Cannabis Vaping Temperature Guide

Vaping is a popular means of consuming cannabis flower and concentrates. The traditional method of vaporizing cannabis products had, until recent years, been through the use of dry herb vaporizers. These products are created by manufacturers in large and small sizes, with some large enough to take up a nightstand-sized table or those small enough to fit into your pocket. These devices each have their respective conveniences and drawbacks. They also restrict the material that can be vaporized. Modern advancements in vaporizing technology have seen the proliferation of new devices with digital interfaces and the ability to vaporize liquids and oils. This article will go into a bit more detail about types of vaporizers, forms of cannabis, and the ideal temperature at which to operate them to maximize the effects of your material.

Origins of Vaping

Vaporizing has been around a lot longer than most realize, with the first “vaporizer” merging thousands of years ago when people discovered they could throw herbs onto heated stones to create fragrant and sometimes therapeutic vapor.

Modern ingenuity has seen the proliferation of such concepts take shape in various devices used to recreate those therapeutic vapors at will and conveniently. Today, vaporizing is largely considered to be a “safer” means of smoking because it bypasses combustion, which is responsible for creating several changes to the chemical properties of tobacco and cannabis, creating harmful compounds that the body would otherwise ingest. The black sticky tar and resin cigarettes produce may be the most easily recognizable compounds to use as examples.

The Goal of Vaping

Vaping cannabis flower and concentrates is a process by which the consumer heats the material not to a point of ignition, but rather to a point of boiling that produces a chemical vapor. In this case, we can think of those sticky resin glands on the outside of cannabis flower as little sacks of THC, (this is, of course, an oversimplification) which we want to boil to the point of turning that liquid chemical state into a gaseous vapor.

By achieving this “boiling” point, one can enjoy the effects of THC and other cannabinoids without imbibing the harmful chemicals and compounds produced through the combustion of flowers and concentrates.

BY finding the ideal vaping temperature, we can further refine the process of consumption to include all those enjoyable chemicals we want to achieve our desired state of intoxication while negating the harmful effects of overheating our material. The result is a more enjoyable and healthier alternative to traditional smoking.

Vaporizing Dry Cannabis flower

As one might assume, the chemical makeup of cannabis flowers and concentrates differ greatly. As a result, the two states of matter have different constraints on their ideal temperature for consumption. In this section, we’ll focus on dry cannabis flower and the ideal temperature at which to vaporize.

Before we dive into the temperature details, it’s important to note that the ideal temperature for vaporizing dry cannabis will depend on the level of moisture in the material. Drier cannabis will require less heat to achieve the desired temperature for consumption. Cannabis that is moister will require more heat.

Based on various research and the anecdotal accounts of a litany of vaping enthusiasts, the simple conclusion one can draw in terms of the perfect vaping temp for dry cannabis is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Here’s the breakdown:

• 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit – achieves a light vapor and is best used on cannabis with lower levels of moisture
• 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit – the optimal temperature for vaping dry cannabis with a moderate level of moisture
• 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit – achieves a thick vapor and is best used on cannabis with higher levels of moisture
• 400+ degrees Fahrenheit – At this point, you are bordering on combustion which is too hot for achieving quality vapor and will instead produce harsh smoke and harmful compounds in the lungs.

It’s important to note that the degree to which dry cannabis has been ground and how compacted it is in a vaporizer will directly affect the quality of vapor produced. A finely ground and highly compacted amount of cannabis will restrict airflow, increase heat, and more than likely lead to combustion. Alternatively, a coarsely ground and loosely packed material will promote too much airflow to achieve the ideal vapor. One should strive for a consistent middle ground between the two to get the best results.

If you are prone to throat and lung issues, erring on the side of a lighter vapor will produce a more pleasant experience while still achieving the desired state of vapor.

Keep in mind, it is good practice to save your Already Vaped Cannabis. This material can be used again in cooking or eaten raw as a form of cannabis that has undergone decarboxylation. This effectively gives you twice the use of your cannabis flower.

Vaporizing Cannabis Liquid, Wax, And Concentrates

Dry cannabis has its own unique chemical profile and material qualities. Cannabis liquids, wax, and concentrates are another story. The consumer is given a bit more freedom by which to approach the subject of vaping, but the same general outcome is desired: boil the liquid components without burning them to achieve a smooth and pleasant vapor, without the harsh and unhealthy compounds produced by combustion.

Vaping the forms of cannabis actually requires a higher temperature for the material to release the compounds in a form of vapor. Because they are generally much higher in moisture content, the “boiling” point needs to be higher to coax out those cannabinoids into vapor form. Below you will find a breakdown of temperatures by which the most common cannabinoids become vaporous.

Cannabinoid Vapor Thresholds

As stated above, different chemical compounds in cannabis vaporize at different temperatures. Below is a breakdown of the more relevant cannabinoids and the ideal temperatures at which they turn into vapor, rather than ignite.