The Ultimate Temperature Guide

You need to use different temperatures for different types of product – buds, wax, oil, etc. Temperature also has an effect on which chemicals are released. All of this can be confusing. It might be enough to make you want to say `forget it` and go back to combusting your marijuana product.

We’re here to give you a definitive guide to temperature and vaporizing your cannabis. So, sit back, plug in that Volcano Vaporizer, and let it get ready. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll know what temperature to use to get the effect you want.

Why Vape at all?

You may be thinking: “but when I put a lighter to a joint or to a bowl, it’s getting hot enough to release the compounds, right?” You’re right, but it’s a little like using a sledgehammer to pound in a picture nail. You miss the subtle effects that temperature can provide to your high. Also, you’re also destroying other valuable compounds and terpene that you cannot experience fully without a lower temperature.

A good rule of thumb is that a higher temperature can tend to exaggerate the effects of a strain while a lower temperature can offer a more mellow experience.

Temperature and Cannabinoids

Each of the major compounds in cannabis has a different boiling, or vaporization point. Going above this doesn’t necessarily mean that you will not reap the benefits of the compound, but the effect might be more extreme.

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is probably one of the most prevalent and most known compounds in the cannabis plant. It’s known for that psychoactive “high” feeling that you get when you smoke marijuana. Its boiling point is 157°C/315°F

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) comes in as the next most important compounds in cannabis. It has known medical uses for relieving seizures and alleviating pain. To get this little compound activated, crank it up to about 180°C/356°F.

CBN

This compound forms when THC oxidizes, but it does have the benefit of being a known sedative. It has benefits as an anti-nausea and an anti-seizure compound as well. To get this molecule to release, crank the temp to 185°C/365°F.

CBC

Cannabichromene (CBC) has shown promise as an anti-tumor, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. It is about 10 times stronger than CBD when it comes to relieving anxiety and stress. Release it by turning the temp to 220°C/428°F.

CBG

Cannabigerol can stimulate new brain cells and bone growth. It will also fight insomnia and has anti-tumor and antiviral properties as well. Get this released at about 52°C/126°F, so turn it way down for this molecule.

Now that we’ve covered the vaping temperatures for the various compounds, let us look at the different temperatures you want to vape different products at.

Herbs/Buds

Depending on what type of high you want, you can vaporize at different temperatures to release different compounds and terpenes. For a mild high that still allows you to focus but promotes relaxation, you want a low temp buzz. If you need relief from stress or pain, but still need to be able to accomplish tasks, keep it between 310°F to 330°F.

If you want more euphoria, a bit of mood elevation, enhanced sensory awareness, and to be relaxed but not feel like you’re melting into your chair, 330°F to 370°F is the temperature to strive for. This might give you the giggles or the munchies, so be sure to have a comedy on hand – and maybe some junk food, too.

For the ultimate, calming, anxiety relief high, you’ll want to crank it up above 370°F to release the terpene linalool and THC-V, which is an appetite suppressant and is energizing. However, take care at these temperatures, because you’re approaching the temperature of combustion and that will defeat the purpose of vaping.

Concentrates

When it comes to concentrates, one might think that the higher the temperature, the better. However, if you just crank up the temperature, you could be combusting valuable terpenes. Terpenes are unique compounds that give marijuana its odor and flavor. Each has their own boiling point.

Here’s a list of common terpenes and their boiling points:

• Linalool: 388 degrees F

• ß-Caryophyllene: 320 degrees F

• ß-Myrcene: 334 degrees F

• D-Limonen: 349 degrees F

• Humulene: 388 degrees F

• A-Pinene 311 degrees F

Vape too hot and you could combust and lose the flavor profiles of these flavorful and beneficial terpenes. If you have a digital vape pen or a digital nail, make sure you keep the temperature at the ideal range to release these compounds.

Well, by now your vaporizer or electric dab nail has gotten up to temperature. After reading this, you might want to dial it back a bit based on the kind of high you want. Now that you know the idea temperature for the release of various compounds or for differing kind of highs, you can customize your vaping experience daily. As moods and needs change, so does the kind of cannabis experience you want to have.