There are more ways than ever to consume cannabis, whether you plan on using it recreationally, to help with depression, stress, or pain. Learning the key differences and similarities between cannabis concentrates and cannabis distillates can help you to decide which form of it works best for your needs. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are usually produced from the dried leaves of potent, carefully chosen strains of cannabis. The desired properties of the cannabis plant are extracted using solvents such as ethanol, though Co2 gas is sometimes used as well. The high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and terpenes make concentrates four times as potent as high-grade marijuana. However, some concentrates are high in cannabidiol (CBD) and lower in THC, which can be beneficial if your goal isn’t to “get high”.
Cannabis Distillate
Think of cannabis distillates as more refined versions of concentrated cannabis. Cannabis distillates look more like oils, while regular concentrates have a consistency closer to that of honey. It’s the superior and extensive refinement process that separates valuable compounds like THC and CBD from the plant fibers that give cannabis distillate its potency and translucent appearance.
There is a lack of terpenes in distillate due to the extensive refinement process. Terpenes are organic compounds that give certain plants their flavors, fragrances and more. These terpenes have been shown to influence how the many compounds found in cannabis work together in unison, which is known as the “entourage effect”.
When terpenes are present, the therapeutic effects of cannabis are conspicuous. When they are removed, the therapeutic effects are lessened significantly. This is considered to be the only drawback of using distillate. However, the THC content purity in THC distillate is usually at 90% or better, which will make you very high nonetheless. CBD doesn’t have any mind-altering effects, anyway, so you won’t notice the low terpene levels in CBD distillate.
Consuming Cannabis Distillate
Distillate cannabis can be used in various ways, depending on your preferences and needs. It can be consumed by vaping as well as dabbing. If you vape them, you will experience the effects almost instantly, and there is almost no odor. Adding a few drops of distillate into crumbled cannabis will make your smoke more intense, whether you roll it or smoke it from a pipe or bowl.
You can also make edible treats such as brownies by mixing a little into the batter. You can also create your own edible sweets as well, including hard candy and gummies. There are plenty of recipes available online that can help you make them as well as the store-bought versions, and be just as effective. Or you can add a little to your favorite lotion and apply it to your skin as a topical. The pores in your skin will absorb it and deliver it into your bloodstream rather quickly.
Remember that not every cannabis oil is a distillate. It’s only a distillate if all other compounds, including terpenes, are removed. You can buy distillates at brick and mortar hemp wellness stores and dispensaries, as well as online.