The short answer
THC vaporizes at about 315°F (157°C). It starts to degrade above 446°F (230°C). The practical window for most dry herb vaporizers is 315°F to 430°F (157°C to 221°C), and most users settle between 355°F and 410°F (180°C to 210°C). Begin at 355°F, take a few draws, then raise the setting in 10°F to 15°F steps until the vapor density and effect match your preference. Concentrates often need 380°F to 430°F, but check your device manual because coil and cup designs differ.
What to look for
- True temperature control, not a three-level power switch. A display that reads in degrees is a better sign than colored LEDs.
- Heating method. Convection heats air before it reaches the material, which gives more even extraction and better flavor at low settings. Conduction touches the material to a hot surface and can scorch the edges at high settings. Hybrid designs blend both.
- Session or on-demand mode. On-demand heats only while you press, which suits small doses and lower temperatures. Session mode holds a set temperature for a fixed time and suits sharing.
- Chamber size and dosing capsules. A chamber that matches your typical dose avoids waste. Capsules add convenience and keep the oven clean.
- Heat-up time and battery. Faster heat-up helps on-demand use. Battery life matters more if you run high temperatures, since higher settings drain cells faster.
- Cleaning access. A vapor path you can reach with a brush or swab keeps flavor consistent and prevents clogged airflow.
Temperature bands and what they do
- 315°F to 340°F (157°C to 171°C): thin vapor, strong terpene flavor, light effects.
- 350°F to 375°F (177°C to 190°C): balanced flavor and vapor, common for daytime use.
- 380°F to 410°F (193°C to 210°C): denser vapor, fuller extraction, more sedating profile.
- 415°F to 430°F (213°C to 221°C): harsh vapor and a narrow margin before combustion. Useful only if your device runs cool or your material is damp.
Pitfalls
- Trusting the display. Budget devices can overshoot by 20°F or more. A separate thermometer or a device with a reputation for accuracy solves this.
- Starting high. Terpenes boil below THC, so a 420°F first draw strips flavor compounds before the cannabinoids fully release.
- Ignoring grind and pack. A fine, even grind with a light pack works for convection. A dense pack blocks airflow and creates hot spots.
- Using one setting for every material. Dry flower, hash, and oil all need different temperatures and different amounts of heat time.
- Chasing clouds. Visible vapor is not a direct measure of cannabinoid delivery. High heat makes more aerosol, including irritants.
FAQ
Does a higher temperature give more THC?
Only to a point. Past 446°F, THC degrades and combustion byproducts appear. More heat releases more of everything, including harsh compounds, so the gain in THC is not linear.
Why does my herb taste burnt at 390°F?
Either the device runs hot, the material is too dry, or the pack is too tight. Drop to 355°F, loosen the pack, and test again.
cannabis vape temperature chart celsius
Is 350°F enough?
For many users, yes. If the effect feels weak, step up by 10°F and repeat. Stop when the vapor turns harsh or the flavor fades.
cannabis vape temperature chart celsius
Convenience and the buying decision
Preset temperature steps, capsule systems, and app control have made vaporizers easier to use, and convenience now drives many purchases. The tradeoff is that presets may not match your material or your preferred draw. A device with manual temperature control plus a few saved presets gives you both speed and range.