How to Make Cannabis Distillate: A Comprehensive Guide

by | May 26, 2023 | Blog, Distillation | 0 comments

Picture this: you’ve been enjoying the various benefits of cannabis for some time, and now you’re curious about how to make cannabis distillate – a potent, pure form of THC or CBD. You wonder what sets it apart from other concentrates and if making it yourself is even possible.

Well, your curiosity has led you to the right place! In this blog post, we will delve into the complexities of cannabis distillation and examine how to create it both domestically and commercially. We’ll discuss its unique properties that contribute to its high potency and versatility in various applications.

Discover the different varieties of cannabis distillates on offer and their individual advantages to help you pick which one is best for your requirements. So sit back, relax , and let’s embark on this fascinating journey together!

What is Cannabis Distillate?

Let’s dive right in and explore the world of cannabis distillate. Also known as “The Clear” or “The Pure,” this highly concentrated form of cannabis extract has been refined to remove all plant matter and impurities.

Cannabis distillate offers users a pure and potent experience, unlike any other form of cannabis consumption. But how is this magical substance made? Let’s find out.

 

Why Choose Cannabis Distillate Over Other Extracts?

distillate oil

1. Purity: Cannabis distillates have a high cannabinoid concentration (usually 90%+), making them free from unwanted contaminants like pesticides, residual solvents, and waxes.
2. Potency: The advanced refinement process used in creating distillates results in significantly higher potency levels than traditional extracts such as CO2, BHO (butane hash oil), shatter, or wax.
3. Versatility: The neutral taste and odor make cannabis distillate perfect for use in various applications like vaping cartridges, edibles recipes, or even topicals without altering the original flavor profile.

How Does It Compare To Other Concentrates Like CO2-Oil And Shatter?

Potency – Cannabis distillate is typically more potent than CO2 oil and shatter, with THC levels often reaching 90% or higher.

Purity – The short-path distillation process used to create cannabis distillates ensures that they are free from impurities like residual solvents and plant matter, making them a cleaner option compared to other concentrates.

Consistency – Cannabis distillate has a consistent texture and potency level, unlike shatter which can vary in consistency (from brittle glass-like shards to soft taffy) depending on factors such as temperature fluctuations during production.

If you’re intrigued by the world of cannabis distillates, keep reading for an overview of how this powerful concentrate is made.

How to Make Cannabis Distillate: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you curious about how to make cannabis distillate? Look no further. Now we’ll explore the distillation process and provide a step-by-step guide to making your own high-potency cannabis distillate.

The Distillation Process

The distillation process relies on the fact that each compound in cannabis has a unique boiling point. By applying heat and creating a vacuum environment, individual compounds can be isolated and purified.

Short-path distillation is the most common method used for creating cannabis distillates. This involves heating the extract and allowing it to evaporate and condense back into liquid form, with each compound being collected separately.

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Making Cannabis Distillate

Prepare your starting material: Begin with high-quality cannabis extract, such as CO2 oil or BHO, that has been properly winterized to remove fats, lipids, and waxes.

Vacuum setup: Set up a vacuum pump connected to your glassware to create a low-pressure environment that prevents oxidation and allows for precise temperature control.

Ramp up the heat: Slowly increase the temperature of your heating mantle to the boiling point of your target compound. For example, if you’re aiming to collect THC distillate, heat the extract until it reaches around 157°C (315°F).

Condensation and collection: As each cannabinoid or terpene vaporizes, it travels through a condenser where it cools down and reverts back into liquid form. This purified substance is then collected in a separate container for further use or refinement.

What are the Benefits of Cannabis Distillate?

So, you’ve heard about cannabis distillates and their increasing popularity. But what exactly makes them stand out from other forms of cannabis extracts? Fear not. We’re here to break down the benefits that make these potent potions a top choice for many consumers.

Potency: A Little Goes a Long Way

Cannabis distillates possess an extremely high concentration of compounds like THC or CBD, making it possible to get powerful effects from just a little bit. This means that even small amounts can deliver powerful effects, making it ideal for medical patients seeking relief without consuming large quantities of plant matter.

Purity: Say Goodbye to Impurities

The short-path distillation process used in creating cannabis distillates removes all unwanted impurities like waxes, lipids, and residual solvents. This results in a product with unmatched purity levels compared to other extraction methods.

Versatility: One Product, Many Uses

Cannabis distillates can be consumed in various ways – whether you prefer vaping or dabbing. You can also infuse them into edibles or apply them topically – giving you plenty of options when it comes to consumption methods tailored just for your needs and preferences.

Long Shelf Life: No Rush Here.

Thanks to their purity and lack of plant matter, cannabis distillates have a longer shelf life than other extracts. This means you can store them for extended periods without worrying about degradation or loss of potency – perfect for those who like to stock up.

