Clear Distillate vs Gold
What many cannabis users fail to realize is that not every distillate they purchase has the same composition. In the world of cannabis distillates, there are different hues. So, the clear distillate vs gold distillate debate is one of the most captivating discussions among cannabis consumers.
This article aims to offer a comprehensive overview of both concentrates. We will shed light on the extraction process and discuss factors such as quality and purity, as well as how they are interlinked with color.
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Understanding THC Distillate Color
What color should distillate be? This is a common concern both among novice and more experienced cannabis users. You should know that while color plays a role in identifying the purity and potency of distillates, it shouldn't be central to the decision.
Hence, we have first to examine the distillation process to better understand the intricacies of THC distillate color.
Explaining THC distillation
The starting material in THC distillation is crude cannabis oil. Several processes are involved in creating cannabis oil, such as winterization and decarboxylation, to extract and activate the cannabinoids from the plant. So, distillation is often referred to as post-processing. THC distillation is a method of purification that is similar to water distillation.
Within this process, under controlled temperatures, the THC component is caused to evaporate from the cannabis oil and is later condensed back to liquid. With steam distillation, manufacturers remove substances such as carbon dioxide, ethanol, and butane solvent, which are used in the creation of cannabis oil.
At the final distillation stage, THC distillate is segregated from other substances and impurities. The purified THC is collected into a separate vessel, with other materials finding their place in other designated collection flasks.
Significance of color in THC distillate
The first thing we have to point out when it comes to color is that the clear distillate vs gold distillate is more than just a mere aesthetic preference. In the cannabis community, color serves as an indicator of purity and potency. The darker color in distillates is usually associated with lower quality or contamination in a worst-case scenario.
However, completely clear or colorless THC distillates are hard to achieve, and the methods used to achieve a colorless distillate may also decrease the cannabis potency. Still, gold distillate may offer the same potency and quality as its clear counterpart. This is because color is not the only indicator of purity and potency in cannabis distillates.
Factors influencing THC distillate color
The color spectrum in THC distillates is largely influenced by factors such as extraction method and quality of plant material. Distillation is a complex process that requires much attention to detail.
As we explained earlier, this process involves using heat. Yet, using an improper technique or not paying attention to hygiene may easily result in a darker-colored distillate.
The quality of the end product also depends on the techniques used before the distillation. These methods, along with the initial quality of the cannabis plant, also have an impact on the results.
Clear THC distillate
As mentioned earlier, clear THC distillate is usually regarded as the epitome of purity. Many cannabis enthusiasts prefer clear THC distillate over others as its appearance suggests that the distillate was created without any oxidation.
Characteristics and appearance of clear THC distillate
The colorless nature of THC distillate is usually taken as a sign that the distillate is at least 90% pure. However, its transparent appearance is often mistaken as a sign of superior quality, which might not always be the case.
This hue is usually a result of the color molecules being removed during the steam distillation. You should know that certain substances, such as leftover acids and solvents, can still be present in their composition without affecting the color.
Production methods for clear distillate
Knowing that many cannabis consumers choose their product by color, some cannabis manufacturers use methods such as bentonite clay reflux to create a clear appearance. Besides being used to alter the color in THC distillates, the bentonite clay method is also preferred due to its purification properties.
So, the clear THC distillate is usually achieved through short-path distillation or vacuum distillation. Some manufacturers also use steam distillation to create their distillates.
The clear color found in THC distillates can signify that the product has undergone distillation several times. However, as the color cannot be a worthy indicator of quality, the best way to learn about the potency and purity of the product is through third-party lab tests.
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Gold THC distillate
Similarly to clear distillates, THC distillates with a light amber or gold color are said to contain up to 90% pure THC. The gold hue in this type of distillate is achieved by the small amount of terpenes present in their structure.
Characteristics and appearance of gold THC distillate
The hue of gold varies among THC distillates, and those with a lighter color usually contain fewer terpenes. The presence of terpenes is only one factor that dictates the color of gold THC distillates.
The main reason a clear THC distillate changes its color to gold is temperature. As the temperature used within distillation increases, the color of the distillate gets darker.
However, the amber color can also be a sign that the PH of the cannabis oil was higher prior to its distillation. A higher PH is usually the result of acids not being properly neutralized.
Hence, the distillate might not lose its gold color once made. Yet, changes in storage conditions, exposure to light, and other factors can contribute to color changes over time.
Production methods for gold distillate
The gold THC distillate is made using the same short path method as clear THC distillate. The heat is the only difference within the process. The reason why gold THC distillate is made is due to the terpenes involved.
So, terpenes such as linalool, myrcene, and caryophyllene are believed to lessen sleep problems. Another important role of terpenes is that they add flavor to cannabis products.
Differences between clear and gold distillate
One of the most common misconceptions when comparing clear distillate vs gold distillate is that the clear variety offers higher potency. While clarity is commonly associated with purity, and we may assume that clear distillate is better than gold, this is untrue. As clear distillate is always the better choice when stacked against green or black distillates, this is not the case with amber THC distillates.
As we explained earlier, the amber hue is usually caused by a small amount of residue terpenes or due to changes in the PH of the cannabis oil. Individuals who experience sleeping issues usually prefer gold distillate over clear as it offers more effective sleep due to its terpenes.
Some may assume that clear and gold distillate taste different, but there are no reports of any specific contrasts in taste. Overall, all distillates lack taste due to the absence of terpenes.
While amber THC distillate contains terpenes, this amount is very small and unlikely to affect its taste. Due to the tasteless character of THC distillates, manufacturers prefer to add terpenes back into the distillates to create a more hemp-like experience.
Quality Indicators and Considerations
While color mustn't be dismissed as an indicator of distillate purity, it's not the sole factor in assessing THC quality. A more comprehensive understanding of cannabis products and the methods involved is crucial to assess the overall quality of THC distillates.
Assessing THC distillate quality based on color
While we advise against judging THC distillates purely based on color, their visual appearance might indicate quality. For instance, a dark or a cloudy distillate likely has compromised quality.
Distillates with dark, black color might not be as effective as they should be. Their color shows that the THC distillate has been exposed to light, heat, or humidity for a prolonged period. Another reason why a THC distillate might become cloudy is because it is over or getting near its expiration date.
Importance of lab testing and certification
One of the best ways to determine the quality of cannabis products is through laboratory testing. In the lab, cannabis products undergo rigorous testing, which helps identify the cannabinoid profile, potency, and safety. Lab tests are crucial in understanding the product as they offer accurate results, which allows for proper dosing in consumption.
With laws varying across states, regulating and identifying high-quality, compliant labs becomes increasingly difficult. So, the Trust in Testing Program has been recently released to ensure that laboratories are not abusing their power and offer a more reliable cannabis testing landscape. This program offers labs the Trust in Testing certification, proving that the lab abides by state regulations and offers reliable results.
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Conclusion
While many believe that the choice between clear distillate vs gold distillate is merely a visual preference, we may say otherwise. Looking into the structure of these two different colored distillates, we find that the gold THC distillate contains a small amount of terpenes that help create its color.
So, cannabis lovers should remember that the clear and the amber-hue distillate might offer immense potency. However, their purity and potency cannot be determined by simply looking at their color. It is best to rely on certified third-party labs to determine the quality!
