CBD and THC processing are available in multiple forms nowadays. There are concentrates, oils, extracts, and distillates. All of them allow you to make cannabis products like chocolates, baked goods, vapes, gummies, shatters, etc.

However, to reach that point, you need an effective method to separate the CBD and THC from the marijuana. Although there are many approaches, the most popular are the distillates and concentrates. But what’s the difference between distillate and concentrates?

In this article, we want to stress the difference between distillate and concentrate because of potency, flavor, and concentration. Knowing that can help you utilize and process CBD and THC more effectively.

What’s the Difference Between Distillate and Concentrate — Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Summit Art Creations

Understanding Distillate

To learn what is the difference between distillate and concentrate, you should first understand what is distillate more thoroughly.

Essentially, distillate is a highly refined cannabis extract. The extraction process of distillate involves fractional distillation and purification – a rigorous refining process that eliminates the natural terpenes and results in flavorless and aromaless products.

Due to the refined process, the distillate offers high potency and pure product of cannabinoids.

Understanding Concentrates

Similarly, to understand what’s the difference between distillate and concentrate you should examine the meaning of concentrate, as well. Therefore, the concentrate is a cannabis extraction method that separates the cannabinoids and terpenes but includes the terpenes in the final product.

However, terpenes in the final product mitigate the potency and leave an odor. That’s why all types of concentrates, such as wax, budder, and shatter, have a specific smell.

There are many methods or approaches to process concentrates, which is why we have to review the processes from several angles to denote the differences.

What’s the Difference Between Distillate and Concentrate

Simply put, the main difference between a distillate and a concentrate is the remaining compounds in the post-production. Let’s see below the methods, chemical composition, uses, and application, and other relevant aspects to understand more comprehensively what’s the difference between distillate and concentrate:

Production methods

According to research inspecting the production methods of distillates and concentrates, the distillation method is considered an alternative. Namely, the process begins by drying the cannabis and transferring it to a distillation flask with a solvent. Then, when the solution reaches an overflow level, it’s time to collect the solute and put it into another distillation flask. This method allows the final product to be pure and highly potent, but it eliminates the terpene elements.

The production method for the concentrates has a similar start. It begins with the drying process, but it involves a dry ice process. Then, it proceeds to the water-based processing, combining pressure with heat. Once this procedure is over, the concentrates gain nonflammable carbon dioxide solvents. The solvents have high THC levels.

Chemical composition and potency

The THC potency in a cannabis concentrate is 52% on average, but it can also reach up to 95%. Given the potency level, the concentrates have high levels of CBD, and they are not recommended for beginners.

Distillates, on the other hand, contain around 75% CBD content, and the THC levels can reach up to 99%. To conclude, both products are highly potent.

Terpene retention and flavor profiles

Distillate is a process that involves rigorous purifying methods that extract the terpenes. Consequently, as mentioned above, the final distillate product is flavorless and aromaless. Unlike the distillate, as the concentrates retain the terpenes, the final products have flavor and a particular aroma.

Consistency and appearance

Because of the condensation process, distillates come in liquid form. Therefore, expect to find distillates as oils. They have no odor or taste, but in color, they may develop golden to amber shades.

Concentrates, on the other hand, can come in different textures, including liquid or solid (wax or balsam-like). Also, the color has a hint of amber, but unlike distillates, concentrates have an odor.

Uses and applications

Since distillates are highly pure products (no odor or flavor), they are an excellent base for edibles. They are often used for making baked goods, but they can also be used for dabbing and vaping.

Concentrates are perfect for smoking because they retain the original smell of plants. However, the wax and balsamic products can be a good foundation for CBD cookies.

Simplify the Extraction Process With Sorting Robotics

Distillates and concentrates may be doable once or twice in home conditions, but in the long run, they can be time-consuming and ineffective. That’s why you need automation.

Here at Sorting Robotics, we have efficient machines that accelerate the manufacturing process of cannabis and effectively complete the cannabis batches.

If you’re interested in our products, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d be happy to help!

Simplify the Extraction Process With Sorting Robotics — Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: fukume

Conclusion

Hopefully, it was clear what’s the difference between distillate and concentrate. We’ve seen that it’s the production method that creates two products. Compared to the concentrates that retain the natural terpene, hence the smell, textures, and taste, distillates are highly pure products because of the steaming process that effectively separates the elements.

However, both products have high levels of THC and CBD. They aren’t recommended for beginners and should be taken with caution. Ultimately, both distillates and concentrates are used for medical purposes, as the products’ high levels of CBD may have soothing effects on several health conditions.

What’s the Difference Between Distillate and Concentrate?