Guide to the world of temperatures for vaping
If there is one form of cannabis use that is particularly trending nowadays, vaporization is also known as vaping. It has gained popularity for its health benefits and smooth experience. Moreover, it is increasingly popular for vaping both raw flowers and extracts.
The best vaping experience is determined primarily by one factor: temperature. This article will explain how various temperatures affect the resulting steam, so you can find out how to set the device to fit your needs.
The importance of the right temperature
Not many vaporizer users know that the temperature you work with primarily determines what you eventually inhale when vaping. The effects, taste, and quality of the hemp material are determined by the variety and the number of cannabinoids and terpenes present. All these molecules have different points of evaporation. Thus, the temperature at which you vape determines which combination of cannabinoids and terpenes you end up with, establishing the properties and taste of the vaped herb.
What is the best temperature for different forms of vaporized material?
You can adjust the vaporization temperature depending on what you expect from the experience. There are risks when reaching both extremes. If you vape at a temperature too low, cannabinoids and terpenes will remain ‘locked,’ and you will waste the product, getting a less satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you overheat the material, you surely will destroy many more sensitive cannabinoids and terpenes.
Generally, you will use a broad profile of all the cannabinoids and terpenes at temperatures below 180 °C. This will lead to a tasty and better experience. Vaping is usually more effective as the so-called entourage effect supports it. It is a phenomenon where the herb is essentially more effective as the steam carries several active molecules that work together. In the following text, you will find details about at what temperatures various cannabinoids and terpenes evaporate.
If you vape at temperatures above 233 °C, you have passed the combustion point, and you will likely lose a lot of product. However, you also run the risk of inhaling carcinogenic chemical byproducts. Temperatures between 180 °C and 200 °C provide a kind of middle ground. The primary and secondary cannabinoids and terpenes are preserved.
Dried herb
When it comes to dry herbs and concentrates, ideal temperatures at lower and medium levels are similar. A light dose is considered at the range of 160 -180 °C, while a medium dose is 180-200 °C, and a high dose is at 200 °C and higher. In general, higher temperatures are not used in dry herb vaping. As mentioned above, lower temperatures provide a more diverse cannabinoid profile.
Cannabis concentrates
If you have a modern vaporizer or vape pen, then it is likely that you can also use concentrates with your device. Concentrates come in all possible shapes and consistencies, largely due to the extraction method used during the production. Vaping concentrates is an entirely different experience than vaping dry herbs.
Some connoisseurs even argue that concentrates should only be dabbed because most vaporizers do not do it well enough. The problem is that concentrates need to be vaporized at higher temperatures than flowers, and most vaporizers do not reach the required temperatures for a more intense experience. Still, there are several incredible vaporizers on the market that can work with different types of concentrates. They also offer the needed high temperatures to create the desired dab-like experience.
Concentration requires higher temperatures because you need to turn the whole material into steam and melt it. This applies at least for ‘full melted’ concentrates. Some extracts can have a substantial structure, and to completely evaporate them, you need to use the highest temperatures possible. Otherwise, you will evaporate only the outer part of the substance. Unlike with dried herbs, nothing is left after vaping the concentrate.
Dabbing is a popular method to vape concentrates, of course. It allows you to reach the high temperatures that many users crave. Dabbing at temperatures above 315 °C is considered high-temperature dabbing. It can be a lot of fun, but you inhale many carcinogens at these temperatures. Dab users should be careful and not exceed 482 °C as they are losing a lot of active ingredients and inhale some harmful chemicals.
What is the best temperature for vaping herbs?
Cannabis is not the only plant you can put into your vaping device. Many other herbs have many beneficial effects, from promoting natural sleep to calming muscles and stimulating the mind. Each herb has an ideal temperature at which it evaporates the best. If you herborize, you definitely should learn the temperatures. You can then have your vaping pharmacy of herbs.
Herbs that work best at lower temperatures (below 150 °C) include relaxing Catnip, aromatic Lavender, and soothing Lemon balm.
Mid-temperature herbs (between 150-190 °C) include stimulating Peppermint, stimulating Green tea, and stimulating Yerba mate.
Herbs that require a higher temperature (above 190 °C) include natural sleep-supporting Valerian, natural aphrodisiac Damiana, and refreshing Chamomile.
|
Herb |
Temperature |
Effect |
|
Damiana |
190 °C |
Relaxing, natural aphrodisiac |
|
Catnip |
150 °C |
Relaxing, soothing |
|
Valerian |
190 °C |
Induces sleep, help with stress |
|
Passionflower |
145 °C |
Very soothing, helps with healthy resting |
|
Lavender |
130 °C |
Soothes nerves, has antibacterial effects |
|
Lemon balm |
140 °C |
Improves and supports relaxation |
|
Perforate St John’s-wort |
150 °C |
Improves mood and relaxes nerves |
|
Chamomile |
190 °C |
Relaxing, soothing, improves healthy sleep |
|
Hops |
160 °C |
Slightly euphoric |
|
Green tea |
180 °C |
Slightly stimulating |
|
Mugwort |
190 °C |
Antioxidant |
|
Yerba mate |
150 °C |
Provides an energetic state |
|
Calea Zacatechichi (dream herb) |
190 °C |
Very calming, slightly hallucinogenic effects |
|
Peppermint |
160 °C |
Soothing, beneficial for muscles |
|
Thyme |
190 °C |
Promotes healthy acidity in the stomach |
The best temperature for liquids
Liquid concentrates are another handy alternative for vaping herbs. Each vial contains natural concentrate obtained directly from the plant product. They do not contain any other additives or harmful substances – it is just pure herbal stuff. Because they have thicker liquid or oil consistency, you can vape them at temperatures between 200-250 °C.
Perfect temperature for the entourage effect
The ideal temperature varies for those who want to make the most of cannabis. A practical approach is to identify cannabinoids and terpenes present in the variety to learn the boiling points. For those who try to use cannabis for its soothing properties and holistic gains, it is always best to start vaping at the low level of the boiling point range. This approach preserves the entourage effect and allows you to benefit from it. After that, you can vape again at a higher temperature to achieve maximum efficacy.
An excellent way to do this is to start with the lowest temperature setting and gradually increase it by 10 to 15 degrees. Then, finding a temperature that allows you to make the most of your herbs will not take too long.
Different vaping temperatures
If you want to optimize the temperature, you should start from lower values around most terpenes’ evaporation points. On the other hand, if you look for generally healthy steam, you should do the same and do not exceed the critical point of 233 °C!
Vaporization is not rocket science. But if you know the subtle differences, you can make the most of them. In the end, such advice is just what it is called – advice. Whether you decide to vape at slightly higher or lower temperatures, it is up to you to find out what works best for you. Have a great vaping!
PHOTO: Shutterstock
"All the information provided here or through this website is for educational purposes only. None of the information contained here in is intended to be a suitable medical diagnosis or construed as medical advice or recommended treatment. This website does not promote, condone or advocate licit or illicit drug useor other criminal activities. For more information see our Disclaimer"