Expert Tips and Tricks for Dry Herb Vaporizers

Dry herb vaping is an art, but are you truly getting the most out of every bowl?

Vaporizing herbs has hidden potentials that smoking just can’t touch. Burning cannabis at lower temperatures is not only much healthier than smoking, but it also holds the key to flavors you’ve never tasted and effects you’ve never felt.

In this guide, we asked our Hemper veterans for expert tips and tricks on using a dry herb vaporizer. If you're brand new check out our beginners guide to dry herb vapes.

 

1. Terpene Surfing

One of the most popular tricks with a dry herb vape is to keep the temperature settings low enough where you target terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds in cannabis that also have potential therapeutic benefits. 

"Terp surfing" focuses on keeping your vaporizer temperatures around 350°F to focus on creating vapors rich with terpenes and less THC. It delivers a milder and more relaxed affect.

Each terpene has a specific boiling point:

• Pinene releases at 311°F – Known to support clear breathing and mental focus.
• Myrcene releases at 334°F – Improves relaxation and absorption of other cannabinoids
• Limonene releases at 349°F – Linked to uplifting moods and reducing stress.

 

2. Temperature stepping

Temperature stepping is a dry herb vaping technique where you start at a low temperature like 330°F and gradually increase it by increments of 15°F every few draws. Each “step up” releases new compounds starting with flavorful terpenes then THC, CBD, and CBN. This gives you richer flavors and stronger effects as you go.

Why do it? Studies found smoking can destroy up to 50% of your herb’s compounds. The goal of temperature stepping is to extract the majority of the cannabinoids and terpenes by gently releasing them with every “step up”.  

 The result is a more gradual but full spectrum high, that last longer and feels more balanced.

How to temperature step: 

1. Heat up: Set your vaporizer to 330°F and wait for it to warm up.
2. First hits: Take 2-3 slow draws to enjoy the light, flavorful terpenes.
3. Step up: Increase the temperature by 15°F and wait for it to adjust.
4. Inhale: Take another 2-3 draws to release more compounds and effects.
5. Repeat: Continue stepping up by 15°F every 2-3 hits until you reach 390°F.
6. Max out: Finish at 410°F to fully release stronger effects.

Caution: Dr. Dale Gieringer found that vaping cannabis under392°Freduces the intake of harmful compounds by up to 95%. We recommend stepping up to 392°F and only going up to 410°F occasionally. 

3. The upside-down bowl trick

The Upside-down bowl trick transforms your conduction vaporizer into a convection-like device. By flipping it upside down with finely ground and loosely packed herbs, you prevent the herb from touching the heating element directly, allowing hot air to circulate evenly through the cannabis as you inhale.

Why do it? Direct contact (conduction) leads to uneven heating. Only the cannabis touching the chamber walls releases active compounds, while the center remains untouched. 

Flipping it lets hot air pass more freely through the herb, especially through the center. This mimics convection heating which vaporizes the herbs evenly increasing potency.

How to do the Upside-Down Bowl Trick:

1. Load: Finely grind your herb and loosely fill the chamber about ¾ full. Do not pack tight.
2. Flip: Turn your vaporizer upside down so the herb slides away from the heating element towards the mouthpiece.
3. Heat: While holding it upside down, turn on your device and let it reach your desired temperature.
4. First hits: Take 2-3 slow draws with the vaporizer still upside down. This allows hot air to circulate evenly through the herb.
5. Turn upright: Flip your vaporizer back to its normal position so the dry herb comes in contact with the heating element.
6. Continue vaping: Finish vaping your bowl with direct contact

Note: Conduction (heating element in direct contact with herbs) heats much faster than convection (heating with hot air). Give some time for the device to fully heat, because this method may take longer to vaporize compounds than it would normally when sitting upright.

4. Mastering slow, steady draws

 

Mastering slow, steady draws is about taking long, gentle inhales lasting 10-15 seconds unlike inhaling weed which can be half as long and more intense.

This technique lets hot air fully permeate your herb, extracting more cannabinoids and terpenes for you to inhale. The result is denser vapor, richer flavors, and a more potent experience.

