When it comes to vaping delta 8 THC, temperature is more important than you may realize. Now, if you’re using a disposable vape or a cartridge that doesn’t have adjustment options, then you probably don’t pay much attention to the temperature that your coil is reaching to vaporize the oil. But, essentially:
- If your vape oil doesn’t get hot enough, you will never get those effects that you really want.
- If your vape oil is too hot, it may be damaged beyond repair.
So, What is the Ideal Temperature for Vaporizing Delta 8 THC?
Generally, most people agree that 355℉ is ideal for vaping a delta 8 vape cartridge. This is the temperature that decarboxylates the cannabinoid, meaning that its most desirable properties become activated. Below that means, getting a delta 8 high will be difficult, and you may also miss out on its other properties that relate to things like mood, nausea, physical discomfort, appetite, and more.
The Temperature at Which Delta 8 Starts to Break Down
The delta 8 cannabinoid is sensitive to temperature, and if it gets too hot, it can actually break down completely. It seems that the cannabinoid starts to burn at about 450℉, losing its potency as its structure changes due to heat exposure. Not only that, but at 450℉, many users believe that it starts to take on carcinogenic properties, which can become particularly harmful at about 550℉.
Here's the thing though, there is absolutely no need to vape at such a high temp. What you will get is likely a lot of coughing, a burnt flavor, and a delta 8 experience that doesn’t actually satisfy, since this cannabinoid burned instead of vaporized. Not only that, but vaping at too high of a temp can blow out the coil in your cartridge, ruining your ability to vape at all.
Terpenes and Other Cannabinoids in the Vape Oil
It’s important to point out that each compound in hemp has its own activation point, at which its compounds become “active”.
The terpenes in hemp do not require decarboxylation, but they do need to be kept from getting too hot as they will burn, losing both their flavor and properties. Hemp’s terpenes are generally best kept below 450℉, just like delta 8 THC, to get their full effect.
Then, there are other cannabinoids. Most cannabinoids have a decarboxylation point that’s pretty much identical to delta 8, give or take a few degrees. The exception is tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), which doesn’t even activate until it reaches 428℉.
So, in general, we recommend using your delta 8 vape oil at no more than 390℉. This will provide the perfect terpene flavor, and a solid delta 8 high that’s not gonna irritate your throat or give you an unpleasant burnt flavor. If you’ve a vape pen that allows for what’s called “adjustable output”, then we recommend starting with the lowest output setting and only increasing it in one increment at a time until you find your sweet spot. Because, as it turns out, some people prefer low-temp vaping and would never even want to get close to the maximum temperature at which someone should vape delta 8 THC.
How Come Gradual Heat Exposure Can Be Just as Problematic?
Another thing to keep in mind is that there are other ways for a delta 8 vape oil to get too hot. Exposing it to an external heat source, such as direct sunlight on a hot day, or the heat coming from a heat vent, can be just as damaging to the compounds in the vape oil formula, causing them to degrade gradually until they no longer have any effectiveness whatsoever. This is why you should store your delta 8 vapes in a cool, dark and dry place, like a cabinet, drawer or closet in your home.
No Doubt, For a Successful Delta 8 Vaping Experience, Temperature Matters!
Organic compounds like delta 8 THC and terpenes all need to be maintained at the proper temperature, or else they can burn, lose their potency, cause unpleasant flavor and even, in extreme cases, become carcinogenic. That’s why you should be extra mindful when it comes to how you set your vape pen device. Forthunetly, most vaping devices used for delta 8 vape oil never get high enough to cause this type of problem.