How to Make THC Distillate
Cannabis users employ extraction techniques to consume THC in its purest, most natural form. It is done by separating this active cannabinoid from the inactive compounds and terpenes in the plant. But do you know how to make THC distillate?
The good news is that you can learn how THC distillation works through step-by-step instructions. However, getting a pure product is difficult and involves multiple purification processes for efficacy. Below, we’ll help you identify the right cannabis plant for extraction and give you examples of different distillation methods that work.
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How to Make THC Distillate
THC distillation is the key to a pure THC extract for a high that will hit faster and better. Simply put, you should prepare the cannabis material, then follow extraction, purification, distillation, and finally, collection and storage.
However, to learn how to make distillate, you first have to understand what it is. So, we elaborated more on it.
Understanding THC distillate
THC distillate is a pure THC product extracted from the cannabis plant via distillation, a chemical process for purifying a product by heating or cooling it. The goal is to achieve as high THC potency as possible, sometimes as much as 99% of pure THC.
You can quickly recognize THC distillate by its thick, honey-like consistency. Its form makes it possible to use it by vaping it, eating it, or applying it on your skin.
It also has medical applications and may improve chronic pain management. Its pure-THC content means you can combine it with terpenes and create your dream flavor and aroma combinations.
Overview of the THC distillate extraction process
THC distillate can be made using various extraction methods. For example, with solvent, without solvent, alcohol, or heat as the primary driver.
To get as much THC out of the plant, it’s important to target the capitate-stalked trichomes, which contain the most cannabinoids and terpenes. They have a waxy head and look kind of like mushrooms. It’s easy to spot them because they are more elevated than the other trichomes.
Next comes the equipment: a distillation apparatus, heat source, cooling system, and solvent. In some cases, professional equipment can be replaced with household items. However, the quality of the distillation won’t be the same. Finally, taking the following safety precautions is vital before learning how to make distillate THC:
Wear PPE, including gloves and safety goggles.
Ensure ventilation to prevent inhaling fumes.
Ensure fire safety in case of a fire incident.
Stick to professional equipment if possible.
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Steps to Make THC Distillate
Step 1: Preparing the cannabis material
The first step is getting cannabis material with a high concentration of THC. In this case, it helps to look at the different strains available and select the one with the most THC.
Another way to identify a THC-potent strain is through the trichomes – white, cloudy trichomes point to high THC levels. On the other hand, amber trichomes are past their THC “prime” and don’t need to be harvested.
A good moisture level is another sign of a THC-rich strain. Avoid too dry or too moist cannabis, and look for a balanced moisture content. Finally, the strain should look healthy and not have visible damage such as mold or mildew.
Moreover, grinding or milling the cannabis creates the perfect extraction base because the cannabis content is broken down into smaller particles. This results in a more even heat application.
Step 2: Extraction
The second step in learning how to make weed distillate is all about extracting crucial compounds. Here are some popular extraction methods for THC distillate:
Solvent-based – Uses a solvent like CO2 to extract target cannabinoids and terpenes. It is more potent than solventless extraction, but that also means it’s more dangerous due to the use of chemicals.
Solventless – Doesn’t use solvent and relies on physical processes like pressing or agitation. It is not as potent as solvent-based extraction but is safer, simpler, and doesn’t require professional equipment.
So, we’ll look at ethanol-based extraction as an example:
Grind or mill the cannabis to increase the surface area.
Place the cannabis particles in a container and submerge them in ethanol.
Stir for a few minutes to facilitate extraction.
Strain the cannabis to separate the ethanol extract from the plant material.
Use heat to evaporate the ethanol.
Step 3: Purification
The ethanol extract isn’t completely pure, requiring purification to ensure clean, THC-only content. Here’s how to make cannabis distillate that’s as pure as it gets:
Short-path distillation – Removes unwanted cannabinoids at different boiling points depending on the compounds that need to be eliminated. It’s a rapid, high-temperature process that intends to purify the cannabis extract in record time.
Fractional distillation – Separates cannabinoids with similar boiling points more precisely than short-path distillation. It’s a slower, more elaborate process focusing on the subtle differences between the cannabinoids.
Filtration – Removes impurities using filters and trapping larger particles. Winterization is a type of filtration that uses cooling to remove impurities.
Chromatography – Uses a stationary and a mobile phase based on affinity between the two phases. It is used for removing specific cannabinoids.
There are various other ways to purify a cannabis extract. However, these are the most popular ones.
Step 4: Collection and storage
Since the above purification methods result in a THC vapor, it’s necessary to cool it down to revert it into liquid for storage. For this, you’ll need a condenser and a collection vessel – a simple container will do.
Ensure that the condensed liquid is rich in THC by monitoring the boiling points and extracted compounds. Once you’ve got liquid THC, store it in an airtight container in a cool and dark place, such as your pantry.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: fukume
Conclusion
THC distillate is a semi-liquid cannabis product rich with THC content you can consume through smoking, eating, in pill form, as a topical, etc. Its versatility and purity make it suitable for experimentation and creating flavorful weed products for unique tastes.
Learning how to make THC distillate is made easy with our step-by-step guide. You can choose between solvent-based vs. solventless extraction, but further purification is necessary. It is up to you to select the best method most suitable for the equipment and experience you have.
