Everything You Need to Know About Distillate
The growing interest in the power of cannabis has led to an expansion of products that have revolutionized how we use and consume marijuana. From oils to topicals, cannabis-based products are getting sleeker and targeted than ever before. The latest and most refined method produces a product called THC distillate. Known for its unmatched purity, this new form of cannabis is ideal for those connoisseurs looking for a high-quality, extremely versatile experience. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between concentrates and distillates, how distillates are made, and where you can purchase this highly potent compound.
What’s the difference between concentrates and distillates?
Concentrates have been on the cannabinoid market for some time and have been widely regarded as one of the purest, most potent forms of cannabis. Concentrates are exactly what their name implies, highly concentrated forms of cannabis. They are created through a process called solvent extraction. The plant matter is soaked in a solvent, typically a chemical, which strips the plants of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, or the three essential chemical compounds in weed.
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- A Cannabinoid is a chemical that reacts with your endocannabinoid system and is responsible for psychoactive responses and pain mitigation. The most famous cannabinoid is THC, with a runner-up being CBD.
- A terpene is an oil responsible for giving the cannabis plant its unique scent profile and some of its medicinal properties.
- Flavinoids (think flavor!) typically bind with the terpenes to further produce the distinctive aromas, flavors, and scents that cannabis connoisseurs have come to love.
After the plant incurs the process of solvent extraction, the result is a product composed almost solely of a high concentration of cannabinoids. But, this process tends to strip away the other valuable elements of the plant, including its terpenes and flavinoids. This is where distillates reign supreme. By virtue of their distillation process, hence the name, these compounds are highly potent, like concentrates, but retain all of the additional terpenes and flavinoids as well! The result? An extremely potent substance that encompasses all of the benefits of cannabis.
How Are THC Distillates Made?
As mentioned previously, THC distillates are made through the process of distillation. This is a form of refinement, but in the case of cannabis, this process is powered by steam and fractionation. The process is fairly labor-intense, requiring highly specialized equipment, but generally speaking, distillation works as follows:
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- First, the solvent is combined with the plant matter to extract the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
- Then, the temperature of the solution is raised until it’s hot enough to boil away the terpenes and flavonoids, which have a lower boiling point than the cannabinoids.
- The resulting steam from the boiling solution is collected to pass through a water-cooled tube. This cooling process turns the gas back into a liquid, producing a solution composed of the terpenes and the flavonoids.
- The temperature is continually raised until the cannabinoids have been boiled off.
- Like the terpene and flavinoids, the resulting steam containing the cannabinoids is collected and passed through a water-cooled tube. This resulting liquid contains cannabinoids.
- Lastly, the terpenes and flavonoid solution, and cannabinoids solution are mixed and allowed to solidify, producing the final THC distillate.
Why Choose Distillates?
With so many products on the market, distillates stand out for their refinement. They are truly designed for the connoisseur in mind, as they meet the most discerning of criteria.
Distillates Are Already Decarboxylated
What does “decarboxylation” mean, and why is it important? Broadly, it means the way in which the plant or product reacts with your endocannabinoid system. A product that is decarboxylated means it’s “ready to use.” If cannabis is non-decarboxylated ingested, think chewing on some raw bud, you will not experience much of a psychoactive effect in your body.
Cannabis, like distillates, which are decarboxylated immediately begin acting upon ingestion. The trichomes responsible for the psychedelic and medicinal effects of the plant begin to take effect, activating specific neurons within the brain, producing the desired results.
Distillates Have A Very High THC Content
The potency of distillate has been cited a few times already, but it bears repeating. The distillation process mentioned above leaves almost no additives or leftover chemicals, producing a pure and powerful substance. Distillates tend to boast a THC count of around 90%. That’s over 50% higher than some of the strongest weed strains!
Distillates Produce The Entourage Effect
No, we aren’t talking about the famous television guy gang, but they would certainly have appreciated the effects of distillate. The Entourage Effect simply refers to the way in which all of the chemical compounds of cannabis work in tandem with one another. THC and CBD work well on their own to address a variety of health and mood concerns, but when these active compounds are stripped from each other, the resulting product might not be as effective. In distillates, the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavinoids remain fully intact. They work in harmony or as an “entourage.” This produces a synergistic effect, as all of the benefits of the chemicals are recruited to produce an efficient and powerful response.
Distillates Are Discreet
Because distillates are “decarboxylated” they are ready to go when you are. Distillates come in a variety of forms, many of which don’t require any form of a combustive element. From sublingual oils to pills and edibles, distillates can quietly provide the relief you need. Those who dose during the day will find distillates extremely convenient and efficient.
What should I expect when I consume distillates?
Those who are interested in distillates will find that they can be consumed in virtually any way. Depending on the method of consumption, the activation time can differ. Regardless of the mode, those who consume distillates report experiencing strong physical and psychological effects, so it is recommended to start off slowly.
Conclusion
Distillates are the cutting edge of cannabis, providing a potent, effective, and holistically minded experience. Connoisseurs tend to gravitate towards this concentrated form of cannabis for its purity and discretion. Ready to experience the power of distillates? The knowledgeable staff at Green Sativa, Colorado’s trusted dispensary, will happily advise customers and patients interested in THC distillates. Visit our experts at Green Sativa located in Federal Heights or online.
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Address: 8411 N Pecos St Unit H, Federal Heights, CO 80260
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