Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the 80+ phytocannabinoids found in cannabis plants. It has several therapeutic properties that provide many health benefits. CBD is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immune-modulating in nature.
Consumers have a wide variety of methods to consume CBD and have an array of products available in the market including tincture, capsules, edibles, oil, and vapes.
Vaping has quickly become one of the most favored methods of ingesting CBD because of its ease of use and fast delivery provided to the user.
However, to get the most benefits from vaping CBD, you should understand the optimal temperature for vaping, which we will discuss below.
Why CBD Vaping Temperature Matters
One of the most important things about vaping CBD is the temperature you vape at.
There are generally two ways in which people consume CBD by inhalation:
- burning high CBD flowers in the form of a rolled joint, pipe, or bong
- vaping high CBD with a dry herb vaporizer or CBD oil extract.
We recommend that you always vape CBD instead of burning it to avoid consumption of toxins like benzene or naphthalene that are byproducts of combustion from smoking.
In the article Cannabis “Vaporization”: A Promising Strategy for Smoke Harm Reduction in the Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics, Dr. Dale H. Gieringer states:
“Studies have found that waterpipes and solid filters are ineffectual at improving the THC/tar ratio in cannabis smoke. The most promising alternative appears to be “vaporization,” in which cannabis is heated to a point where cannabinoids are emitted without combustion.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, marijuana byproducts of combustion are toxic and carcinogenic in nature. Inhaling them can cause symptoms of respiratory irritation. By vaping at the right temp, you can avoid this all together.
The compounds present in CBD vape juice or oil are quite delicate, so it’s important to avoid vaping at higher than necessary temperatures. Low temperatures are ideal for maximizing the benefits of CBD when vaping. The ideal combustion temperature for cannabis flowers is 451°F, whereas vape temps should be well below that for extracting CBD. Vaping CBD is also a safer option that should be preferred by the user. Vaping allows you more precise control over the temperature, as opposed to burning your flower.
A vaporizer helps preserve the main compounds and properties of cannabis by staying within the boiling point ranges of specific cannabinoids. For instance, it is advised to set your vape temp within the 310-360°F for vaporizing THC and CBD. In doing so, you have more control over the specific effects and experience you get from your cannabis.
More importantly, according to a MAPS/NORML study, vaporizers significantly reduce the amount of toxins you’re vulnerable to while smoking cannabis.
In that same MAPS study, Dr. Gieringer states that:
“… it is possible to vaporize medically active tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by heating marijuana to a temperature short of the point of combustion, thereby eliminating or substantially reducing potentially harmful smoke toxins that are normally present in marijuana smoke.”
He further claims that vaporizerizing at temps around 392°F allows the release of THC while completely eliminating some measured toxins. With controlled vaping temperatures, you are able to specifically carcinogens like benzene, as well as toluene and naphthalene.
What is Decarboxylation in Vaping?
In simple terms, decarboxylation is a process where acid loses a carbon atom via oxidation. Decarboxylation typically occurs during the process of producing cannabis oil extracts and e-juice liquids for vapes. Cannabis can also be decarboxylated later down the line while you’re vaping dry herb or flower.
Upon heating cannabis at approximately 221°F (or 105°C), the atoms within the extracted CBD oil mix with oxygen molecules and bind together. As a result, CO2 is released, and what remains is the neutral cannabinoid.
Our endocannabinoid receptors naturally accept neutral cannabinoids (or decarboxylated cannabis). Without this process, CBD-A is not able to convert into the beneficial CBD that is absorbed by our body.
When decarboxylation happens, you are able to vape CBD and benefit from its therapeutic effects.
The Ideal Temperature For Vaping CBD & Oil Extracts
In a 2014 BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology study, a mixture of THC and CBD was tested for vaping primarily at a temperature of 446°F. The experiment was carried out to see how these two components react with each other and, in turn, their effect on the users.
Just as there is no standard CBD dosage for everyone, there is no standard temperature to vape CBD either. But there’s a widely held belief, by long time users, that low temperatures and low doses when combining CBD and THC can be helpful for anxiety issues. Most of the beneficial cannabis compounds are retained at these low end thresholds. Although, with CBD alone, higher temps have proved to have increased anxiolytic effects when orally ingested.
We recommend that you experiment with the different temperature ranges mentioned below to find the ideal temperature that works best for you personally.
Low Temperature – 315°F
Low vape temperatures are ideal for vaping THC with CBD-A (cannabidiolic acid), THC-A (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), and CBG (Cannabigerol). Low temperatures will bring out the best flavor in quality cannabis, but provide the least amount of vapors.
Medium-Low Vape Temperature – 350°F
This temperature is considered suitable for purposes such as calming anxiety and curing mood swings. At this temperature range, you will experience denser vapors with bold flavor without concern for combustion.
Medium Vape Temperature – 356°F
Medium temperatures are best for vaping CBD and THC together. This level may offer an energetic experience while reducing the intensity of the intoxicating effects of THC. Due to CBD’s biphasic nature, CBD can have a stimulating effect at lower doses while higher doses may induce the opposite effect.
Medium-High Vape Temperature – 392°F
At a higher end range, you can expect to sacrifice flavor for more profound physical effects. This is usually the best temperature for vaping CBD oil to maximize its effect while still staying within range of causing combustion.
High Vape Temperature – 430°F
This is the maximum vape temp for vaping CBD oil and should not be exceeded. Anything beyond this temperature can cause discomfort and irritation as well as combustion with undesirable byproducts. Beyond this temperature, you’re treading the line between smoking and vaping.
Finding the Right Temperature for Yourself
If you’re unsure what temperature is best for you, try vaping at different temperatures and recording the effects you experience. You may find that the same cannabis strain produces different effects at different temperatures.
PAX 3 Combo Vape
Conclusion
Studies have shown how vaporization of Cannabis products such as CBD vape oil is a promising strategy reducing smoke harm reduction.
As for the best temperature to vape CBD oil, you should always start at the low end and taper up. You’ll know you’ve reached your sweet spot vape temp when you find the best balance of flavor and effect that satisfies your personal needs.