THC distillate is one of the most popular cannabis products you can find on the shelf at your local dispensary. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about THC distillate, including: 

• What is THC distillate?
• How is THC distillate made?
• What is the difference between THC distillate vs oil?
• How do you use THC distillate?

Marijuana distillate falls into the category of cannabis concentrates: products extracted from cannabis and distilled down to their cannabinoids or sole cannabinoid. THC distillate is a potent oil that typically contains only one cannabinoid: THC. THC distillate is a versatile product because it can be consumed just about any way you can think of, including vaping, ingestion, and more.

Wondering about THC? What is it? Where does it come from? We’ve got the THC definition you’ve been looking for. 

Making distillate requires professional knowledge and equipment, along with a variety of safety measures. This is because some extraction methods use solvents, chemicals that help separate the cannabinoids from the plant matter. Solvent-based extraction is dangerous and should never be attempted at home. 

To make THC distillate, processors need to follow four steps:

• Step 1: In the first step, oil is extracted from the plant material. This can be done physically or, as we mentioned, with a solvent. Interestingly, this same step is necessary in the creation of other concentrates, like cannabis wax.
• Step 2: Once the cannabinoids are extracted, the next step is to winterize the distillate. The resin is mixed with ethanol and placed in deep cold for up to two days. This causes any impurities in the oil to thicken and drop to the bottom of the container. Once separated, the extract is filtered, and the ethanol is removed.
  
  
• Step 3: The next step is what turns THCA in the extract into THC—decarboxylation. This is simply the process of heating the extraction so the THC is activated.
  
  
• Step 4: Finally, the oil is distilled using heat and pressure, so any cannabinoids or terpenes still in the oil are removed and only THC is left.
  
  

The difference between THC distillate and oil is the contents: all THC distillate is cannabis oil but not all cannabis oil is distillate. This is because there are cannabis oils available that have terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids in them. In fact, many cannabis enthusiasts prefer to keep these markers present because they feel it allows them to experience the plant more fully. 

THC distillate is purified down to a single cannabinoid—THC—and is typically purchased more for its psychoactive effects than anything else.  

THC distillate can be consumed in a variety of different ways: 

• Vape: One of the most common ways is to use a vaping tool, like a pen. Simply load the THC distillate cartridge into the tool and inhale when ready.  
  
  
• Edible: Another option is to consume edibles with THC distillate in them (or add the THC distillate to your own food). While this method increases the time between when you consume the marijuana distillate and when you feel the effects, many cannabis connoisseurs prefer it as an easier—and tastier!—method.  
  
  
• Sublingual: Some cannabis consumers like to dose their distillate sublingually. This means they add about a drop of cannabis distillate to the inside of their cheek and leave it there. This allows it to enter the bloodstream faster so you feel the effects sooner.  
  
  
• Pipe: Other methods include adding the THC distillate to a cone (a “joint”), water pipe, or hand pipe. This means that you’d add your ground flower to your tool and add a little drop of distillate on top. The downside of this method is that it can get both messy and sticky.  
  
  

THC distillate is available at most dispensaries, making it easy to both find and try if you’re interested. Of course, when purchasing your THC distillate, don’t be afraid to ask questions when you chat with our budtenders. They are seasoned cannabis experts hired for their professional knowledge of the industry—and more importantly, they’re excited to help you find the right marijuana products and tools for you.