What Is The Best Temperature To Vape Weed?
The ideal temperature for vaping weed depends on what your goal is. Vaping it between 320F (160C) and 356F (180C) will give you a nice subtle high from the THC while still allowing you to get along with your day.
Most of the time, stoners who vaporize weed at this temperate use it for a mood boost, creativity, and productivity.
For those who crave equal parts of THC and CBD, the ideal temperature is between 356F (180C) and 392F (200C).
It should be enough to give you both the physical and mental effects of weed.
However, for those using weed for medicinal purposes, vaporizing at high temperatures of 392F (200C) to 446F (230C) is enough to vaporize all of the CBD contents in Cannabis to give you the medicinal benefits of it.
What Is The Best Temperature To Vape Weed?
Why is the vaping Temperature Important?
Marijuana is a chemically rather complex plant containing more than a hundred cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. It contains different chemical compounds that have distinct psychoactive and medicinal effects on humans. Each of them has a specific boiling point that is why altering the vape temperature strongly affects the smoking experience.
Every cultivar, or plant variety, contains varying levels of cannabinoids and terpenes. But two of the most-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC contributes to the psychoactive effects on humans like psychotropic high. Meanwhile, CBD offers therapeutic and medicinal qualities minus the psychotropic effect. Most strains contain high THC contents.
However, if you prefer high-CBD strains, breeders have developed CBD-dominant strains for a calming, relaxing, and non-intoxicating effect. Some of the high-CBD strains include Harlequin, Ringo’s Gift, Sweet and Sour Widow, Stephen Hawking Kush, and ACDC.
What Are Cannabinoids, Terpenoids, and Flavonoids?
Cannabinoids are compounds responsible for a cannabis plant’s psychoactive and medicinal effects. THC and CBD are two of the most-known cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) works to stimulate the mind. The baked, “high” feeling is from this cannabinoid. Meanwhile, Cannabidiol (CBD) gives off medicinal benefits such as temporary relief for epilepsy and other seizure-causing illnesses.
Terpenes are naturally-occurring compounds found in plants. They are responsible for a plant’s flavor profile. Terpenes are not only evident in weed alone, but they exist in nature altogether. Limonene, found in citrus fruits, is one of the most noticeable terpenes in weed. Another is Linalool which is a terpene you can find in Basil and Coriander, is also present in weed. Therefore, terpenes make up how a cannabis strain would taste after vaporization.
Flavonoids are organic compounds that interact with terpenes that cause the aroma and flavor of the cannabis plants. Aside from that, they also have therapeutic effects. They are phenolic compounds, a large class of molecules frequently involved in the color, protective properties, and nutritional results of plant-based foods. Unlike terpenes, flavanoids play a more prominent role in a plant’s pigmentation. They are responsible for the green, gold, or purple hues of each plant.
What is the ideal temperature for vaping weed?
Keep in mind that temperatures above 392F (200C) react more with the cannabinoids that affect your body. Meanwhile, lower temperatures affect the THC vaporization that causes the psychoactive high effect.
Temperatures around 320F (160C) to 356F (180C) work best for mental medication and improved flavors. Meanwhile, temperatures 356F (180C) to 392F (200C) are still beneficial. But they will start to have bodily effects, too. However, if you prefer the comprehensive deal of euphoria and numbness, temperatures 392F (200F) and up are your best pick. These temperatures activate compounds to produce a strong level of medication and bodily effects.
1. 320F (160C)-356F (180C)
People who heat their weed in this temperature range aim to get more effects from the THC. It is the cannabinoid responsible for the euphoria and “high” feeling that people get from smoking weed. But heating the weed in this temperature range does not mean that CBD and other cannabinoids responsible for physical effects are not present at all. It only means that heating weed in this temperature range magnifies the effects of THC to produce more noticeable results.
The effects from this temperature range will affect you in a “light” way. That is a great deal if you’re someone who has a long way to go during the day but needs a quick mood lift to get through. Added to that, this makes you taste weed without the harsh, burnt taste.
2. 356F (180C) to 392F (200C)
This temperature range is only right if you want both the physical and mental effects of weed. Through this, you will get an intense mental medication as this temperature extracts THC faster than lower temperatures. However, you would also get an equal lethargic feeling alongside the mental effects. The flavor stays good in this range.
To get a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD, make sure to vaporize the variety containing a high CBD content. Not all strains have a high CBD content. Unlike THC, CBD depends on the strain composition. Cannabis strains with the highest CBD content are Remedy, ACDC, Lifter, and Charlotte’s Web, to name a few.
3. 392F (200C) to 446F (230C)
For an all-time high, vaping cannabis in this temperature range gives you all the effects of CBD. It is best for those using cannabis for medication. The medicinal properties of weed take effect well at higher temperatures. Even if CBD and other physical cannabinoids are more intense in this temperature range, remember that THC will also act the same. Your vapor will pack a real punch. However, if you’re looking for great taste in this range, it might get harsh.
