Everyone in the dab community talks about temperature. Low-temp dabs for flavor. High-temp dabs for clouds. But the actual science behind why temperature matters — what’s physically happening inside the banger at different heat levels — is rarely explained clearly. Here it is.
What you’re actually vaporizing
Cannabis concentrates contain hundreds of compounds. The relevant ones are:
Cannabinoids: THC, CBD, CBG, and dozens of others. Most begin to vaporize in the 300°F–400°F range and are fully vaporized well below 500°F.
Terpenes: The aromatic compounds that give each strain its distinct smell and flavor profile. Terpenes are highly volatile — they vaporize at lower temperatures than cannabinoids and are destroyed or altered at higher ones. This is why temperature matters so much for flavor.
Lipids and waxes: Present in lower quantities, especially in rosin. These vaporize at higher temperatures and contribute to the “heaviness” of a hit at higher temps.
Terpene boiling points — the key numbers
| Terpene | Aroma/Flavor | Boiling Point |
|---|---|---|
| Myrcene | Earthy, musky, herbal | 334°F (168°C) |
| Limonene | Citrus, lemon | 349°F (176°C) |
| Terpinolene | Fresh, piney | 366°F (186°C) |
| Linalool | Floral, lavender | 388°F (198°C) |
| Beta-Caryophyllene | Spicy, pepper | 429°F (221°C) |
| Humulene | Earthy, woody | 434°F (223°C) |
The most volatile terpenes begin vaporizing in the low 300°F range. The least volatile persist up to 430°F+.
What happens at different temperature ranges
Below 315°F: Thin vapor, complex flavor from the most volatile aromatics, but incomplete cannabinoid delivery. Most experienced dabbers find this range too cool.
315°F–400°F (low-temp zone): The sweet spot for flavor. Volatile and moderately volatile terpenes are fully expressed. Cannabinoids are vaporizing efficiently. Smooth vapor, complex strain-specific flavor, full effect.
400°F–500°F (mid-temp zone): You’re above the boiling point of many delicate terpenes. Heavier terpenes are still contributing. Cannabinoid delivery is maximized. Bigger vapor, less complex flavor, stronger effect.
Above 500°F: Combustion begins occurring. Harsh, acrid smoke, significantly degraded flavor, and potential irritation. This is why dabbing too hot feels so unpleasant.
Why low-temp dabs are worth it
You paid for the terpene profile of that concentrate. Running it at 450°F+ destroys most of what you paid for before it reaches your lungs. At 380°F, you experience the full terpene expression — the actual flavor and aroma of the strain — alongside efficient cannabinoid delivery.
Practical implications
For e-rig users: Most e-rigs run 10–30°F hotter at the concentrate than the displayed setting. Start at medium or medium-low and adjust based on taste. If it tastes harsh or flat, go lower.
For glass + torch users: An infrared thermometer is the most direct way to know your actual temperature. Alternatively, a well-calibrated cool-down timer (45–60 seconds after heating a standard quartz banger) gets you into the low-temp zone reliably.
Temperature isn’t a preference — it’s the primary variable that determines what you experience.
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