Customizable Potency: Find Your Sweet Spot

Another fantastic benefit is that cannabis distillates allow you to customize your experience by mixing different strains or adjusting the ratio of THC/CBD according to your preferences and needs. This gives you full control over your desired effects while still enjoying all the advantages mentioned above.

Intrigued? We thought so. Now go ahead and explore the world of cannabis distillates with newfound knowledge and appreciation. Happy experimenting.

Short path distillation equipment

Figure 1

The components of a Short path distillation machine:

  1. Heat source,
  2. Round bottom flask,
  3. Still head,
  4. Thermometer,
  5. Condenser,
  6. Cooling water in,
  7. Cooling water out,
  8. Receiving flask,
  9. Vacuum Inlet,
  10. Still receiver,
  11. Heat control,
  12. Stirrer speed control,
  13. Heat source,
  14. Heating bath,
  15. Stirrer,
  16. Cooling bath

Different Types of Cannabis Distillates: A Comprehensive Guide

Alright, let’s dive in. Before delving into the various forms of cannabis distillates, it is critical to recognize that each type has its own distinct characteristics and applications. So, buckle up as I guide you through this fascinating world of concentrated cannabis extracts.

CO2 Oil

CO2 oil, also known as supercritical CO2 extract, is a popular choice among health-conscious consumers due to its clean extraction process. This method utilizes carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperatures to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant without any harmful solvents or residues left behind.

BHO (Butane Hash Oil)

Moving on to BHO, which stands for butane hash oil – an extremely potent concentrate made using butane as a solvent during the extraction process. The result is a thick, sticky substance with THC levels ranging between 60% – 90%, making it ideal for those seeking intense effects or medical benefits.

Shatter

Shatter, another form of BHO concentrate, gets its name from its glass-like appearance and brittle texture that can easily “shatter.” This translucent amber-colored concentrate boasts high potency levels similar to other BHO products but offers users a more stable consistency perfect for dabbing or vaping.

Wax

Next up is wax, a soft, pliable cannabis concentrate that resembles the texture of earwax or beeswax. This type of concentrate can be made by various techniques, such as BHO and CO2 extraction, which yields a product with THC levels between 60-80%, popular among recreational users and medical cannabis patients.

Live Resin

Last but not least, we have live resin, a relatively new form of cannabis concentrate produced by flash-freezing freshly harvested marijuana plants before extraction. This process preserves the plant’s terpenes and cannabinoids at their peak potency levels, delivering an incredibly flavorful and aromatic final product that many enthusiasts consider to be the pinnacle of cannabis extracts.
I hope you found this overview helpful as you navigate through the world of concentrated cannabis products.

FAQs about How to Make Cannabis Distillate

How is Cannabis Distillate Created?

Cannabis distillate is created through a process called short-path distillation, which involves separating cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. This method uses heat, vacuum pressure, and molecular separation to create a highly concentrated and purified product.

Can You Make Cannabis Distillate?

Yes, it is possible to make cannabis distillate at home with the right equipment and knowledge. However, it requires specialized tools like a short-path distillation kit and expertise in handling chemicals. It is recommended that only experienced individuals attempt this process due to safety concerns.

What Are the Ingredients in Cannabis Distillate?

The primary ingredient in cannabis distillate is purified cannabinoids such as THC or CBD. The final product may also contain trace amounts of terpenes for flavoring or additional therapeutic benefits. No solvents or additives should be present in high-quality cannabis distillates.

How Much Flower Does It Take to Make a Liter of Distillate?

The amount of flower needed depends on its cannabinoid content; however, approximately 2-4 kilograms (4-9 pounds) of high-quality dried marijuana flowers can yield one liter of pure distilled concentrate when processed correctly using short-path methods.


Conclusion

In conclusion, cannabis distillate is a highly concentrated form of cannabis that has been purified and refined to remove impurities and other unwanted compounds. It is made through a process known as distillation, which involves heating the cannabis plant material to vaporize its essential oils and then condensing them back into a liquid form.

The benefits of cannabis distillate include its potency, purity, and versatility. Cannabis distillate can be used in various forms, such as vaping, dabbing, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. There are also several different types of cannabis distillates available on the market today.

If you’re interested in either learning how to produce cannabis distillate on your own or seeking high-quality equipment for your business, look no further than extraktLAB. Their groundbreaking machine, the clearSTILL 400 Wiped Film Evaporator, is designed to transform your extraction process. This state-of-the-art equipment can be fully automated when combined with a CO2 extraction system, ensuring a fully contained extraction to distillation process. By incorporating the clearSTILL 400 into your operation, you’ll enjoy cost savings, improved efficiency, and exceptional product quality. Reach out to us today for more information about this cutting-edge machine and elevate your natural medicine production to new heights.

Get in touch with our team to request a quote, learn more about our training or get help with your business plan.

We are dedicated to providing you with the best advice, quality and service in the industry.

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