Have you heard the buzz about cannabis distillate? This highly concentrated form of cannabis is taking the industry by storm, and for good reason. With its versatility and potency, cannabis distillate offers a unique experience for both new and seasoned cannabis enthusiasts. In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of cannabis distillate and explore everything from what it is, to how to use it. So buckle up and get ready for a wild and educational ride, it’s time to discover the power of cannabis distillate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Distillate
Cannabis distillate is the pinnacle of cannabis extracts, made by distilling purified extracts that have been winterized, decarboxylated, and processed to separate the cannabinoids like CBD and CBC in precise amounts.
In short, cannabis distillation is where crude oil is chemically seperated, heated, cooled, distilled to produce pure cannabis distillate.Ā
- Extraction
- Winterization
- Filterization
- Decarboxylation
- Pressure and heat
- Consistency
- Discreetness
- Accuracy
- Ease of use
- Quality control
All distillates are oils, not all cannabis oils are distillates.Ā
Transfer loss occurs when moving raw extract from one container to another. When emptying a container, it can be difficult to get the entirety of the contents out.Ā
- Make edibles
- Mix into topicals
- Smoking or vaping
- Take sublingually
As a leader in the hemp industry, Extract Labs strives to produce the cleanest products on the market. Whether you are consuming cannabinoids directly or looking to easily work them into your home formulation, our distillates will be clean and consistent.Ā
What is Cannabis Distillate?
Cannabis distillate is the pinnacle of cannabis extracts, made by distilling purified extracts that have been winterized, decarboxylated, and processed to separate the cannabinoids like CBD and CBC in precise amounts. Through heat and pressure, the distillation process refines and purifies the various compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC and CBD, resulting in a clear and potent substance. This versatile extract can be used in various forms, including smoking, vaping, edibles, and topicals, providing a consistent and controlled dosing experience. With its unparalleled purity, cannabis distillate is the perfect choice for anyone who wants the most potent and reliable cannabis experience possible.
Distillate can be made from a variety of cannabis strains, like Delta 8 or CBD Distillate, each with its own unique combination of cannabinoids and terpenes, leading to a diverse range of potential effects.
What is Distillate Weed?
Distillate weed, colloquially referred to as distillate THC, is a term commonly associated with cannabis extracts. Specifically, cannabis distillate encompasses various concentrated extracts obtained from the cannabis plant. While it often contains a high concentration of THC, the distillation process can also target other cannabinoids such as CBD. Therefore, when encountering a product labeled as cannabis distillate, it’s essential to examine the cannabinoid composition to accurately discern the type of distillate present.
The Process of Distillation
The cannabis distillate production process typically starts with crude oil extraction, which is any process where the cannabinoids are separated from the cannabis plant material. A crude extraction involves either a physical means of separation or a chemical means of separation.
At Extract Labs, we use exclusively CO2 in our extraction process! Whether the cannabinoids are separated by physical or chemical means, the crude extract produced contains impurities that must be removed before the oil can be separated into its individual cannabinoids.
The next major step in producing distillate is called winterization. It is a method to purify the crude extract of byproducts: plant waxes, fats, lipids, and chlorophyll. The crude extract is mixed with ethanol. The solution is then placed in a very cold environment for 24 to 48 hours. The impurities coagulate in the cold temperature and precipitate, or separate, falling to the bottom of the container. This is similar to baking a chicken: the excess grease and juices drip down into the pan and thicken when cooled.
The next step of distillate production occurs when the crude extract and ethanol solution is then passed through a filter. After filtering, the ethanol is removed. Ethanol can be removed using a variety of techniques, such as a rotary evaporator or a falling film evaporator.
The extract at this point wouldnāt be very potent. CBD, for example, is the well-known compound and active cannabinoid that consumers use to achieve wellness goals. However, itās cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), thatās found at this stage. CBDA becomes CBD after heat is applied. This process is called decarboxylation.
Decarboxylation is the process of removing the carboxylic acid from a cannabinoidās chemical compound. A cannabinoid is decarboxylated when itās heated to the point of eliminating the carboxylic acid. By removing that acid group, the cannabinoid can readily interact within the body and bind to the receptors in the nervous system ā specifically, the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors.
The final steps for making cannabis distillate involves the actual cannabis distillation process. Using vacuum pressure and heat, individual cannabinoids and terpenes can be separated from the decarboxylated extract according to their unique boiling points and molecular weights. In a vacuum environment, where the pressure can be strictly controlled, the boiling point of can be achieved at much lower temperatures to help prevent the loss of potency.
After these steps are successfully taken, youāre left with cannabis distillate, a supplement that can be used in a variety of ways.
Distillation is a centuries-old process used in the production of various alcoholic beverages and essential oils, and the process for producing cannabis distillate is similar.
Characteristics and Benefits of Cannabis Distillate
Cannabis distillate has several distinct characteristics, including:
Purity: Cannabis distillate is highly purified and nearly free of impurities, making it a more consistent and controlled option for dosing.
Potency: The distillation process results in a product that is highly concentrated, making it one of the strongest forms of cannabis available.
Versatility: Cannabis distillate can be used in a variety of ways, including smoking, vaping, edibles, and topicals.
Clear Appearance: Cannabis distillate is known for its clear, translucent appearance, which sets it apart from other forms of cannabis extract.
Flavor Profile: Because of its purity, cannabis distillate has a neutral flavor profile, making it an ideal choice for use in edibles or for those who do not enjoy the natural taste of cannabis.
