“What is the best temperature to vape my weed at?” It’s a common question both new, and OG stoners tend to ask. The dawn of a new era in cannabis consumption has arrived, and with this era comes high-tech vaporizers and the elusive dab rig.
With these new devices, we can control our high. Literally. When it comes to getting baked, controlling your temperature means you have the key to unlock specific effects your cannabis strain has to offer.
Choosing a strain that meets your needs is only step one of actually indulging in those effects. It is not as simple as “light it up & enjoy the ride.” No, my friends, before you can feel it, you have to bring said canna compound up to its boiling point. Different cannabinoids and terpenes have different boiling points.
Why Temperature Matters
The cannabinoids and terpenes that make up each unique cannabis strain are like pokemon. Some strains evolve into new ones, to use your Pokemon, you have to summon them from their Pokeball (boiling point of cannabinoids), and naturally, the most important similarity: you gotta catch ‘em all.
The same strain can give you different feels when you play with your temperature settings. While there are hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes that make each cannabis strain unique, there are a few that tend to be the most important when it comes to high customization.
Cannabinoids
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Boiling point: 315℉/157℃. THC is the compound responsible for getting you high.
CBG (cannabigerol). Boiling point: 125℉/52℃. CBGstimulates growth in both brain and bone cells. It also has the lowest boiling point of all significant cannabinoids.
CBN (cannabinol). Boiling point: 365℉/185℃. CBN is psychoactive like THC, however, only a very mild level. It enhances sedation and relaxation.
CBC (cannabichromene). Boiling point: 428℉ /220℃. CBC is much more intense than CBD when it comes to treating stress. Also like CBD, it has antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties.
CBD (cannabidiol). Boiling point: 356℉ /180℃. CBD is anon-psychoactive cannabinoid and is widely accepted as a natural alternative to treat many types of medical conditions both physical and psychological.
Terpenes
These little hydrocarbons are found in the sticky resin glands of many plants. They give cannabis strains their unique flavor and aroma. The most common terpenes produced in cannabis are as follows:
Beta-caryophyllene. Boiling point: 320℉ /160℃. Working within your body’s CBD pathways, this terpene fights tumors, inflammation, and anxiety. It has a spicy scent/ taste and is also found in black pepper and cloves.
Limonene. Boiling point: 349℉/176℃. Limonene is known to work as an anti-depressant and have anti-cancer properties. As its name suggests, this terpene is responsible for the citrusy aroma and flavor of favorite strains like Lemon Haze.
Linalool. Boiling point: 388℉/198℃. This terpene has a floral smell and flavor. Linalool is perfect for rest and relaxation because it helps induce sleepiness and relaxes the unwanted symptoms of anxiety, psychosis, and even epilepsy.
Myrcene. Boiling point: 334℉/168℃. Myrcene has an epic skunky, earthy, aroma with a slightly fruity undertone. Its leading role is to enhance the effects of THC.
Pinene. Boiling point: 311℉/155℃. Popular pinene is known for its piny scent. Take a walk in the woods and inhale deeply- that’s pinene. It is a bronchodilator, which means it helps open up your airways and enhances your breathing.
320℉: Functional & Clear Headed
Welcome to my newfound daytime high. Aside from puffin’ on a Stavia-dominant strain, vaping cannabis at a lower temperature will give you a sense of well being and an uplifting feel while keeping you productive and functioning like a champ.
Pinene and THC will activate, but they will don’t send a wave of intensity like a higher temperature would. You may miss out on the overall flavor profile, and you won’t get way, way high, but you will feel alert and in control.
If you crank the temp up to the 330 marks, you may feel a wee bit more THC, but you will still be able to manage your day and concentrate on the task at hand. If you are new to smoking, like to smoke, but don’t want to wreck yourself before lunch, or if you have a sensitivity to THC, start in the range of 280-320℉ for a functional high.
370℉: Relaxation & Elevated Mood
Ready to relax? Or stay focused while enhancing your mood? Increasing the heat means increasing the intensity of cannabinoids like THC. Entereuphoric effects. Be prepared for the age-old stoner symptoms of laughing for no reason, eating everything in your cupboard, and an overall sense of happiness.
Do you want to get stoned? Shoot for the moon! That moon is slightly past the 370℉ mark. If its time to chillax, socialize, play video games, bust out a book, fit in a workout, or picking up the broom, vaping at mid temps gives you a blast of flavorful terpenes and beneficial cannabinoids without poking the beast (THC).
Having the ability to unwind while staying focused is a blessing. Utilizing mid-range temperatures will give you an enjoyable high with the ability to keep a focused mind and a clear head.
420℉: Deep Relaxation & Major Euphoria
Crank’er up to over 400℉ for maximum terpene and THC exposure. High temps mean linalool and THCV are activated. By keeping the cannabinoids just below the point of combustion, you receive everything your cannabis strain of choice has to offer.
Keep in mind different strains have different effects. Smoking a Stavia-dominant strain with a high presence of the cannabinoid THCV produces a buzzy head-high that is known to decrease appetite. While tokin’ on a heavy-hitting Indica strain like OG Kush will put you in a haze, make your eyes feel like a 10 lb sack of flour, and melt you into a couch-locking daze.
There is a fine line between increasing your temp to max-out your experience, but if you over-do it, you could be incinerating those precious and delectable terpenes and cannabinoids.
Now that we’ve looked at the basics of terpenes, cannabinoids, and temperatures I hope you have a better understanding at just how a high works. The science behind getting stoned is quite fascinating. No, it’s not? Oh, well at least you’ve learned something.
Whatever your temperature of choice is, go out there and get functionally fried, socially stoned, or blissfully blitzed! And don’t forget to let us know about your experience. Do you use a vaporizer to get high? What did you use before vaping? Do you prefer concentrates or dried herb? Let us know in the comments, or reach out on our social channels. Stay lifted!
