What Is Cannabis Distillate? A Guide to Potent Oils

With recreational cannabis becoming legal in a growing number of U.S. states, new methods of consumption, new products, and new terms are entering the cannabis space seemingly every day. It’s enough to leave your head spinning. But when you walk into a dispensary or browse online, you’ll likely encounter a product labeled “cannabis distillate.” So, what is cannabis distillate? Put simply, cannabis distillate is a highly refined cannabis extract that contains a very high concentration of THC or CBD, sometimes exceeding 90%.

Think of it like fine liquor, distilled to remove impurities and leave behind the good stuff. But cannabis distillate doesn’t stop there. It goes further, stripping away almost everything but the desired cannabinoid—most often THC distillate but also available as pure CBD distillate. This process creates a potent, almost pure, oil.

That golden, viscous oil? That’s what cannabis distillate is in its final form. The beauty of cannabis distillate lies in its versatility. And, yes, distillates do get you high – if it is a THC distillate. If you’re consuming a CBD distillate, though, you can reap all of the therapeutic benefits of CBD without the high because it’s non-psychoactive. THC distillate often produces potent effects like euphoria, relaxation, increased appetite, and altered perceptions.

The Magic Behind What Is Cannabis Distillate

THC distillate starts its journey as plain old cannabis flower buds. But don’t try to whip up your own batch of THC distillate at home. Making cannabis distillate involves a highly specialized extraction process requiring specialized equipment and a tightly controlled lab setting. The process begins with extracting the cannabinoids (like THC or CBD) using a solvent—usually CO2 or hydrocarbons such as butane. That raw extract still contains some undesirables like fats, lipids, and waxes.

That’s where winterization comes in, the process that involves mixing the extract with ethanol and freezing it. Winterization causes those extra components to clump together, making them easier to filter out, leaving behind a more refined extract. But it’s the distillation techniques that really set THC distillate apart.

This cannabis distillation process carefully heats the refined extract under vacuum pressure. Each cannabinoid has its own boiling point, so by fine-tuning the temperature, the distillation equipment isolates and separates specific cannabinoids—like THC—resulting in an extremely pure end product. This process strips away those pesky plant compounds responsible for a strain’s distinctive aroma.

It may sound strange, but this flavorless quality is one reason why distillate products are popular for creating edibles. Producers love them for their potency and their clean slate. It allows complete control over the final product’s taste, making those delicious THC gummies or infused chocolates possible. However, you don’t have to choose just taste.

Some companies like to re-introduce terpenes back into distillate to create flavored vape cartridges. It’s up to you what kind of distillate you would like to try.

THC Distillate vs. Other Cannabis Concentrates: Which Reigns Supreme?

While cannabis distillate offers a nearly pure cannabinoid experience, other cannabis concentrates remain popular among users who seek out bolder flavors and different textures. Concentrates like shatter, wax, crumble, and live resin come with their own advantages and methods of use, most commonly “dabbing” – a method of inhaling vaporized concentrate through a specialized device called a “dab rig.” These other concentrates are usually made using BHO.

The butane hash oil method is widely used in cannabis extraction. To extract the precious cannabinoids, producers rely on BHO, packing the cannabis plant material into a closed-loop system and introducing chilled butane. A complex dance of heating, freezing, pressure, and agitation follows, resulting in various textures and consistencies.

Butane Hash Oil (BHO) shouldn’t be mistaken for the final product. BHO simply acts as the intermediary, the extraction wizard, to transform cannabis into these diverse concentrates. Another popular method involves using Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO – named after the medical marijuana activist who made it famous. While it also goes through an extraction and purification process, it doesn’t use heat. RSO retains a full spectrum of cannabinoids. It is used by many for its potential therapeutic benefits and often sold in syringes due to its thick consistency.

Here’s a closer look at the key differences between THC distillate and other popular concentrates:

How to Choose the Right Cannabis Concentrate

Now that you understand what cannabis distillate is and its benefits, how do you choose between all these options? If potency and discretion are your top priorities, THC distillate will probably be your go-to. It’s also great if you don’t enjoy the strong aroma and taste of traditional cannabis.

Although, for an “almost-like-the-flower” flavor and aroma experience, RSO and those BHO extracts mentioned earlier have their benefits too. The choice ultimately boils down to your preferences and your reason for enjoying cannabis.

Wrapping Up

So, to wrap up our dive into what is cannabis distillate, you can see this highly refined product boasts versatility and potent effects. Although there has never been a reported fatal marijuana overdose, according to the DEA, it is essential to start slow and gradually increase your dosage—especially if you are a first-time consumer. With its rising popularity, expect to see even more products featuring cannabis distillate in the future.