this range the ‘sweet spot’ because you’ll get a great balance between the high and the flavour of the strain you’re vaping.
High Temp: 205-220°C
In this range, the vapour will be much thicker, which could make you more likely to cough if you’re not accustomed to it. You’ll also get less taste from the terpenes, but you’re sacrificing the terpenes for the strength of the high, which will be intense.
Cranking your vape up to this level is excellent for when you’re relaxing or watching a movie at the end of the day, or getting your last session. It can often induce a body high and make you feel more lethargic and tired, which is great right before going to bed.
It’s also a great way to get the most out of your cannabis at the end of a solid vape session by ensuring that you get all of the cannabinoids. After vaping at this level, you’ll likely notice that your flower has turned from green to brown, which is an indication that you should empty your chamber and either refill it with fresh flower for your next round or call it a day.
Benefits of Different Temperature Ranges
The optimal vaping temperature depends on your personal preferences and the effects you want to achieve. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits associated with different temperature ranges:
Low-Temperature Vaping Benefits
- Ideal temperature range: 325-350°F (163-177°C)
- Advantages: At lower temperatures, the vapor remains cool and less harsh on the throat.
- Suitable for those who savour terpene-rich flavours.
- Reduced throat irritation.
- Enhanced flavor profile.
- Milder psychoactive effects.
- Compounds vaporized:- Terpenes: pinene, caryophyllene, myrcene, limonene, eucalyptol.
- Cannabinoids: Δ8THC, Δ9THC, CBD, CBG, THCa, CBDa.
Medium Temperature Vaping Benefits
- Ideal temperature range: 350-400°F (177-204°C)
- Advantages:- Strikes a balance between terpenes and cannabinoids.
- Provides a richer flavor profile and stronger psychoactive effects.
- Balanced flavor and effects.
- Increased potency.
- Suitable for most users.
- Compounds vaporized:- Terpenes: limonene, terpinolene, linalool, humulene.
- Cannabinoids: Δ8THC, Δ9THC, CBD, CBN, THCa, CBDa.
High-Temperature Vaping Benefits
- Ideal temperature range: 400-430°F (204-221°C)
- Advantages:- Suitable for maximum cannabinoid extraction and intense psychotropic effects.
- Vapor is hotter and less flavorful.
- Maximum cannabinoid extraction.
- Intense psychoactive effects.
- Suitable for experienced users.
- Compounds vaporized:- Terpenes: citronellol, humulene, phytol, caryophyllene oxide.
- Cannabinoids: Δ8 THC, Δ9THC, CBD, CBN, CBC, THCa, CBDa, THCv.
By understanding the benefits of different temperature ranges, you can customize your vaping experience to match your preferences, whether you’re looking for a flavorful, mild high or a potent, intense effect.
What’s the best temperature to vape concentrates?
The temperature has the same effect on cannabis concentrates, whether you are using a kit or vape setup. Vaping concentrates are ideal at 315 to 450 degrees (157-232 C), and the temperature you choose will depend on how you like to enjoy them. So, you’ll need to go through a process of trial and error to find a temperature that’s a good match for the concentrate.
You will learn that concentrates don’t offer the same sensation at a specific temperature. Therefore, when switching concentrates, you may need to go through a process of learning the right temperature all over again. Consult a weed vape temperature chart to determine which temperature is a good starting point. Attention to detail in this area will help you achieve the right taste.
Not sure where to start with the temperature settings?
Start by going with the middle of the range since that generally produces the best taste.
From there, you can experiment by going higher or lower. You may want to choose a lower setting if you are new to vaping concentrates.
Don’t make the mistake of turning the temperature up too much to get a more substantial hit. You’ll burn the concentrate more often than you think. Turning up the temperature without going over the burning point takes practice.
Please read our guide on how to smoke shatter for more information.
How to control temp when vaping
Your vape equipment will ultimately determine how you can control the temperature.
The temperature control should have two buttons, one with a “+” mark and the other with a “-“ mark. These buttons allow you to adjust the temperature easily. Other vaporizers may simply have a dial that you twist to the left or right, depending on your desired temperature.
Remember that if you change the temperature settings, your vape may need some time for the temperature to catch up.
Having the best temperature control unit will increase your chances of getting the best experience. You may need to save up to buy a more expensive vaping kit with an advanced unit, but it’s worth the investment if you want to vape long-term.
Most weed vape products are now automatic, so the above information only applies to dry herb vaporizers or dab rigs. Learn more about dabbing vs vaping weed.
Vaping Temperature FAQ
What’s the best temp to vape weed for getting high?
You can get high at the temperature range of 160-220°C, but the nature of the high changes with the thickness of the vapour. You can expect a mild high at lower temperatures, and the hotter your vape gets, the more intense the high will be. You may want to try out the different temperature ranges to compare.
Why is my cannabis not vaporizing?
If your cannabis is not vaporizing, your heating element does not generate enough heat to reach the vaporization temperature. The temperature should be at least 160°C to achieve vaporization. The heating element might be faulty, which means you need to get it repaired or buy a new one.
Also, the control unit may not be functioning properly. It might need calibration so that the readings displayed match what the heating element is doing.
Will my location affect the temperature?
If you are in cold temperatures, it may take longer to heat the coil to the desired temperature. Strong, responsive heating elements will not have trouble achieving the right temperature in any condition.
What is the best beginner optimal vaping temperature?
Beginners should keep the temperature at the bottom of the possible range, which is around 160-165°C, primarily because at a low temperature, there is no chance that you will accidentally burn your cannabis because that would be a shame.
Also, the intensity of the hit is lower at reduced temperatures. It’s a good idea to start by just going over the vaporization level and slowly increasing the temperature as you gain experience.
What’s the best temp for medical users?
Medical cannabis users who want the full medical benefits of cannabis should turn the temperature up to the high range. We recommend 200°C as it will vaporize the cannabinoids like THC and CBD that are responsible for the medicinal properties of cannabis. Going higher than this runs the risk of burning your cannabis or having the vapour taste funny.
Want to see if you can get the right temperature for your next vaping session? Then check out our shop for some of the best cannabis around, and choose more than one strain to enjoy a selection of tastes.
Featured image courtesy of Leafly.
Sources
Leafly: What are cannabis flavonoids and what do they do?.
Vaping360: Best temperature for vaping weed.
