A distillate is a very common term in the vaping or medical marijuana community. There are many different types of distillates, such as CBD, which we covered in the past. Today, we at DC Alchemy would like to go over cannabis distillates.
What is a Distillate?
A distillate is a translucent, slightly runny liquid, that is a pure compound from the hemp or marijuana plant.
Distillates can be used to dab, vaporize, and mix in as an ingredient in edibles, topicals, and other products. Distillate concentrates are achieved through an extensive refinement process that separates compounds from cannabis plant matter.
A distillate is the same as oil. One of the most commonly made types of cannabis oil. It is usually very potent, though the potency can be increased or decreased by the manufacturer.
While all distillates are oils, not all oils are distillates. An oil is only a distillate if all other materials and compounds, including terpenes, have been systematically stripped and removed.
The distillation method is accurately quite old as it is the same process for refining alcohol. So instead of breaking down the distillation method, let’s break down the main ingredient of THC distillates: cannabis/THC.
The Cannabis Plant
As we’ve described in the past, the cannabis plant contains three main chemical compounds: cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The most well known cannabinoid portions of cannabis are THC and CBD.
Cannabinoids are chemicals that interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body and brain to decrease your anxiety, and relieve your pain. Not all cannabinoids produce high effects — THC does, while CBD does not.
Terpenes are what give the cannabis plant its flavor and smell. Flavonoids are the molecules that combine with the terpenes to produce distinctive tastes and aromas.
Depending on which cannabinoid you isolate, you can create a multitude of distillates.
Cannabis Distillates
Cannabis is everywhere these days. There are a number of products available, both for medicinal and recreational use. Cannabis distillate is a pure and potent product that has surged in popularity among consumers.
Cannabis distillate is an odorless, tasteless, and viscous oil that can meet virtually any type of medicinal or recreational need. If the final product has a high THC concentration, then it can also be referred to as THC distillate.
The Benefit of Cannabis/THC Distillates
As a cannabinoid, THC has the ability to attach to your body’s different cannabinoid receptors and help relieve pain, stress, depression, etc. THC helps with all of the following:
- Pain
- Muscle spasticity
- Glaucoma
- Insomnia
- Low appetite
- Nausea
- Anxiety
However, unlike other cannabinoids, THC produces a psychoactive effect. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), THC’s chemical structure affects your brain’s receptors that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, movement, coordination, and sensory and time perception.
THC also interferes with how your brain forms new memories. In fact, impaired memory is one of THC’s main side effects, as well as hallucinations.
For comparison, CBD does not produce this effect, despite being a part of the same plant.
How to Ingest Cannabis Distillate
Before you search for cannabis or THC distillates, remember that it is illegal in some states and federally. States are allowed to set their own laws regarding THC and medical marijuana use. Marijuana is completely legal in 11 states for adults over the age of 21 )recreational and medical), and legal for medical use in 33 states. For a full breakdown of where marijuana is legal, please see this map.
Keep in mind that THC is not medical marijuana. There is a difference between cannabis and cannabinoids. Cannabis is marijuana while cannabinoids are the active chemicals that are derived from cannabis. So while your state may allow marijuana for medical use, it might not allow the consumption of THC.
The numbers of ways you can ingest distillates is staggering. Because pure cannabinoid oils contain little to no residual flavors or aromas, they are perfect for all kinds of practical applications. Because of this, they can be mixed into foods and eaten, vaped, or applied sublingually.
They are most commonly vaped (due to the added vegetable oil and terpenes). If you’re looking to vape CBD oil, buy CCELL cartridges. CCELLs are designed for thicker distillates, such as CBD, so there are less clogs, less leaks, and more smooth draws. Their wickless design completely eliminates the chance of burning and allows you to enjoy the experience to the very last drop.