How to perfect your draw:

1. Exhale:Deplete your lungs by exhaling deeply to prepare for a long draw.
2. Duration: Inhale slowly for 10-15 seconds. This extended draw heats the herb evenly.
3. Intensity: Sip gently, like tasting a hot drink. Avoid fast or forceful inhales.
4. Airflow: Maintain steady airflow.

Why do it?Many vaporizers are designed with specific airflow rates in mind. Drawing too quickly can create excessive negative pressure, reducing the heat the cannabis is exposed to (which reduces the amount of compounds you inhale).

In some conduction vaporizers, very rapid and forceful draws can increase the temperature of the heating element, which can lead to combustion (smoke) rather than vaporization. A slow and steady 1-15 second sip is the way to go.

5. Stirring mid-session

Stirring mid-session involves gently mixing your herb halfway through your vaping session with your scrape and stir tool. This technique focuses on even heat exposure, which prevents wasting cannabis.

Why do it?Stirring mid-session helps evenly heat all your herbs, preventing hotspots and unvaped areas which is common with dry herb vaporizers. This maximizes the active compounds extracted, enhancing both flavor and potency while making the most of your herbs.

How to stir mid-session:

1. Pause the session: After a few draws or when the vapor decreases, turn off your vaporizer.
2. Open the chamber: Carefully remove the mouthpiece or chamber lid.
3. Gently stir: Use your stir tool to mix the herb without packing it down.
4. Close: Replace the mouthpiece or lid securely.
5. Resume: Turn your vaporizer back on and continue your session.

Stir tip:When stirring your herb be gentle. If you don’t have a stir tool you can use a straightened paper clip. Focus on softly shifting the herb from the center to the outside and bring the outer material inward.

6. The "Sip and Savor" technique

The “Sip and Savor” technique is like preheating the oven in your dry herb vaporizer. 

You take a few short, gentle puffs on your vaporizer before a longer inhale. Those initial puffs warm up the herb and vaporizer chamber, releasing initial flavors and preparing the device. 

This process is called priming with your dry herb vape, and it makes sure that when you take the deeper draw, you get a much smoother, more flavorful vapor.

How to do the "Sip and Savor" technique:

1. Prime: Begin with 2-3 short, gentle puffs to warm up the herb and vapor path.
2. Deep draw: Follow up with a longer, steady inhale lasting 10-15 seconds to fully extract the vapor.
3. Savor the flavor: Exhale slowly to appreciate the rich flavors and aromas.
4. Repeat: Continue alternating between light sips and deep draws throughout your session.

Why do it?This method helps get the most out of your herb by warming it up slowly. The first few puffs gently heat the plant, keeping the tasty parts from burning away. Then when you take a big inhale, you get a strong hit that’s full of flavor and potency. 

Finding the rightsip-to-draw ratio varies with different types of vaporizers. Start at a lower temp for terpenes, then step up for stronger effects. Convection vapes benefit from more sips before a deep draw, while conduction vapes need less priming.

7. Tuning potency and flavor with your grinder

How you grind your dry herbs will drastically impact your experience. Common sense will tell you to go for a medium grind (coarse salt) and you’re not wrong, but if you increase or decrease the grind consistency you get two completely different experiences.

Fine grind:Maximum extraction

• Pros: A finer grind increases the surface area of your herb, leading to faster extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes. This results in denser vapor and more intense effects.
• Cons: Can restrict airflow, produce harsher vapor, and fine particles might pass through your vaporizer's screens.

Coarse grind:Smooth flavor

• Pros: A coarser grind offers better airflow, especially in convection vaporizers. This leads to smoother, more flavorful vapor.
• Cons: May result in less efficient extraction and lighter vapor production (you may waste some weed).

Finding the sweet spot:Most vaporizers perform best with a medium grind—similar to the texture of coarse sand. This provides a balance between efficient extraction and optimal airflow but if you ever want to turn up the potency grind more and if you want to tone it down grind less.

Tips for optimizing your grind:

• Match your vaporizer: Conduction vaporizers usually work better with a finer grind, while convection vaporizers prefer a coarser texture.
• Adjust to your preference: Use a finer grind for more intense effects in shorter sessions, and a coarser grind for extended flavor during longer sessions.
• Experiment: Try different grind consistencies to discover what works best with your device and herb.

