THC distillate is a sophisticated cannabis extract that undergoes a meticulous mechanical distillation process, specifically designed to boost its THC concentration.
The journey begins with a raw cannabis extract containing approximately 60 to 70% THC, which undergoes the distillation process to achieve a remarkable enhancement, resulting in an impressive 85 to 90% THC content. The versatility of THC distillate allows for various consumption methods, catering to diverse preferences.
How do I consume THC distillate?
To consume cannabis concentrates, you can use a vape cartridge, which is probably the most common method of consuming. There’s also devices like nectar collectors, which are convenient and discreet. You can also put your concentrate over your flower and smoke it out of a bong. Electronic vaporizers are a good option, and you can also use the traditional dab rig.
Deciding what method is best for you really depends on your lifestyle, and how much time you’d like to put towards consuming your concentrates.Â
What is a live resin vape cartridge?Â
To make live resin, the plant material has to be immediately frozen after it’s harvested and kept frozen until it’s processed. Normally, if you’re going to harvest some flower, you would cure it and dry it out for a couple of weeks. Keeping the plant material frozen allows the extractors to obtain a much higher level of terpenes in that final product. Keeping it frozen also means a higher storage cost which can make live resin more expensive than distillate.Â
With a regular drying process, you actually lose over 50% of the terpene concentration. Terpenes are going to be what dictates the smell of the flower as well as whether that flower will be classified as an indica, sativa or hybrid will all be determined by the terpenes that are in that flower.
What is a distillate vape cartridge?
When you’re making distillate it really doesn’t matter if the plant material is cured or live. Your main goal is to really extract just the THC from that plant material. So you’ll typically find that distillate cartridges will test a little higher in THC compared to live resin cartridges, but they won’t have a full spectrum of cannabinoids like the CBD CBN and CBG that you might find in a live resin cartridge. Having that entourage effect of all the cannabinoids does make a difference in the overall effect and the overall experience.Â
Are there terpenes in THC distillate?
THC distillate undergoes a sophisticated extraction process that involves a unique step in which terpenes are separated from the THC at a specific stage and later reintroduced during the extraction process. This process allows for precise control over the final product’s flavour profile and aroma. Some producers opt to reintroduce natural botanical terpenes, such as apricot or pineapple flavors, to enhance the overall sensory experience of the THC distillate.
What are botanical terpenes?
Botanical terpenes are essentially aromatic compounds derived from plants other than cannabis. These terpenes are not naturally present in the cannabis plant but are sourced from various botanical sources to create specific flavors and scents. By incorporating botanical terpenes into THC distillate, manufacturers can craft a wide range of enticing and exotic flavor combinations, catering to different consumer preferences.
Using botanical terpenes opens up a world of possibilities, as it allows producers to experiment with diverse and unique flavor profiles that may not occur naturally in cannabis. This approach has gained popularity as it enables consumers to enjoy THC distillates with delightful and novel tastes, further enhancing the overall enjoyment of the cannabis experience.
Botanical vs cannabis terpenes
However, it’s essential to note that the use of botanical terpenes might differ from the terpenes naturally found in cannabis strains. The combination of specific cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis contributes to the entourage effect, where these compounds work synergistically to create various therapeutic and psychoactive effects. When botanical terpenes are introduced into THC distillate, the entourage effect may vary, as the exact cannabinoid-terpene synergy found in a particular cannabis strain is not replicated.
Overall, THC distillate’s ability to incorporate botanical terpenes allows for a diverse and customizable array of flavors and aromas, making it an enticing choice for cannabis enthusiasts seeking new and unique experiences. However, users should be aware of the distinction between botanical terpenes and those naturally occurring in cannabis, as it may influence the overall effects and benefits of the distillate.
Is THC distillate made from Indica or Sativa strains?
Firstly, let’s remind ourselves that THC distillate is a highly purified cannabis concentrate known for its exceptionally high THC content. Unlike other cannabis products, such as dried flower or concentrates like shatter and wax, THC distillate is stripped of most compounds, leaving almost pure THC.
To answer the question directly, a pure THC distillate is not specifically associated with either Indica or Sativa strains. The classification of Indica, Sativa, or hybrid typically pertains to the whole cannabis plant or its dried flower form, where a combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds collectively define the strain’s effects and characteristics.
