What is Cannabis Oil Distillate and How is it Made?
Published on 7/22/19
Updated: Feb 18, 2022
Last year, the worldwide cannabis concentrate market raked in $3.73 billion USD and it's projected that by 2026, the same market will generate $13.78 billion USD. Simply put, people love their concentrates and are more than willing to splash the cash on the ones they love.
Although concentrates are relatively new to the cannabis industry, the benefits associated with these products and their high cannabinoids and terpene content keep attracting millions of interested consumers. One specific concentrate that's gaining popularity and usage is cannabis distillate. When this term is used, it refers to distilling cannabis to separate various molecules, cannabinoids and contaminants from each other. The process of making THC distillate and CBD distillate is certainly unique and so are the benefits linked to this concentrate and its accompanying terpenes.
That's why, in the interest of educating you lovely cannabis aficionados about the latest and greatest new cannabis product to hit the market, we here at Where's Weed are going to dig into the nitty-gritty about what cannabis distillates are, how they're made, and why consumers are so fond of them. Think of this article as your go-to guide for how to make, recognize, and enjoy some lovely cannabis distillates. So without further ado, let's get right into it!
Cannabis Distillates: What is Distillate?
Before we dig too deeply into this topic, let's first get the basics out of the way. At their core, cannabis distillates are concentrated extracts that are almost always close to 100 percent pure. Distillates often have an extremely high THC content, but some distillates are instead created with the intention of producing a high CBD content. The basic idea is to give you the best of both worlds, in the highest forms possible. Since cannabis distillates are so concentrated, only a little bit needs to be consumed as compared to consuming raw cannabis flower. It's just far more powerful than cannabis flower, plain and simple. Fortunately, both medical patients and recreational cannabis users can experience nearly immediate effects after consuming distillates utilizing distillate dabs.
How to Make THC Distillate
Exactly how are distillates created though? And what processes are utilized to produce these ultra-concentrated products? Well, to create cannabis distillates, different extraction processes can be used including "short path distillation" and "short path wiped film distillation." Let's dig a little dip deeper into each below:
Short Path Distillation Process:
Regarding the short path distillation process, users must operate a specialized setup that allows them to properly distribute the extracted cannabis material. A heated flask facilitates the intake of cannabis extract material. As the extract material is fed through the flask, an increased amount of heat is applied. A vacuum is also used so it can help draw vapors up into what's called, "fractionating tubing." From here, the extract material flows through the fractionating tubing, which is then directed to a condensing tube. If individuals want to improve their product's refinement, the extracted cannabis material can be run through the distillation process several times.
Short Path Wiped Film Process:
When you hear the term, "solvent-free," what do you think it means? In regards to the cannabis extraction process, a solvent is a liquid that's meant to separate THC or CBD from raw cannabis flower. Basically, it pulls the active cannabinoids out of the plant material itself, allowing users to get higher percentages of that actual cannabinoid. Unfortunately, however, it's possible for residual solvents to remain in cannabis concentrates if they weren't properly flushed out. For example, if butane or propane were used as solvents during the cannabis extraction process, and if small quantities of them remain in the final product, it's possible for consumers to experience adverse effects that can ruin their overall experience.
Oppositely, a solvent-free cannabis concentrate contains zero leftover residual solvents. One main reason why these products are preferred is because consumers don't have to worry about accidentally ingesting harmful solvents that may make them feel bad or worse than how they initially felt. They see it the same way shoppers at the grocery store see organic produce. It's produced with higher standards, purer ingredients, and ends up producing a more clean and pure experience. Overall, solvent-free concentrates, including solvent-free distillates, are a safer and healthier choice as compared to concentrates that were created by using butane or propane. As a result, solvent-free distillates are slowly becoming a top extract of choice.
To this day, numerous cannabis consumers are becoming more health-conscious and mindful of the products they put in their bodies. This applies to cannabis concentrates like distillates and the ingredients used to make them. If you could choose between buying solvent-free cannabis distillate or cannabis distillate in which solvents were used, which one would you spend your money on?
