Many medical marijuana patients consider vaping superior to smoking in many aspects.
The obvious benefit is, of course, the efficiency of cannabinoids. Vaporization delivers more THC and CBD to your system than smoking — contributing to greater therapeutic effects.
Then we have the increased terpene intake, which further boosts the medical properties of marijuana.
However, vaporization has a slightly more difficult learning curve than smoking. When you smoke your herbs, you just ignite the plant material — and that’s it.
Vaporizers require you to get a good grasp over temperature control. Cannabinoids and terpenes have different boiling points, so the heat you apply plays a key role in modulating the effects of your vaporized herbs.
Do you know what’s the best temperature to vape medical marijuana? How do you vape your cannabis to always hit the sweet spot?
Continue reading this article to find out!
What’s the Best Temperature to Vape Medical Marijuana?
The best temperature to vape medical marijuana depends on the type of effects you want to achieve. There are three temperature ranges that vaporizers operate on. Each of them provides a different experience.
Not only that, but your experience will also vary when you use different models of vaporizers. Some devices have different heating methods than others, resulting in a different type of vapor. There are also nuances that come with each strain — as you can see, we have plenty of variables to consider.
In this section, we’ll give you a detailed breakdown of each vaping temperature range.
1. Mild Range, Mostly Cerebral Effects (325–350 F)
THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis — the one that gets you high. The boiling point of THC is around 315 F, but if you really want to experience its psychoactive effects, 325 F is an absolute minimum.
Low temperatures are better for drawing more flavor from your bud. The taste is refreshing, with specific notes unique to each strain.
The vapor is also much cooler. It should go easy on your lungs, without causing too much coughing. The common side effects such as dry mouth, red eyes, and drowsiness, are also less intense.
If you vape medical marijuana in the morning, low temperatures provide you with the exact experience you’re aiming for. This setting is also great for beginners and those who are sensitive to THC.
Vaping medical marijuana at low temperatures will likely result in:
- Clear-headed and energizing buzz
- Cooler vapor
- Intense flavor
- Mild euphoria
- Gentle medical benefits, especially for mild mental disorders and minor aches
- Low chance of experiencing side effects
And what if you go one level higher?
2. Medium Range, Well-rounded High (350–400 F)
This temperature range is the best for vaping medical marijuana if you’ve already had a few sessions behind you — so you’re neither a newbie nor an expert.
The obvious advantage here is that you gain access to more cannabinoids while still saving plenty of terpenes. As a result, the vapor becomes richer and thus may not be as smooth as at low temperatures.
Due to the volatilization of THC, the high and medicinal benefits will be stronger and more body-focused. Mind-wise, users often report feelings of relaxation and euphoria but without dizziness or mental distress.
The medium temperature range provides you with a good balance between the effects and flavors.
Vaping weed in the medium range leads to:
- Relaxation and euphoria but without sedation
- Greater access to other cannabinoids
- Stronger psychoactive effects
- More body-focused effects
- Relief from physical tension/pain/cramps
- Warmer vapor
- Rich flavor
- Minor side effects
Last but not least, here comes the highest temperature range for vaping medical marijuana.
3. Strong Range, Heavier High (400–430 F)
This range provides maximum cannabinoid extraction. The psychoactive effects become the strongest and the vapor has less flavor due to using higher temperatures.
Using a strong range is most recommended for evening sessions or before bedtime. High temperatures may induce lethargy and sleepiness, making the user seek refuge in the nearest sofa. They also extract the cannabinoid THCv and terpene humulene — the two molecules that are known for appetite-suppressing properties. If you want to benefit from the medical properties of your medical marijuana strain but without the munchies, this temperature range will be the best for the job.
Unfortunately, the majority of terpenes evaporate very fast under such high heat. If the flavor is important to you, then you might want to vape your cannabis at a lower temperature — even though their potency is limited.
Vaping medical marijuana at high temperatures is best for:
- Strong euphoria
- Full-body relaxation
- Sleep disorders
- Chronic conditions and severe symptoms
- Higher cannabinoid extraction at the cost of terpenes
- Preventing the appetite boost from THC by activating THCv and humulene
Below you’ll find a vaping temperature comparison for the most common cannabis compounds.
Vaping Temperature Chart for Medical Marijuana: Most Common Cannabinoids & Terpenes
| Compound Name | Activation (Boiling) Point |
| THC | 315 F |
| CBD | 356 F |
| CBN | 365 F |
| THCv | 428 F |
| A-Pinene | 311 F |
| B-Myrcene | 334 F |
| Caryophyllene | 320 F |
| Linalool | 388 F |
| Humulene | 388 F |
What’s the Activation Point of All Cannabinoids and Terpenes in Medical Marijuana?
Read the table below to get a better understanding of the boiling point of less common cannabinoids and terpenes:
Cannabinoids:
| Cannabinoid Name | Boiling Point |
| CBG | 126 F |
| CBD | 356 F |
| CBC | 220 F |
| CBDA | 248 F |
| CBN | 256 F |
| THC | 315 F |
| THCA | 220 F |
| THCV | 428 F |
Terpenes:
| Terpene Name | Boiling Point |
| A-Pinene | 311 F |
| B-Caryophyllene | 320 F |
| Citronellol | 437 F |
| B-Myrcene | 334 F |
| Caryophyllene oxide | 495 F |
| Humulene | 388 F |
| Phytol | 399 F |
| Linalool | 388 F |
| Terpinolene | 365 F |
Medical Marijuana Vaping Tips for Beginners
- For best results at any temperature range, make sure your medical marijuana isn’t too moist. Herbs that haven’t been dried properly will cause the heat to be wasted on drying them out.
- If your medical condition requires you to use marijuana concentrates, you can buy a concentrate-compatible unit. The best temperature for vaped dabs is slightly higher than what you use for dry flowers.
- THC has a lower boiling point than CBD. If you want more CBD from your strain, stick to the higher end of your temperature range.
- Keep your vaping temperatures 10 F hotter than the average boiling point of the cannabinoids and/or terpenes you want to extract.
- When vaping at the low range, don’t throw your already vaped marijuana out. If it’s light brown (or greenish-brown), this means it has been decarboxylated and you can use it further for making edibles.
What about you, fellow medical marijuana readers? What’s the best temperature to vape your medicine when it comes to your condition? Let us know in the comments below!