However, when it comes to THC distillate, it is stripped of all the other compounds during the extraction process, including the distinctive terpenes responsible for the unique flavors and effects associated with specific strains. As a result, a pure THC distillate lacks the typical Indica or Sativa distinctions.
What is the difference between live resin and live rosin?
The primary distinction between resin and rosin lies in their respective extraction processes and the use of solvents. Resin is produced through a solvent-based extraction method, whereas rosin is obtained using a solventless extraction process.
In resin production, solvents are employed to extract the desired compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, from the cannabis plant material. Common solvents utilized in this process include butane, propane, ethanol, and CO2. These solvents efficiently dissolve the resinous trichomes found on the surface of the cannabis buds and leaves, extracting the valuable components to create a concentrated product known as resin.
On the other hand, rosin is crafted through a solventless extraction method, which means that no external solvents are used in the process. Instead, rosin is obtained by applying heat and pressure to the cannabis plant material, typically in the form of buds or hash. This process causes the trichomes to rupture, releasing their rich contents, including cannabinoids and terpenes, which then adhere to the surface of the parchment paper or collection tool.
Which is better, rosin or resin?
The choice between resin and rosin often depends on individual preferences and priorities. Some people prefer resin due to its potential to yield higher concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes through solvent-based extraction. However, others opt for rosin because of its solventless nature, appreciating its perceived purity and lack of residual solvents.
It is essential to consider the intended use and personal preferences when selecting between resin and rosin. Both products have their unique characteristics and can offer a satisfying experience for cannabis enthusiasts. Whether one prioritizes potency, flavor, or the extraction process itself, the variety of cannabis concentrates available caters to diverse consumer preferences in the ever-evolving world of cannabis consumption.
What solvents are used in cannabis extraction methods?
A solvent, in the context of cannabis production, refers to a substance capable of dissolving other substances when mixed together. Among the various solvents utilized in the industry, one of the most prevalent is butane. However, cannabis extraction can also involve other solvents such as ethanol, CO2, and alcohol, each offering distinct properties and results.
Live resin, a popular cannabis concentrate, is created using a solvent-based extraction process, with butane hash oil (BHO) being the most frequently employed solvent in this method. The final product obtained through this butane-based extraction is commonly known as BHO, and it can manifest in a wide array of forms and be labeled under different names like shatter, honeycomb, and live resin, among others. Each variation of BHO boasts unique characteristics and effects, appealing to diverse consumer preferences.
Are any extracts made without solvents?
Certainly! Rosin is a remarkable solventless cannabis product crafted exclusively from natural elements; water, heat, ice, and pressure. This extraction technique sets it apart from other cannabis concentrates that may involve the use of solvents. Many people appreciate rosin for its perceived purity and natural qualities, attributing its appeal to the absence of any chemical solvents in the extraction process.
The oldest extract method is hash
Making THC Distillate is a relatively young process. An even older and traditional extraction method, dating back centuries, is the hash method. The art of making hashish, commonly known as hash, has stood the test of time and remains a cherished part of cannabis culture. This technique involves separating the trichomes – resin glands containing potent cannabinoids and terpenes – from the cannabis plant material.
Traditionally, hash is made by meticulously rubbing or sifting the cannabis flowers over a fine mesh screen or through a sieve. Through this process, the tiny resin glands fall off the plant and collect as a powdery substance, which is then carefully gathered and pressed into various forms, such as blocks or balls.
The Middle East and North Africa is the birthplace of hash
In some regions, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, traditional hash-making also involves the use of water to aid in the separation process. Cannabis buds are agitated in water, causing the trichomes to sink and accumulate at the bottom. These trichomes are then collected and further processed to create hashish.
The hash-making process showcases the ancient artistry and dedication of cannabis enthusiasts in preserving the plant’s potent essence. While rosin and THC distillate has gained popularity in recent years due to its solventless nature and ease of production, traditional hash-making methods continue to hold a special place in the hearts of cannabis enthusiasts for its historical significance and unique cultural heritage.
Check out this video from Vice with Frenchy Cannoli, a legend in European hash-making?
Can I use THC distillate to make edibles?
