Introduction
When it comes to vaping dry herb, one of the most common questions is, “Does temperature really matter?” The short answer: it depends.
Yes that answer can be somewhat frustrating, but that’s the way it goes.
It depends on: What kind of consumer are you? Do you really like to dig into the nitty gritty of your dry herb and all it has to offer? Or do you just want to feel the buzz with no fuss.
While temperature control can significantly enhance your vaping experience, for many casual users, the specifics might not make a world of difference.
In this article, we’ll explore the topic from two perspectives: the laid-back user who just wants to get high and the connoisseur who loves to experiment.
Why Temperature Might Not Matter for Everyone
For most people, vaping is about simplicity. Pop your herb into the vaporiser, set it to a mid-range temperature, and enjoy the results. These users aren’t worried about optimising terpenes, tailoring their high, or achieving the perfect flavour profile.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this approach whatsoever. Some may argue that you’re missing out but that isn’t really up to anyone else to decide.
If the vapour resembles the taste of cannabis you know and love, and delivers the desired effects, it’s a win.
Some Folks Just Want to Chill

Think about it: when you’re hanging out with friends or unwinding after a long day, you’re probably not analysing your vapour for subtle terpene profiles.
What matters is the experience. A clean, smooth hit that gets the job done. For casual vapers, as long as the device works and the herb doesn’t combust, they’re good to go.
Temperature to Avoid, Combustion!
If this sounds like you then when it comes to temperature there’s only one number you’ve got to remember. 232°C. DO NOT GO OVER THIS NUMBER. Most vapes won’t allow it but this is the temperature of combustion.
Staying well clear of 232°C will ensure you’re sticking to the lovely sensation of vapour, not smoke.
Ideal Chill Temperature

A mid-range temperature, around 190°C, is perfect for most users. It’s a safe, “set it and forget it” range that extracts cannabinoids effectively without burning the plant.
This balance ensures you get decent potency, pleasant flavour, and thick vapour, making it the go-to choice for a no-fuss session.
But here’s the real kicker: even at this generic temperature, you’re avoiding the harmful by-products of combustion. This means smoother hits, fewer irritants, and a healthier overall experience compared to traditional smoking methods.
For the average user, that’s a win.
Why Temperature Does Matter for the Experimenter
For those who see cannabis as more than just a way to relax, temperature control is a game-changer. If you’ve ever been curious about why one strain makes you feel energised while another leaves you glued to the couch, the answer often lies in the terpenes and cannabinoids. More than that, the temperatures at which they vaporise.
Different compounds within cannabis are sensitive to specific heat levels. By adjusting your vaporiser, you can unlock a spectrum of flavours and effects.
Temperature Deep Dive
For instance, lower temperatures (around 160-180°C) are perfect for highlighting terpenes like limonene and pinene, which offer citrusy, pine-like aromas and uplifting effects. At these levels, you’re not just vaping; you’re savouring.
On the flip side, higher temperatures (200-220°C) release cannabinoids like THC and CBC, creating a full-bodied, relaxing high. This range is also where you’ll find the so-called “entourage effect,” where cannabinoids and terpenes work together to enhance the overall experience. For the connoisseur, experimenting with these temperatures can turn a simple session into a tailored, one-of-a-kind experience.
The beauty of temperature control is that it empowers you to explore. You can start your session with a lower temperature to enjoy the flavour and gradually increase the heat to access more potent compounds. It’s like having a customisable toolkit for your cannabis.
What Temperature is Best?
If you’re not looking to experiment, a mid-range temperature of around 190°C is your best bet. It’s the sweet spot that works well for most users, striking a balance between potency, flavour, and vapour production. At this range, you’ll extract cannabinoids like THC and CBD without scorching your material, ensuring a pleasant experience every time.
For those who like to tinker, here’s a breakdown:
- Low Temperatures (160-180°C): Perfect for terpene lovers seeking light, energetic effects. Think crisp, citrusy flavours and a clear-headed high.
- Mid-Range Temperatures (180-200°C): A versatile choice that offers richer vapour, balanced effects, and a satisfying hit for both casual users and enthusiasts.
- High Temperatures (200-220°C): Best for deep relaxation and maximum extraction. Expect stronger effects and a more intense experience, ideal for winding down at night.
The golden rule? Avoid temperatures above 232°C, where combustion begins. At that point, you’re no longer vaping—you’re burning your herb, which defeats the purpose of using a vaporiser in the first place.
Why the Casual User and the Connoisseur Both Win

