Cannabis has already travelled far from the bud. However, a new production technique is now hitting the commoditised world of weed. It is called distillation. It is also very likely to be the future of commercial marijuana.

Distillate – in other words, cannabinoids that have been distilled from concentrate or plant matter – has arrived. Distillation is a technique for creating cannabis extracts that are pure on a molecular level. It is possible to isolate specific cannabinoids. It is also possible to create odourless and tasteless THC (or CBD) that is 99% pure concentrate.

What is a CBD Distillate?

CBD distillates are not as refined and therefore are not as pure as CBD isolates. A CBD distillate may contain various cannabinois such as terpenes and plant material. CBD distillate is the precursor to isolate and could be further refined even more to become a CBD isolate.

While some people may not care for the taste, terpenes and cannabinois found in distillates can be both healthy and beneficial for the body. A CBD Distillate usually has a higher THC content which could make it illegal in some states, whereas a CBD isolate contains no trace amounts of THC.

CBD distillate is often sourced from a marijuana plant which is hgiher in THC. THC is the chemical which produces mild altering effects. CBD isolate however is sourced from hemp plants that have less THC to begin with.

CBD Distillate Characteristics

CBD Distillate is generally 80-90% or more CBD content and appears as a golden amber, highly viscous liquid. It crystallises readily, so normally appears as a white waxy or crystalline solid at room temperature.

Good quality CBD distillate should have a distinctive but subtle floral aroma that is highly reminiscent of the hemp flower used for CBD oil extraction.

THC Content of CBD Distillate

When buying CBD Distillate be sure to identify the THC content in the product will enable you to legally buy, ship and utilised the product. Most CBD Distillate has very high CBD levels, but also modest THC levels.

To qualify as farm bill compliant hemp, CBD distillate should meet 0.3% total THC levels.

Because extraction and distillation of CBD oil concentrates all cannabinoids, CBD oil often contains significant amounts of THC – often well over the legal limit.

For example a good quality 10% CBD hemp flower which contains 0.3% THC will typically produce a CBD oil with 50%+ CBD and 1.5%+ THC. Distillation of this oil will produce a CBD Distillate of >80% CBD and >2% THC.

Note this can be problematic when marketing, distributing and shipping this product, so CBD distillate is often diluted with ethanol, MCT or glycerol to keep the total THC under 0.3% and ensure compliance with federal and other relevant regulatory limits.

Because of the challenges meeting this there is growing demand for THC free and farm bill compliant CBD Distillate.

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

Full spectrum CBD as opposed to CBD distillate contains all of the benefits of the whole plant, without the elevated  amounts of THC. Full spectrum CBD contains an array of annabinois, terpenes, and vitamins which are likely beneficial to the body. It also contains negligible amounts of THC so you will not experience mind altering effects, you will not get high, and the product remains legal.

CBD can be an incredible healing source, although there are also other cannabinoids found in hemp plants which have also been shown to alleviate symptoms of various ailments as well.

The CBD terpenes are chemicals which give the hemp plant it’s unique smell. Even in tiny amounts CBD terpenes are strong and work very well with CBD to heal the body.

While CBD isolate is isolated cannabidiol in its most pure form, full spectrum CBD also contains other beneficial compounds while still remaining THC free. Because of the benefits which can be provided by the whole plant, full spectrum CBD products are often used to treat illness and various ailments.

CBD isolates as well as full spectrum CBD have their own unique benefits. It oftentimes depends on a persons personal preference and what they are trying to accomplish by taking the product.