Boiling Points for Dabbing
Updated: Jul 10, 2022
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Patients and consumers who engage in dabbing (the vaporization of cannabis concentrates using a device called a dab rig that involves either a torch or an electric enail) should be aware of the influence of the boiling points of the terpenes and cannabinoids in their marijuana products that are the target molecules being pursued.
What is a Boiling Point?
The boiling point of a terpene or cannabinoid is the temperature at which it turns into a vapor and enters the airstream to be inhaled by a consumer. Each cannabinoid and terpene features a different boiling point temperature. The brief list below features a low boiling point of 220° F (the cannabinoid THC-A) and a high boiling point of 637° F (the terpene phytol). Boiling point is affected by ambient pressure, so these numbers are not absolutes.
For those wanting to avoid creation of potentially harmful residual solvents and toxins, 451° F is typically considered a hard stop for dab temperature.
For those wanting to avoid creation of potentially harmful residual solvents and toxins, 451° F is typically considered a hard stop for dab temperature. However, research has revealed that toxins begin to appear at about 430° F. Because of this, some dabbers restrict their vaporization temperature to 430° F or lower.
To better understand the role of boiling points in dabbing, check out our Knowledebase article "Understanding Safe Dab Temperatures."
Boiling Points
Boiling Point Temperature (F) | Cannabinoid/Terpene |
637° | Phytol |
599° | Bisabolol |
550° | Guaiol |
529° | Nerolidol |
523° | Farnesene |
456° | CBG-A |
451° | COMBUSTION |
446° | Geraniol |
435° | Pulegone |
428° | THC-V |
428° | CBC |
426° | Terpineol |
421° | Menthol |
410° | Borneol |
388° | Linalool |
388° | Humulene |
367° | Terpinolene |
365° | CBN |
356° | CBD |
352° | Ocimene |
351° | THC (delta-8) |
349° | D-limonene |
334° | Myrcene |
329° | CBD-V |
315° | THC (delta-9) |
311° | Alpha-pinene |
284° | CBC-A |
265° | Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) |
248° |