Distillate
Definition: Distillate is a highly refined cannabis oil made by distilling a crude extract until it’s mostly a single cannabinoid, usually THC or CBD. It’s a clear to amber, honey-like oil with little natural flavor or aroma, because distillation strips out most terpenes. Distillate is the most common filling in vape cartridges and a standard ingredient in edibles.
How Is Cannabis Distillate Made?
- Extraction: cannabinoids are pulled from the plant with ethanol, CO2, or hydrocarbons.
- Winterization: the extract is mixed with alcohol and chilled to remove fats, waxes, and lipids.
- Decarboxylation: heat converts THCA into active THC.
- Distillation: under vacuum, a short-path or wiped-film still heats the oil and separates compounds by boiling point, collecting the target cannabinoid.
How Strong Is Distillate?
Very. THC distillate is often labeled in the 85% to 95% THC range, far above flower and above most other concentrates. It isn’t “100% pure,” as is sometimes claimed. Small amounts of other cannabinoids and impurities remain, so always check the lab results.
Why Do Distillate Carts Have Added Terpenes?
Distillation boils off most natural terpenes, so manufacturers often add terpenes back, either cannabis-derived or botanical blends, for flavor and to thin the oil for vape cartridges. If you want the plant’s original flavor profile, look for live resin or full-spectrum oil instead.
How Is Distillate Used?
Distillate is vaped in carts, dabbed, added to edibles and drinks, and used in topicals. Because it’s already decarboxylated, it’s active without further heating, which makes dosing edibles easier.
Related terms: Concentrates, Vape Cartridge, Decarboxylate, Live Resin
Sources: NIDA: Cannabis Concentrates DrugFacts; NIDA: Cannabis Potency Data.
