Distillate vs Isolate
Understanding the nuances of different cannabis extracts becomes essential in the ever-growing industry. Distillates and isolates are the extracts that have received much attention in recent years, known for their high potency and purity. However, comparing distillate vs isolate is important to understand their quality and significance.
This article explores the reasons behind the rise in population in the cannabis market, revealing their chemical structure, production process, uses, and more. It aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of these cannabis concentrates and guide you to make informed decisions.
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Distillate vs Isolate
Cannabis isolates are considered to be the purest form of THC or CBD. An isolate may contain either THC or CBD. For instance, a CBD isolate is made from 91% to 99% pure CBD. It contains no terpenes or other minor cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, or CBC.
In contrast, distillate is a type of cannabis extract that has a high concentration of one particular cannabinoid, most often THC or CBD. It may be full spectrum, including more terpenes, cannabinoids, etc. Alternatively, they can be isolated or broad-spectrum, eliminating other substances and leaving only the desired cannabinoid.
So, at Sorting Robotics, we believe that having a comprehensive understanding of the different cannabis forms on the market is crucial in finding a product that meets your needs. Defining the products and their characteristics is also important.
Production processes
Distillate extraction explained
The aim of creating cannabis distillates is to separate either THC or CBD from other plant materials, such as terpenes and other cannabinoids. Before the distillation begins, you first have to get a crude cannabis oil.
That is usually achieved by using CO2 or ethanol to extract the oil from the cannabis plant. However, other methods, such as hydrocarbon extraction, may also be used to obtain crude oil.
Once the crude oil has been collected, the decarboxylation process of activating the THC or CBD in the oil follows. The process of decarboxylation is essential as this is how the cannabis content “unlocks” its effects.
Furthermore, distillation is the next step after completing the cannabinoid activation. This process involves heating the oil under specific temperatures to separate the CBD or THC from other plant components and potential impurities.
The procedure begins with the cannabis crude oil being placed in the distiller machine. So, the cannabis oil is caused to evaporate using controlled heat. During this phase, the components separate based on their different boiling points.
Then, the cannabis vapor is condensed through a cooling system. Through re-cooling, each vaporized material returns to its liquid form and falls separately into its flask.
Isolate extraction
The next step of purification is recrystallization. This process aims to achieve the purest cannabis concentration possible. It relies on using a solvent to further isolate the chosen cannabidiol form (THC or CBD) from other substances to reach its goal.
Recrystallization involves combining a solvent with the distillate and heating it until it dissolves. The temperature is then decreased, and as the solvent-distillate blend cools, the cannabinoid form solidifies while the other substances isolate themselves.
Once the process is finished, the isolate undergoes thorough examination. This helps to identify if there is a percent of residue cannabinoids present in its structure.
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Distillate vs isolate extraction
We may say that both processes rely on temperature manipulation. These extraction methods involve using heat to reach a cannabis product that excels in purity. Also, they are only focused on CBD or THC extraction. This means that both distillation and isolated production are highly selective.
Another shared similarity of these methods is that the main goal of the two is purification. Yet, only isolate production offers a more highly refined product with increased purity.
Nonetheless, these methods also have some differences. For instance, isolates are created using solvents and heat, while there are no solvents in fractional distillation. The form of the end product of both processes is also different, as distillates obtain a liquid form while cannabis isolates are solid and crystallized.
Chemical composition and purity
The biggest difference we may notice when comparing THC distillate vs isolate is in their potency. Their chemical composition determines the potency of these products.
Distillates usually have between 65% to 90% THC or CBD, while isolates have up to 99% pure THC or CBD. It’s worth noting that despite their higher purity, isolates may contain up to 10% of additional cannabinoids. Still, unlike distillates, isolates don’t contain terpenes, which is why they are tasteless and odorless.
In terms of physical appearance, isolates and distillates are different. Distillates are liquid and usually have a gold hue. However, their color differs based on their purity levels.
On the other hand, cannabis isolates are solid and have a crystal structure. But when further refined, they become a white powder substance.
Effects variations between distillate and isolate
Distillates and isolates might offer you immense benefits. However, since their chemical composition differs, so does their effect. For instance, CBD distillates might help lessen sleeping problems and potentially lower anxiety and pain.
A study investigating the therapeutic potential of purified cannabinoids (isolate) suggests that it may help with conditions such as PTSD and substance abuse. This study highlights the need to eliminate THC content within CBD products as it may hinder its effect in such treatment. Still, further research is needed to confirm if CBD products may be an effective solution for these conditions.
Terpene retention and entourage effect
If you want to experience the entourage effect, you may prefer distillates over isolates. The entourage effect is a cannabis theory according to which cannabinoids work better.
You should also know that terpenes are cannabis compounds that are present in the flower, just like CBD and THC. They give cannabis its aromatic properties.
However, they may also be associated with a range of therapeutic benefits. There are approximately 400 different terpenes found within cannabis. Yet, some of the most well-known include limonene, linalool, eucalyptol, etc.
So, to experience the entourage effect, terpenes and cannabinoids should be present in the product. Yet, as we mentioned earlier, cannabis isolates lack terpenes, which makes this impossible.
While cannabis distillates may also lack terpenes, many manufacturers prefer to re-add terpenes after the distillation process. The main reason for this is that many of you prefer the smell and taste of cannabis. When a product appears odorless or tasteless, it fails to provide the same experience.
Uses and applications
THC distillates and isolates are suitable for vaping. This method of consumption allows great precision as you can choose the amount of THC distillate or isolate powder you put within the cartridge. Some of you also like using a rig to dab the distillate or isolate.
Cannabis isolates and distillates are also added to creams and lotions. While topical products are commercially available, some prefer making them at home. The process is simple; all you have to do is mix cannabis distillates with a carrier oil. Such topical products are applied directly on the skin, which may alleviate discomfort or pain.
Moreover, these cannabis concentrates have found their way into commercial medicine, taking the form of pills and capsules. These are used to administer controlled ratios of either THC or CBD into the body and are predominantly used for medical purposes.
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Conclusion
Personal preference is the main factor determining the outcome of the distillate vs isolate debate. In terms of potency and purity, cannabis isolates offer a more refined structure with a purity of up to 99%.
On the other hand, the potency of distillates may range between 65% to 90%. However, they usually feature terpenes in their structure, making them an excellent choice if you are looking for the entourage effect experience.
When stacking these two cannabis concentrates on one another, we can see several similarities in their production process and application. Both cannabis forms make an adequate choice for various applications and can be used in edibles, vapes, topical applications, etc.