Warning:Avoid those gas station grinders, you want some top-notch weed grinders that can give you the exact consistency you want.

8. The sandwich method for concentrates

The Sandwich Method lets you enjoy concentrates in your dry herb vaporizer without any special attachments. By layering a small amount of concentrate between two layers of ground herb, you prevent it from melting onto the heating element. 

This advanced technique drastically increases potency while still avoiding combustion (smoke).

How to use the sandwich method:

1. Prepare the bottom layer: Medium grind your herb and place a thin layer at the bottom of the chamber.
2. Add the concentrate: Place a small amount of concentrate (about the size of a grain of rice) on top of the herb.
3. Cover with herb: Add another thin layer of ground herb over the concentrate, fully enclosing it.
4. Set the temperature: Turn on your vaporizer and choose a temperature for concentrates, typically higher than for dry herbs alone.
5. Inhale slowly: Begin your session with gentle draws to allow the concentrate to melt and vaporize evenly.

Why try it?This method allows you to experience the enhanced effects and flavors of concentrates using your regular dry herb vaporizer. By sandwiching the concentrate, you protect your device from residue buildup while maximizing potency and enjoyment.

9. Experimenting with aromatherapy blends

Adding small amounts of aromatic herbs to your dry herb cannabis can completely change the way you vape dry herbs! Blending in herbs like lavender or peppermint creates unique flavor profiles and may offer additional soothing or invigorating effects. 

Many herbs like lavender also have terpenes like cannabis. Terpenes are not just responsible for aroma and flavor but are known to provide therapeutic benefits.

How to create aromatherapy blends:

1. Select your herbs: Choose safe-to-vape, food-grade herbs like lavender for relaxation or peppermint for a refreshing twist.
2. Mix the blend: Combine your cannabis with the aromatic herb at a 10:1 ratio.
3. Prepare the mixture: Grind both herbs finely and mix them evenly for consistent vaporization.
4. Load your vaporizer: Fill the chamber with your custom blend as you normally would.
5. Adjust as desired: Experiment with different herbs and ratios to find your perfect combination.

Why Experiment?Blending aromatic herbs enhances the flavor and aroma of your vapor, making each session unique. It also allows you to explore potential complementary effects by adding more terpenes to synergistically work with cannabis terpenes and cannabinoids in what is known as the entourage effect.

10. Post-vape cool-down ritual

If you are just shutting your device down after you think the bowl is cleared, you’re wasting cannabis.

A post-vape cool-down ritual is how you should always end a session. When it feels like the bowl is almost cleared, you spike up the temperatures for a minute take a few final draws, and then power off the device. This extracts any remaining cannabinoids from the ground cannabis to prevent waste.

How to perform the cool-down ritual:

1. Increase the temperature: After your session, set your vaporizer to its highest safe temperature setting.
2. Extend the heat: Leave the device on for an additional minute to heat any leftover herb.
3. Take final draws: Inhale slowly to capture any remaining vapor and active compounds.
4. Power down: Turn off your vaporizer and allow it to cool before cleaning.

11. The "Popcorn Test" 

Ever get confused about whether or not your bowl is done with dry herb vaping? With combustion, it’s obvious when a bowl is cashed but not so much with vaping.

The "Popcorn Test" helps you figure this out so you can make sure you pulled all the good stuff out preventing waste. By examining the color and texture of your vaped cannabis, you can fine-tune your vaping technique for the best possible results.

How to perform the popcorn test:

1. Empty the chamber: After your session, carefully pour the remaining herb onto a clean surface.
2. Inspect the Color: Look for light to medium brown hues, similar to popcorn kernels.
3. Check the Texture: Gently touch the herb; it should crumble easily, indicating most moisture and active compounds have been vaporized.

Why do it?Using the Popcorn Test allows you to adjust your vaping settings for optimal extraction. If your herb is under-extracted, you can increase the temperature or extend your session. If it's overextracted, lowering the temperature can prevent harsh flavors. 

Going beyond color and texture, pay close attention to how much vapor comes out during your exhale and flavor changes. Reduced vapor usually means that most active compounds have been extracted, and tasting less flavor usually means the end of extraction as well.