What Is THC Distillate? What to Know & What to Avoid

What is THC distillate? With so many new cannabis products emerging these days, it can be difficult to keep up! In short, THC distillate is a concentrated form of cannabis that’s composed of nearly 99% pure THC. In other words, all of the terpenes, fats, waxes, chlorophyll, and all other plant material and impurities have been removed, leaving behind just the desired cannabinoid, in this case, THC.

Whether you’re looking for a more potent buzz or trying to determine which vape juice ingredients to avoid, a deeper understanding of THC distillates will help you proceed with confidence. Here are the important facts you should know:

Distillates vs Concentrates

What is THC distillate? It’s technically a type of concentrate, but it’s not the same as THC concentrates i.e., “wax” or “shatter.” The big difference is how they’re prepared. Distillates are made in a lab using an elaborate process that involves boiling off the THC and then condensing it on the other side of the vapor path. On the other hand, concentrates are made using a solvent to get rid of the plant material.

So, the extraction process for distillates decarbs the THC cannabinoids, meaning the cannabinoids are heated to the point that they interact with the human cannabinoid system without the need to apply your own heat. 

With concentrates, you must still heat the wax in order for it to work — if you eat it, the THC won’t affect you, much like eating a nug of flower. What is THC distillate? It’s kind of like a concentrate that has already been activated so you can eat it. Concentrate must be heated (smoked or vaped) in order for the THC to work, while distillates are active and ready to go. 

So, THC distillates are more versatile, as you can eat, smoke, or vape them. They’re also more consistent because they’re composed of just THC — no terpenes or other plant materials that alter the taste and effects.

Distillates Are Accurate

Distillates are ideal for making edibles and vape juices because you can pinpoint the exact dosage. Because the distillate is nearly 99% pure, adding 2mg of distillate to an edible means that the edible’s strength is 2mg of THC. Simple, right? 

When Should You Avoid Distillates?

What is THC distillate like in regards to safety? In light of health scares regarding vaping oils, you’re wise to be concerned. Fortunately, knowing which vape juice ingredients to avoid is easy. Remember: distillate is essentially pure THC, so it’s safe, as long as the vape juice doesn’t contain harmful additives such as vitamin E acetate or diacetyl.