Solvent-free Cannabis Distillate: Benefits & Why Consumers Opt For These Concentrates
When you hear the term, "solvent-free," what do you think it means? In regards to the cannabis extraction process, a solvent is a liquid that's meant to separate THC or CBD from raw cannabis flower. Basically, it pulls the active cannabinoids out of the plant material itself, allowing users to get higher percentages of that actual cannabinoid. Unfortunately, however, it's possible for residual solvents to remain in cannabis concentrates if they weren't properly flushed out. For example, if butane or propane were used as solvents during the cannabis extraction process, and if small quantities of them remain in the final product, it's possible for consumers to experience adverse effects that can ruin their overall experience.
Oppositely, a solvent-free cannabis concentrate contains zero leftover residual solvents. One main reason why these products are preferred is because consumers don't have to worry about accidentally ingesting harmful solvents that may make them feel bad or worse than how they initially felt. They see it the same way shoppers at the grocery store see organic produce. It's produced with higher standards, purer ingredients, and ends up producing a more clean and pure experience. Overall, solvent-free concentrates, including solvent-free distillates, are a safer and healthier choice as compared to concentrates that were created by using butane or propane. As a result, solvent-free distillates are slowly becoming a top extract of choice.
To this day, numerous cannabis consumers are becoming more health-conscious and mindful of the products they put in their bodies. This applies to cannabis concentrates like distillates and the ingredients used to make them. If you could choose between buying solvent-free cannabis distillate or cannabis distillate in which solvents were used, which one would you spend your money on?
Versatility of CBD & Pure THC Distillate Products:
Furthermore, distillates have become versatile products in the cannabis industry because nearly any cannabis strain can be used to produce a distillate. Also, numerous terpenes and flavonoids can be added into cannabis distillates towards the end of the extraction process, giving consumers the ability to choose a concentrate like a pure THC distillate or distillate oil that'll suit their needs and wants.
Also, nowadays, it's common to think about how to make THC distillate at-home. Fortunately, there are several ways to do so, which makes distillates a versatile concentrate in the ever-changing cannabis industry. What's even more captivating about producing these products is that cultivators have the freedom to choose which cannabis strain and distillation process they wish to use.
Reintroducing Terpenes Into Cannabis Distillates: Artificial, Natural & Whole Cannabis-Derived
Moreover, different terpenes found in plants like cannabis and hemp not only contain a variety of therapeutic and medicinal benefits, but also different aromas and flavors. Those differing terpene and cannabinoid profiles are key reasons why different strains taste, smell, and have differing effects on people. They help break down exactly how and why that cannabis product you're using works the way that it does. What's interesting about the cannabis distillation process is that it leaves behind THC or CBD and purifies the original terpenes out. In other words, during the distillation process, plant terpenes tend to boil off.
Oftentimes, after cannabis distillates are produced, cultivators incorporate natural, artificial, or whole cannabis-derived terpenes into their final products. However, what has grabbed people's attention in recent years is the
By now, various companies have figured out how to prevent losing beneficial terpenes during the extraction process. Whereas, others choose to rebuild their extracts by adding fresh terpenes later on. However, many companies rather study the original terpene content to be recreated down the road. Ultimately, though, the healthiest and most beneficial form of terpenes to add into cannabis distillates are whole plant-derived terpenes. The main intention of doing this is to produce well-rounded effects for consumers and to help improve the distillate flavors and aromas.
As consumers, it's essential to understand how a concentrated cannabis product was created, what (if any) solvents were used, and the types of terpenes that were used or added into the product later on. We have a responsibility to protect our health and well-being, and that starts with education and awareness. The next time you buy concentrated cannabis products like distillate, consider inquiring about how it was made and the terpenes that were used.
The Bottom Line
As the legal cannabis industry grows, evolves, and changes for the better, we're going to see more and more innovative products brought to market that give customers options. Long gone are the days when your only source for legal weed was some sketchy high school drop-out who's growing some poorly cared-for weed in the spare bedroom and selling stick and seed dimebags. These days, the legal cannabis industry is a multi-billion dollar cash cow that's showing no signs of changing. Cannabis oil distillates are just one of the many innovative new forms of cannabis consumption that we'll see over the next decade or so. For now, however, have your dab rigs ready and distillates on hand to enjoy!
