A guide to vaping temperatures

Vaporizing cannabis is an alternative to smoking.

Different compounds in cannabis are released at different boiling points, so the temperature setting of your vaporizer may provide some control over the compounds released. Vaporizers are designed to allow you to access these compounds without combusting physical plant matter, as you would if you were to smoke cannabis.

When you use a flame to burn cannabis, all compounds are heated to the same high temperature, producing smoke. Depending on the design and functionality, a vaporizer may allow you to pinpoint a precise heat setting, giving you the option to set a specific temperature and choose which compounds you’re most likely to activate.

Cannabinoids and terpenes such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), caryophyllene, pinene, and myrcene, generally turn to vapour at lower temperatures (between 120°C and 170°C). Slightly higher temperatures (170°C to 190°C) will generally release compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD), eucalyptol, and limonene.

Lesser known cannabinoids such as cannabichromene (CBC), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THC-V), and terpenes like linalool generally turn to vapour at even higher temperatures (190°C to 220°C).

If you’re considering using a vaporizer and not sure where to start, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and take a look at the suggestions below. Vaporizing cannabis may produce stronger effects than inhaling cannabis via smoking and this could lead to possible overconsumption. You should contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions . Always remember to start low, go slow.

Boiling points: Cannabinoids

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): 157°C
Cannabidiol (CBD): 160 – 180°C
Cannabinol (CBN): 185°C
Cannabichromene (CBC): 220°C
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol: 175 - 178°C
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THC-V): <220°C