Disclaimer: Vaping weed above 392F(200C) risks you inhaling benzene and other toxic by-products.
What Happens When Terpenoids and Flavonoids Heat Up During Vaporization?
Every molecule has a specific boiling point. Vaporization occurs when these molecules reach their distinct boiling point. However, the boiling point varies from cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Although there is no direct study about cannabinoids and their boiling points yet, there are reliable guidelines that one can follow. But due to decades of banning, it is still a process of trial and error. Experimentation is nevertheless the way to go to achieve the maximum effects the way you like it.
Because terpenes hold a plant’s flavor profile and flavonoids contain a plant’s aroma, heating them through vaporization releases the cannabis plant’s identity in taste and smell. Even if the taste and smell are evident in fresh plants, heating them enhances taste and flavor. The molecules of terpenes and flavonoids evaporate into a vapor that a stoner inhales.
How Do Terpenoids and Flavonoids Affect My Vaping Experience?
As defined by Vape Elevate UK, terpenes are naturally-occurring compounds found in plants, fruits, and essential oils. Meanwhile, flavonoids are plant pigments. Together, they are responsible for a plant’s flavor and aroma.
Think of them as a plant’s identity. In humans, aside from twins, each of us smells differently from the rest. Terpenes and flavanoids define a plant’s characteristics and identity. Each plant has its mix of the two that creates a distinct smell and flavor profile.
In cannabis plants, each strain has its terpene and flavonoid content making up an identity. Terpenes and flavonoids affect your vaping experience as we all have our preferences in taste and smell. Vaping a flavor and taste profile you like is much like eating a steak, with doneness you prefer. It enhances the experience because it is something you prefer. Therefore, choosing the right strain will benefit your experience every time.
Tips For Finding The Ideal Vaporizer Temperature
Preferences play an immense role in identifying the best temperature for vaping. Although you can consider it Science-driven, different uses for weed bring out the effects you need the most. There are ideal temperature ranges, but it still pays to have a goal in mind that points to what you want to achieve in vaporizing weed.
1. Research Your Vape Before Buying It
Not all vapes have heat settings on them. Standard vapes heat up at a specific temperature only. The models that have heat settings could be a bit expensive. But most of the time, it’s worth it. If you need a guide, we wrote about where to get vaporizers and the best vape pens.
2. Want To Get High?
Staying within the 338F (170C) mark is the way to go. At this temperature, you get to enjoy most psychoactive molecules because this is their boiling point. Therefore, you’d evaporate more molecules that produce an all-time high.
3. Aim High
Setting a window period of an additional 50F (10C) is a practice that you should develop. We have to assume that vaporizers are not accurate based on the information given in their manuals. Aiming high ensures that all molecules evaporate and that nothing gets left out.
Which Is Better: Smoking or Vaping?
Health experts have been warning the public about the dangers brought upon by smoking. It isn’t new information that smoking causes a lot of lung diseases. But then, both methods have their risks. The only thing that sets the two procedures apart is that vaping has lesser-known negative side-effects.
Recent studies link vaping to heart and lung diseases. Since nicotine is still present between the two methods, it still is highly addictive. Nicotine contributes to heightened blood pressure, adrenaline, and heart rate. The symptoms could all lead to a heart attack. Done together, smoking and vaping causes lung diseases and asthma. In extreme cases, it could lead to cardiovascular disease. All of this is possible as you are inhaling chemicals that may or may not be best for you.
Therefore, it’s all up to you. There is a health risk in both smoking and vaping. As cliche as it may sound, do everything moderately. If you feel the need not to smoke or vape, then don’t. Doing it once in a while might be okay. But anything in excess is within your discretion.
Which Is Better: Dry Herbs or Concentrates?
Concentrates are super potent material left over after the extraction process. Meanwhile, dry herbs are buds that combust in vaporizers, much like how smoking works.
Concentrates are isolated and pure compositions made up of compounds responsible for psychoactive and medicinal effects on humans. Most concentrates have content of 60%-80% THC compared to dry herbs, which only have 10%-25%. Meanwhile, THC content in dry herbs heavily relies on strains. Getting a variety that has a high THC content will be likely potent. However, due to many factors that affect potency, there is always a slight chance that what you’d get isn’t potent enough.
Concerns about choosing between dry herbs and concentrates include availability and costs. Since concentrates take more process to make, it takes more effort to make them. They are not readily available, unlike dry herbs, which are products quicker to produce. The price of concentrates also increases because of the processes done to get the extract from weed. If you’re on a budget, dry herbs can do for now.
Chemical Structure and Pharmacological Effects of Cannabis Explained
Contrary to popular belief, THC and CBD aren’t the only cannabinoids found in marijuana. Each cannabinoid has its chemical structure and pharmacological effects. Aside from the 70 cannabinoids found on cannabis plants, other compounds such as terpenoids and flavonoids make up the composition.
