What is THC Distillate?

Not all cannabis concentrates are created equally. THC distillate is known for its potency, clarity, and purity, but what exactly is it?

Distillate is a type of cannabis oil that is a highly potent cannabis concentrate formulated by cannabis chemists. It can be consumed by vaporizing it in a vape pen, distillate cartridge, or dab rig. It is also found in cannabis edibles, tinctures, and topicals.


How is distillate made?

Distillate is made by extracting plant matter from the cannabis flower and then purifying the desired cannabinoids. Cannabinoids like THC are separated and isolated from plant matter using distillation technologies. This extraction process is done by trained professionals using specific equipment. It can include using physical separation, such as extreme vacuum pressure and heat, or chemical extraction such as using Butane Hash Oil (BHO).

The extraction often contains impurities, such as cannabis plant fats and chlorophyll, that then need to be removed. The next step in producing distillate is often done by a process called winterization in which professionals mix the extract with ethanol. Then it is placed in a cold environment for 1-2 days. This causes the impurities to separate and then the mixture is filtered so that the ethanol is removed.

The finished product is the beautiful, honey-thick, versatile distillate concentrate. Although it decreases the potency slightly, terpenes can be added back to the THC distillate at the end to add back flavors and aromas.

Cannabis companies like The Clear ™ are perfecting the cannabis distillation process and taking cannabis extraction technology to new heights. They have turned their proprietary method into a standardized production of cannabis extract. The Clear was the first cannabis brand to distill THC concentrate at an industrial scale starting in 2013.


What does distillate look like?

The color of cannabis distillate can vary depending on the growing conditions, extraction and refinement method, and other factors. However, all cannabis distillates have a viscous consistency.

THC distillate made by The Clear or Magnitude has a degree of transparency, looking almost like honey. It is super-potent cannabis oil for feeling the maximum effects of cannabis and can be consumed in a variety of ways.


Why use THC distillate?

Following the distillation process, the product has one main active component left. In this case, that psychoactive cannabinoid is THC. This has its advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s say you’re a flower smoker, and your usual routine just doesn’t give you the desired effects and duration you want anymore. THC distillate will surely accomplish this. It is also one of the cleanest cannabis forms and easy on the lungs when vaporizing or eating it as opposed to smoking cannabis flower.

On the downside, given the single active THC component in THC-only distillate, the partaker is not getting a full spectrum cannabinoid experience. If you’re sensitive to cannabis highs, a CBD counterpart to your distillate consumption can even out the experience.

Another reason why users love distillate is that it is more discreet than smoking cannabis flower. If you vaporize distillate, the vapor smoke is not as abundant and smell not as pervading depending on the size of your hit. Because of that users can vaporize distillate without being obvious. You can also consume edibles infused with distillate as another discreet way to enjoy cannabis.

Why cannabis manufacturers use distillate

Cannabis edible companies will often use THC distillate in their products because it is tasteless and helps the other compounds and ingredients to shine through. It gives manufacturers more control over the final product because it helps produce consistent effects, flavors, and portions.

Creating distillate also helps manufacturers to isolate cannabinoids like THC to create distinct cannabinoid profiles. For example, with distillate, one can create precise ratios of THC to CBD in cannabis tinctures. Or one can isolate specific terpenes to create a distillate’s distinct effects, aroma, and taste.

Distillate doses and forms

While we think every cannabis-consuming adult should try distillate at least once, beginners should be cautious of their dosage due to the potency of this extract. Distillate is sold by the gram or in fractions of a gram, such as 300mg. A gram of distillate typically contains between 85 to 95 percent THC! Again, be mindful of this before consuming distillate if you’re new to cannabis concentrates and take it slow.

The Clear produces distillate in a variety of forms, including syringes, vaporizer cartridges, and disposable vape pens. Or if you prefer edibles, companies like Infusiasm’s Full Melt created their flavors of chocolate and caramels using THC distillate that you can eat. Or you can take Tonic Drops tinctures, usually sublingually or under the tongue, which are infused with distillate to create their formulated THC to CBD ratios.

These forms allow you to choose how you consume the distillate. There are SO many ways to enjoy this industry-disrupting, formidable cannabis concentrate. Regardless of how you choose to imbibe, a THC distillate dab’ll do ya, without a doubt.

Bottom line

To get the most out of your experience, purchase distillate from well-established brands and licensed dispensaries like LivWell. That way you can be sure it is made by experts and lab tested.



Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence.   Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations. 

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