How to Consume Cannabis Distillates

The cannabis industry doesn’t cease to amaze weed consumers with new forms of consumption. The world of cannabis products has come a long way from where it was, say, a decade ago.

A decade ago, dear friends, your choices were limited to choosing between dried flowers and hah. You’d be lucky to have a choice between several strains with additional options of hash blocks from different regions.

Today, we not only have a myriad of different weed products to choose from, but the methods in which we use them has skyrocketed.

This is why cannabis distillates are becoming one of the most sought-after extracts right now.

Never heard of a cannabis distillate before?

Worry not, as this article will show you the science behind this type of cannabis concentrate and how to use it.

Off we go!

What Are Cannabis Distillates?

We will explain the definition in as simple terms as we can.

Cannabis distillate is a solventless extract purged through a short loop system. Concentrates like CO2 oil or BHO call for using alcohol-based solvents to achieve the final product; this may not necessarily be a wrong extraction method, but it can sometimes leave impurities in your concentrates.

This isn’t a problem with cannabis distillates.

Distillates are made to contain the highest levels of THC  (or CBD, depending on the type of distillate) out of all extracts or concentrates. They are extremely versatile; you can use cannabis distillate in a vaporizer or dab rig, but they also work well with edibles, tinctures, or in a classic joint.

Now, let’s shed some light on the very process of distillation.

How Are Cannabis Distillates Made?

Cannabis distillates are produced by fractional distillation, a process split into two parts, where during the first filtration stage, the extractor removes the terpenes from the cannabinoids (terpenes can be further reintroduced to your cannabis distillate).

The second part, in turn, involves removing the lipids, impurities, and solvents, leaving the user with an odorless, potent, and pure cannabis distillate.

The mixture is then processed through the wiped film evaporator that creates a fine oil used in vape tanks, tinctures, or capsules.

Here’s a 5-step explanation of the fractional distillation process:

1. The plant material and solvents are mixed so that cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential plant oils can bind with the liquid.
2. The liquid is then boiled at lower temperatures. Low heat allows for the separation of the terpenes and flavonoids, which have a lower boiling point than cannabinoids.
3. The steam produced in the process passes via the water-cooled tubes, getting condensed and turned back into a liquid.
4. The manufacturer repeats step one, this time at a higher temperature in order to release the cannabinoids.
5. Cannabinoid gas is again compressed and turned back to its liquid form. By combining these two liquids, we can obtain a cannabis distillate.

Now that you know the science behind cannabis distillates, let’s talk about the benefits of this weed format for a moment.

What Are the Benefits of Cannabis Distillates?

The first benefit of cannabis distillates — and the most obvious one — is the purity grade they offer. Cannabis distillates are nearly 100% pure.

You get all th beneficial compounds from cannabis without putting any unwanted additives or chemicals to the formula. As a result, the THC content gets elevated as well; in fact, the concentration of THC in cannabis distillates is the highest of any cannabis extraction — you only need a small portion of the product to experience its effects.

Through a meticulous selection of terpenes and flavonoids, it’s also possible to achieve a product that is odorless and tasteless but still retains the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids. This allows users to benefit from their medication while staying low-profile in public.

Another remarkable advantage of using cannabis distillates is that they already come decarboxylated, meaning there’s no need to heat or combust the product in its form.

When taken under the tongue, distillates start producing their effects almost immediately by activating CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Considering how easy it is to use, transport, and store distillates, this form of extraction provides significant benefits to the cannabis industry.

How to Consume Cannabis Distillates

Vaporization

Vaporization is one of the fastest methods of cannabis administration. You will only need a vape pen with a refillable tank that is compatible with cannabis liquids.

If your pen allows adjusting the temperature to the various forms of cannabis, it’s all the better because distillates tend to vaporize at different points than shatter, wax, or budder.

If you’re hesitant on vaping a full tank of distillate, try adding several drops to your regular cartridge to add some pizzazz to the overall experience.

Dabbing

Similar to vaporization, dabbing brings the effects of cannabis almost instantaneously. All you need to do is scoop a dab of hardened cannabis distillate onto the nail of your favorite dab rig and get ready to flash-vaporize the golden goodness.

Smoking

If you prefer the old-school techniques of consuming cannabis, you can sprinkle some cannabis distillate on a rolling paper so that your weed sticks better to the paper and provides the extra power offered by this product.

The high THC content in the distillate requires you to take only a few puffs to feel the difference. A distillate-infused joint or bowl is great for sharing with your green buddies because it packs more punch in a single session and makes a little goes a long way.

If you’re brave enough, you can elevate the potency of your joint by sprinkling a bit of kief on top of your construction, but this calls for a higher THC tolerance if you don’t want to end up glued to the couch or.

Pills & Edibles

When administered orally, cannabis distillate is much stronger and will outlast the effects of a traditionally smoked, vaped, or dabbed weed.

If you need pain relief before going to bed or need to relax after a tiring day at work, a distillate-infused edible or capsule should do the trick.

However, the onset of effects coming from oral ingestion is much slower than after smoking or vaping the distillate. In fact, it can take up to 90 minutes for you to experience any effects at all.

Tinctures

One of the fastest ways to apply a distillate is to place a drop or two beneath your tongue and allow the liquid to dissolve into your bloodstream through special capillaries in the mouth.Taking a distillate through this route works faster than consuming an edible but it doesn’t get anywhere near the onset of inhaled cannabis.

Final Thoughts on Consuming Cannabis Distillates

As you can see, cannabis distillates are one of the most versatile forms of cannabis consumption. You can vape it, dab it, smoke it in a joint or bowl, or take it in the form of tinctures or capsules.

If you’ve never tried cannabis distillates — or any other concentrates — it’s important to keep your intake in moderation. The potency of this cannabis format makes it all too easy to get higher than you actually can handle. And that’s no fun at all.

The best way to get accustomed to distillate is to start with baby steps and gradually work your way up to the sweet spot.

Would you try distillates if you had a chance to?

Do we have any enthusiasts of cannabis distillates out there? Share your experience in the comment section below!