Consistency: Cannabis distillate is known for its consistent potency and purity, which allows for a more controlled and predictable dosing experience compared to other forms of cannabis consumption.
Discreetness: Cannabis distillate has a neutral flavor and odor, making it a discreet option for those who want to consume cannabis without attracting attention.
Accuracy: Cannabis distillate can be accurately dosed, which is especially important for medical users who require a specific amount of THC or CBD.
Ease of Use: Because of its clear and concentrated form, cannabis distillate is easy to measure and use in a variety of products, such as edibles, smokeables or topicals.
Quality Control: The distillation process used to make cannabis distillate ensures that the final product is of a high quality and free of contaminants, making it a safe and reliable option for consumers.
Is Cannabis Distillate The Same As Oil?
Distillate is one of the most commonly made types of cannabis oil, often coveted by consumers for its potency. And because it has been stripped of virtually everything other than cannabinoids, it is extremely versatile, capable of being consumed on its own or as the base of numerous other cannabis products.
While all distillates are oils, not all cannabis oils are distillates. A cannabis oil is only a distillate if all other materials and compounds have been systematically stripped and it has not been combined with a carrier oil such as coconut oil.
Distillate is considered broad spectrum, meaning there is no THC in the extraction. Full spectrum CBD refers to extracts that contain less than 0.3 percent THC, the legal limit in hemp plants.
What is Transfer Loss?
Transfer loss occurs when moving raw extracts from one container to another. When emptying a container, it can be difficult to get the entirety of the contents out. We recommend gently heating distillate jars in a warm water bath to thin the distillate when preparing to transfer it. It may also help to use a tool such as a rubber spatula to scrape the inside of the jar clean.
All raw materials are quality checked prior to shipment to ensure accurate weights and contents. When purchasing raw materials, each jar will come labeled with a tare weight. The tare weight will display how much the empty jar (with lid) weighs in grams prior to filling. To confirm you received the correct amount of raw material, set a scale to grams and zero it. Then place the jar with lid on the scale. Subtract the weight displayed on the scale from the tare weight. This will tell you the weight of raw material you received.
Cannabis distillate is a highly concentrated and pure form of THC or CBD, with up to 99% potency.
How To Use Distillate?
Distillate is extremely versatile to work with. It can be consumed in its raw form or combined into a wide range of custom formulations. The only limit is your imagination!
You can use distillate to make edibles or topicals. In edibles, distillates provide a quick way to work desired cannabinoids into a recipe. For edibles prepared at home, the oil should be introduced with low doses, about 5 milligrams per serving, then slowly increase the dosage for the desired potency and taste. Cannabis distillate offers a clean and potent alternative to traditional cannabis oils, and its versatility allows for easy incorporation into a variety of food and beverage products.Ā
This type of oil can also work in topicals, which are applied transdermally, or applied to the skin and absorbed. Easily add cannabis distillate into creams, lotions, balms, and other skincare products to provide localized relief. It is important to note that topicals do not produce the psychotropic effects associated with THC, as they are not absorbed into the bloodstream.
One of the most popular methods of consuming cannabis distillate is through smoking or vaping. Using a portable vaporizer, vape cartridge, or vape pen for concentrated use. You can also. Dabbing or vaping distillates yields a nearly odorless vapor, depending on whether itās been flavored, with their effects typically being experienced instantly.
A cannabis distillate can also be consumed on their own and taken sublingually, or under the tongue.Ā
Regardless of how you are choosing to use your distillate, here are a couple of handy tips!
- Since distillate is so pure, it may have a solid texture upon opening its container. To make it more friendly to work with, simply warm it up by placing its jar in a hot water bath or by heating the jar in an oven at a low temp (~150F)
- When working with distillate, the tools you choose can make your life easier. Extract Labs recommends using silicon or stainless steel. Depending on your purpose, a small spatula or pick will work great!
- Keep distillate out of reach of children and pets.
- Store distillate in a secure, cool, and dry place.
- Do not mix distillate with alcohol or other substances, as this can increase the risk of negative side effects.
- It’s important to note that the effects of cannabis can vary widely based on a variety of factors such as the method of consumption, the potency of the product, and individual tolerance. Therefore, it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks associated with using cannabis products.
Where Can I Buy Distillate?
As a leader in the hemp industry, Extract Labs strives to produce the cleanest products on the market. The distillate offered on our website represent countless hours of method development and process optimization. Whether you are consuming cannabinoids directly or looking to easily work them into your home formulation, our distillates will be clean and consistent.
Extract Labs Tip:
Exploring a fresh approach to vaping? Acquire a quantity of bulk distillate along with a reusable vape cartridge. Gently heat the distillate, and then proceed to load the cartridge with our Delta 8 THC Distillate for a unique experience.
Start Exploring the World of THC Distillate
Cannabis Distillate is a highly concentrated and purified form of THC or CBD that is being used in an increasing number of products. Its versatility and potency make it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy the benefits of cannabis, and its increasing popularity is helping to drive innovation in the industry.
While the use of cannabis distillate is growing, there is still much to learn about its potential benefits and risks. As with any substance, it’s important to proceed with caution and to consult with a healthcare professional before using. Additionally, as the cannabis industry continues to evolve, it’s important to stay informed about new products and developments, and to continue exploring the many potential uses of cannabis distillate.
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