Every cannabinoid, terpenoid, and flavonoid influences each other’s pharmacological effects by enhancing and altering the degree of their side-effects. This information is vital as you would need to consider everything in a cannabis plant to get its ideal temperature for vaping. Considering THC or CBD alone will not maximize the potential of weed for medical use or recreational use.
How Do Temperatures Impact Your Vaping Experience?
Now it’s clear that cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids work together to produce the taste and effect of weed while vaping it is best to know as well how temperatures affect the overall experience.
The three compounds found in weed all have different boiling points. Some may boil at a rate that some components will evaporate. Some may vaporize at a pace where another starts to boil. Pharmacological effects, potency, and taste of your vapor depend on which strain, method of use, and chemical structure. Finding the perfect variety that’s best for your preference is one goal, but determining the temperature to vape your weed at is another.
Two of the most common uses of weed are for medical and recreational use. Using weed for medical purposes aims for its painkilling effects. Meanwhile, recreational users look for the feeling of euphoria. Regardless of the cause, it pays to optimize weed use to the ideal temperature to get the maximum effects possible.
The 5 Types of Cannabis Users and Their Temperature Preference
1. The Medical User
Medical users vaporize marijuana due to its medicinal properties. Illnesses like nausea, appetite loss, spasticity, pain, and movement disorders are curable or alleviated by cannabis.
Although both THC and CBD have proven medical properties, having a significant amount of CBD in your vapor is crucial because it reduces the unpleasant psychological side-effects potentially caused by THC. It’s advisable to get strains with higher CBD contents to maximize their effects. Varieties with low CBD contents will still give off the outcome that CBD can give but can only give off so much.
If the CBD content is low, implementing the right temperature range will still not make it as operative as possible. The ideal temperature for this setup should be around 392F (200C). Going over that will combust your herb or risk you inhaling benzene and other toxic by-products.
2. The Healthy Super-Stoner
Some people want to get baked but baked for a reason. Aside from the all-time high, these people are after the medicinal effects of weed at the same time. In this case, a perfect mix of THC and CBD with other cannabinoids and terpenoids should make up the ratio for a lasting effect.
Remember that achieving an equal ratio between THC and CBD is crucial. High THC content causes side-effects like anxiety and paranoia, not the best for relaxation. However, CBD helps in balancing those side-effects out. The ideal temperature stays at 392F (200C). That should be enough to get that dominant THC content as well as a balanced CBD content too. Again, anything in excess should risk yourself to the toxic by-products of vaping weed.
3. The High-Class Cannabis Connoisseur
If you’re all after taste, then you’re a high-class cannabis connoisseur. Above all things, the flavor comes first. In that case, terpenoids are the compounds significant to you. They are the reason how cannabis smells and tastes.
You may use the temperature range 315F(157C) to 356F (180C) to extract the best taste and smell of weed. Generally, terpenoids have a boiling point of around 302F (150C). However, temperatures should not go beyond the 356F (180C) mark as higher temperatures deteriorate the taste and smell of cannabis. But then, it isn’t the only variable affecting a weed’s flavor profile. During its growth, closely monitoring the cannabis plants could resolve issues that affect the taste, like the environment’s humidity and temperature.
4. The Explorer of Consciousness
Customs do not bind free-spirited people. They explore things beyond expected of them. Much like free-spirited people, an explorer of consciousness is similar to them. They use cannabis as a way to explore artistic and spiritual adventures. Think of it as using cannabis as a stimulant that kicks off things for a person. The goal is to use cannabis to produce a consciousness powerful enough to get things done.
THC is the focal cannabinoid needed for a conscious stoner. But since THC has negative side-effects like anxiety and paranoia, that needs countering through CBD and other terpenoids. Similar cannabinoids to CBD neutralize the harmful effects high THC concentrations could have. THC will give you mind-alteration and strong-consciousness, but CBD and terpenoids help you balance it all out.
The optimal temperature should be around 320F (160C) to 365F (185C). It should be enough to extract the right amount of THC and CBD for maximum effects. But this should also be enough to control CBD extraction too since you don’t want to be too dull throughout the day.
5. The Social Party Animal
Are you going for an all-time high occasionally? Then you are a social party animal! You are someone who likes going to parties and social gatherings but also craves a baked feeling. You aim for an energetic, euphoriant, and clear high. Therefore, you would want the euphoriant effects without any of the negative side-effects of cannabis because that’s a bummer.
Euphoria-inducing THC is what you need. But CBD should also be in the mix to counteract all the harmful effects of THC. Aside from that, your vapor should also have CBN, linalool, and alpha-terpineol responsible for that sedative tingling feeling in your body that puts you in a couch-lock.
With all these in mind, the ideal heating temperature should be 356F (180C). It should be enough to extract the needed CBD for anti-anxiety effects. But it is also low enough to equalize the effects of THC at the same time.