The beauty of vaping is that it’s flexible enough to cater to everyone. For the casual user, temperature control is simple. Set it, forget it, and enjoy the ride. There’s no need to overthink it. As long as you’re keeping the temperature below combustion levels, you’re already ahead in terms of health benefits and efficiency.
For the enthusiast, temperature control is an invitation to explore. It’s about fine-tuning your session to suit your mood, experimenting with different strains, and unlocking the full potential of your material. The possibilities are endless, from delicate terpene flavours to potent cannabinoid effects.
At the end of the day, whether you’re a laid-back vaper or a cannabis connoisseur, the choice is yours. Vaping at the right temperature ensures you get the most out of your herb, whether that means maximising relaxation, enjoying rich flavours, or simply having a good time. So, does temperature matter? Well, kind of—but only as much as you want it to.
But there’s another level of temperature that lies beyond dry herb. That’s temperatures relating to dabbing
What About Temperatures for Dabbing?

Dabbing, the art of vaporising cannabis concentrates, takes temperature control to an entirely new level. Unlike dry herb vaping, where the focus is on balancing cannabinoids and terpenes within a plant matrix, dabbing requires a more nuanced understanding of how heat interacts with the pure, potent extracts.
Low-Temperature Dabs (315-450°F / 157-232°C)
Low-temp dabbing is all about flavour. At these temperatures, terpenes are preserved, allowing their nuanced profiles to shine. If you’re working with high-quality concentrates rich in terpenes, such as live resin or rosin, this is the range you want to explore.
The vapour is smoother, cooler, and less harsh on your throat, making it ideal for beginners or those who prioritise taste over intensity.
There are several advantages to dabbing low temp:
- Rich Flavour Profiles: Every inhale captures the full spectrum of terpenes, making your session an epic sensory experience.
- Gentler Vapour: Cooler vapour reduces coughing and throat irritation, ensuring a more enjoyable session. If you’re new to dabbing, coughing can be intense, trust us on that one.
- Enhanced Control: Lower temperatures prevent rapid cannabinoid degradation, allowing for more prolonged and manageable effects.
However, the trade-off is a less intense hit. While the flavours are outstanding, the vapour production and potency may feel underwhelming for those chasing a stronger high.
Medium-Temperature Dabs (450-600°F / 232-315°C)
The medium range strikes the perfect balance between flavour and potency. Here, terpenes and cannabinoids begin to vaporise in harmony, creating a rich, satisfying vapour that pleases both your taste buds and your cannabinoid receptors.
This is the range many dabbers prefer for everyday use, as it offers a full-bodied experience without compromising on flavour or effects.
Just as with low temp dabbing, mid range has its advantages as well:
- Balanced Effects: A harmonious mix of terpenes and cannabinoids delivers a well-rounded high.
- Thicker Vapour: Expect denser clouds while still enjoying some of the nuanced flavours from your concentrate.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide variety of concentrates, from shatter to wax.
This range is a great starting point for those transitioning from low-temp dabbing but not quite ready to dive into the intense heat of high-temp dabs.
High-Temperature Dabs (600-750°F / 315-398°C)
Alright so you’re well adjusted to cannabis consumption. You don’t cough really anymore and you’re looking for something to blow your mind. Enter high-temp dabbing, it delivers the most potent experience.
At these temperatures, nearly all cannabinoids are vaporised, resulting in a powerful, immediate effect. However, terpenes degrade quickly at high heat, leading to harsher vapour and a loss of flavour.
This range is perfect for those who prioritise intensity over taste or want to maximise their cannabinoid intake in a short amount of time.
Here are the advantages of high temp dabbing:
- Maximum Potency: Every cannabinoid in your concentrate is activated, providing an intense, fast-acting high.
- Thick Clouds: Produces dense, billowy vapour for a dramatic, satisfying exhale.
- Efficiency: High temperatures ensure complete extraction, leaving no waste behind.
The downside? The harsher vapour can irritate your throat and lungs (cough cough) and the rapid terpene degradation means you’ll sacrifice flavour for strength.
Additionally, excessively high temperatures (above 750°F / 398°C) can lead to combustion, introducing harmful by-products and defeating the purpose of dabbing.
Tread carefully.
So Does Temperature Matter?
Well, yeah, kinda. The temperature of your vape will impact your experience but for some, that doesn’t matter. However the temperature (for dry herb) over 232°C is an important temperature to avoid.
Experiment and have fun! Or set it to 190°C and keep it simple.