What is THC Distillate & How Do You Use It?

THC distillate is a very potent type of cannabis extract that contains a high concentration of THC. Both versatile and discreet, this guide will cover everything you need to know about THC distillate.

What is THC Distillate?

THC distillate, also called liquid gold, is a highly refined form of cannabis extract that contains a very high concentration of THC. Unlike other extracts, cannabis distillate is purified to remove all the plant compounds, including terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids, leaving only THC behind. The process results in a clear, odorless, flavorless, and thick golden-amber-colored product that can be used in various ways.¹

How is THC Distillate Made?

It’s a meticulous process to create THC distillate. Not only does this process require specialized equipment, but the extraction process and refinement must be completed in a highly controlled lab setting.²

Here’s an overview of how the process works: 

• Extraction: Cannabis plant material is soaked in a solvent, such as ethanol, to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes. Next, the extracted material is mixed with ethanol and frozen to remove lipids, fats, and waxes.
  
  
• Purification: The solution is filtered to eliminate any impurities. 
  
  
• Heated Fan Extraction: The solution undergoes a rotary evaporation (“rotavap”) process to further remove contaminants, concentrate the cannabinoids, and evaporate the ethanol. 
  
  
• Decarboxylation: The filtered extract is heated to activate the THC.
  
  
• Distillation: The extract is distilled using a specialized vacuum distillation method that separates THC from other compounds based on their boiling points, and the result is a pure THC distillate. For higher purity levels, the distillate may be further refined. 

How is Distillate THC Used?

One of the most appealing aspects of THC distillate is its versatility. Here are some popular ways to use it:

Distillate Syringes

A THC distillate syringe is a convenient and precise way to store and dispense THC distillate. These syringes are usually made of glass or plastic and allow cannabis enthusiasts to easily measure exact doses.³ The liquid can then be used for dabbing, vaping, or infusing edibles.

Vape Cartridges & Distillate Pens

Vape cartridges filled with THC distillate are popular for their convenience and discretion, while distillate pens, which are pre-filled vape pens, give cannasseurs an easy way to vape cannabis without loading or cleaning the device.

Edibles

THC distillate is an excellent choice for making edibles because it’s potent and flavorless. You can buy distillate-infused gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages or infuse foods at home.⁴

Infuse Cannabis Flower

In a process called twaxing,⁵ add a few drops of the distillate with cannabis flower in a bong or bowl to make it more potent. Or add some to a joint by spreading a thin line of THC distillate on ground cannabis flower before rolling it.

Infused Pre-Rolls

Pre-rolls infused with THC distillate offer an enhanced smoking experience. An infused joint gives cannasseurs a potent and smooth hit. 

Common THC Products vs Distillate

Wondering how distillate products compare to others you can buy at your local dispensary? Here are a few comparisons.

Distillate vs Concentrates: Distillates and concentrates are potent cannabis extracts. Different cannabis concentrates like shatter, wax, and live resin retain more natural compounds, contributing to their flavor and aroma. In contrast, distillates are stripped of these compounds, resulting in a purer, more potent product with no flavor.

Distillate vs Cannabis Oils & Tinctures: THC distillates are highly concentrated oils containing only THC. They can be used in various ways, such as dabbing, smoking, topical application, and infused edibles. Oils and tinctures, used orally or sublingually, retain a wider range of cannabinoids and terpenes compared to distillates, giving them a distinct flavor profile.

Distillate Edibles vs Full Spectrum Edibles: Many of the infused edibles that you purchase at a dispensary are made with THC distillate, which makes the product potent while remaining versatile enough to enhance with additional cannabinoids and flavors. Full spectrum edibles are closer to the actual plant, but in edible form. While they may still have that traditional cannabis taste, you’ll also get to experience the other compounds within the cannabis plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have more questions about what is distillate, we’ve got you. Here are the most commonly asked questions about THC distillates:

How do you use a distillate syringe?
First, gently warm the distillate syringe in your hand to make the thick liquid more fluid. Then, dispense the desired amount onto a dab tool, a vape pen, or your favorite food or beverage.

Does distillate get you higher?
Because THC distillates are highly concentrated, they have a 90-99% THC content,⁶ making these products super potent. As such, cannasseurs may experience a more intense high compared to using other forms of cannabis.

Is distillate stronger than dabs?
Distillate is generally more potent than many dabs because it contains a higher concentration of THC. However, the experience may differ because of the lack of terpenes and other cannabinoids in THC distillates.

Is THC distillate the same as THC?
THC distillate is a refined form of THC, meaning it’s nearly pure THC. While THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, distillate is its concentrated form. 

Can you eat distillate?
You can eat distillate. It’s often used in dispensary-bought edibles, and you can directly add it to your food and drinks. Since it’s highly potent, be cautious with dosing, starting slow and low. 

Purchasing THC Distillate

THC distillate is versatile and can be used in various forms, such as vape cartridges, edibles, and topicals. Consider trying it to enhance the potency of your favorite cannabis product for a unique experience. Talk to your budtender about other available options.