What Is THC Distillate?

THC distillate is a highly refined form of THC in the form of thick oil that ranges in hue from clear to amber. But, what is THC, exactly?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a primary psychotropic ingredient in marijuana (Cannabis sativa). This mind-altering chemical causes a majority of the psychological effects of marijuana, giving users that euphoric and “high” feeling.

The human body has two types of cannabinoid receptors, abundant in brain parts involved in thinking, memory, pleasure, coordination, and perception of time.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “THC binds to cannabinoid receptors and activates them, affecting a person’s memory, thinking, focus, sleep, mood and emotions, body control and coordination, and sensory and time perception.” As part of medical marijuana, it can help regulate nausea, glaucoma, nerve pain in multiple sclerosis, and even tremors in Parkinson’s disease.

Did you know that THC’s chemical formula consists of 21 carbon, 30 hydrogen, and two oxygen atoms? It is just one of more than 500 distinct substances and 100 different cannabinoid molecules found in marijuana.

How Is THC Extracted?

Cannabis distillates are a relatively new form of cannabis concentrate that is causing a stir in the cannabis market. THC distillates are made through a process known as “distillation,” which converts liquids into vapor and then back to liquid. Oxford defines distillation as the action of purifying a liquid by heating and cooling.

The process of distilling cannabis is quite similar to alcohol distillation. Therefore, you need to follow several steps to produce THC distillates. First, the process starts with the extraction procedure and continues to distillation.

Extraction

For years, several extraction procedures have been employed to target chemicals from plants. However, different techniques prevalent in today’s biopharmaceutical industry have been applied for cannabis extraction but the most prevalent process utilized before distillation is extracting carbon dioxide and ethanol.

Distillation

The distillation method entails heating cannabis oil until it vaporizes then collecting the vapors and cannabinoids. Ultra-high vacuum, heating or cooling molecules, and other distinguishing processes across equipment manufacturers are all part of the distillation process.

Distillation removes all the variables that affect purity, potency, and volatility. It results in a potent concentration of THC, a transparent, sticky substance containing approximately 100% THC. The purity of the finished product is one of the most critical aspects of distillation.

What Else Is in THC Distillate Apart from THC?

Before distillation, a cannabis flower or oil contains terpenes, lipids, and other minor cannabinoids apart from THC.

Terpenes or terpenoids, also called “terps,” are aromatic molecules that evaporate quickly, giving them specific scents and flavors. Terpenes are thought to increase the health advantages of products. For example, linalool, a terpene found in lavender, has anti-anxiety properties.

Since terpenes are eliminated during distillation, the taste of cannabis oils or distillates can be altered to be more appealing. Chosen terpenes can be put back into the distillate to control the final flavor.

Did you know that the indistinguishable and psychoactive flavors of marijuana are determined by terpenes?

THC Distillate vs. Cannabis Flower

What use is a product like this after removing the extras? Why is it ideal to use THC distillates instead of cannabis flowers for making edibles?

A cannabis flower has a full spectrum and a more complex chemical profile. On the other hand, THC distillate has a narrow spectrum and a less complex chemical profile. Distillates have a limited chemical profile than full-spectrum cannabis oil or flowers; therefore, the effects of various chemicals are less modulated when the spectrum is narrowed.

THC distillates can be added to just about anything edible. Because of their lack of flavor, taste, and odor, distillates are primarily employed as a foundation for edibles. And since the exact percentage of THC in the 1 g/ml distillate is known, you can use digital strength calculators to allow precise dosing.

Since the strength of distillates can vary, distillates can be used on their own or infused into meals. As a result, edibles won’t taste like weed that needs to be disguised with harsher flavors.

Where Can You Legally Obtain THC?

THC is legal in some places as a component of medical marijuana. While THC is still illegal at the federal level, numerous states have allowed its usage. Many U.S. states and Canada have also legalized THC derivatives for medicinal and recreational uses. So before purchasing any THC-containing products, be sure to verify your state’s legislation first.

What Are THC Alternatives?

THC can be utilized through inhalation, oral ingestion, topical application, or sublingual administration. If your state does not allow cannabis use, Delta 8 THC and CBD can serve as alternatives.

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8 THC) is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in small traces in hemp and marijuana. You can obtain it from boutique weed dispensaries.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an essential component of medical marijuana. It is manufactured in a laboratory or derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not cause a “high” or euphoric feeling. You can get it from physical shops or online stores.

Final Thoughts

Distillates are highly valued because of their purity and potency. THC distillates are transforming the cannabis industry, opening the world to using cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes. THC impacts one’s mood, emotions, and memory and helps regulate pain, alleviate sleeping problems and anxiety, and reduce the effects of other diseases.

We hope this article helped you learn about THC distillates, how to obtain them, and their possible alternatives.