THC distillate is a highly refined cannabis concentrate renowned for its purity and versatility in homemade edible preparations. Through a meticulous extraction and distillation process, all other compounds are removed from the cannabis extract, leaving behind a potent, concentrated form of THC that is already decarboxylated. This decarboxylation process converts the non-psychoactive THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) found in raw cannabis into the psychoactive THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), making it readily bioavailable and effective when ingested.
One significant advantage of using THC distillate in homemade edibles is the reduced cannabis aroma during the cooking process. Compared to cooking with whole cannabis buds, the distillate emits fewer weed odors, making it a discreet option for those who prefer a more subtle experience. Additionally, incorporating THC distillate into edibles can significantly shorten the preparation time, as there is no need to grind or infuse the raw cannabis material.
To handle THC distillate more conveniently, it is recommended to place the container of the distillate in warm water first. This step slightly softens the distillate, making it easier to measure and add to your recipe.
Make the recipe work for you!
When incorporating THC distillate into your homemade edibles, the method of addition depends on personal preference and the recipe requirements. Some individuals prefer to mix the distillate with a carrier fat, such as MCT coconut oil or butter, before adding it to the recipe. The fat acts as a medium to improve the absorption of THC by the body and enhance the overall taste and texture of the edibles. However, if desired, you can also directly incorporate the THC distillate into the recipe without the need for a separate carrier fat.
Regardless of your chosen method, it is crucial to calculate and control the dosage carefully, as THC distillate is highly concentrated. Start with a low dose, especially if you are new to edibles, and gradually increase as needed. Patience is key, as the effects of edibles can take some time to manifest fully.
THC distillate presents a convenient and potent option for crafting homemade edibles. Its versatility in dosage control and reduced cannabis aroma make it an attractive choice for individuals seeking a discreet and efficient way to incorporate cannabis into their culinary creations.
THC distillate is here to stay
As cannabis concentrate technology advances, THC distillate has emerged as a highly refined and potent form of cannabis extract. Through a meticulous extraction and distillation process, THC distillate is produced, removing all other compounds and leaving behind a concentrated form of THC that is already decarboxylated for easy ingestion. Its purity and versatility make THC distillate a popular choice for crafting homemade edibles.
When using THC distillate in edibles, it offers several advantages, such as reduced cannabis aroma during cooking, making it a discreet option for those who prefer subtler experiences. Additionally, incorporating THC distillate into recipes can save time as there’s no need to grind or infuse raw cannabis material.
For those looking to make edibles with THC distillate, the method of addition can vary based on personal preference and recipe requirements. Some individuals prefer to mix the distillate with a carrier fat like MCT coconut oil or butter to enhance THC absorption and improve taste and texture. However, it’s also possible to add the distillate directly to the recipe without a separate carrier fat.
Calculate you dosage carefully with THC distillate
Regardless of the method used to consume THC distillate, it is of utmost importance to approach dosage calculation and control with careful consideration. Due to its highly concentrated nature, THC distillate can be extremely potent, making precise dosing essential to avoid overwhelming experiences, especially for newcomers to cannabis edibles.
For beginners, it is highly advisable to commence with a low dose and exercise patience before increasing intake. The effects of edibles, including those made with THC distillate, may take longer to manifest compared to other consumption methods like smoking or vaping. Novices should refrain from rushing to consume more if they do not experience immediate effects. Doing so can lead to accidental overconsumption, leading to discomfort and undesirable experiences.
Instead, newcomers are encouraged to wait for at least 1 to 2 hours after ingestion before considering additional consumption. During this waiting period, the body metabolizes the THC and other cannabinoids, allowing the effects to gradually unfold. By proceeding cautiously and incrementally adjusting the dosage, individuals can find their optimal threshold without exceeding their comfort level.
Be mindful of your tolerance
Moreover, users should be mindful of their individual tolerance levels and any potential interactions with other medications they may be taking. Consulting with a healthcare professional or knowledgeable cannabis expert can provide valuable insights and guidance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
In summary, when consuming THC distillate-infused edibles, careful dosage calculation and control are essential to prevent overconsumption. Beginners should start with a low dose, be patient with the onset of effects, and gradually increase as needed to find their ideal dosage. By following these guidelines and considering individual factors, individuals can have a pleasant and satisfying experience with THC distillate edibles.
As the cannabis industry evolves, THC distillate will continue to contribute to the diverse and dynamic world of cannabis consumption.
