Distillate

Producing distillate involves multiple refinement steps. First, a crude extract is created using butane, CO2, or ethanol extraction. This crude oil then undergoes winterization to remove fats and waxes, followed by decarboxylation to activate the cannabinoids. Finally, short-path distillation uses heat and vacuum pressure to separate individual cannabinoids based on their specific boiling points. The process strips away virtually all terpenes, flavonoids, and minor compounds, leaving an extremely concentrated single-cannabinoid product.

Distillate is valued for its versatility, potency, and consistency. Its neutral flavor makes it easy to incorporate into edibles, topicals, and vape formulations. However, because the refinement process removes terpenes and minor cannabinoids, distillate lacks the entourage effect of full-spectrum products. Many manufacturers address this by reintroducing cannabis-derived or botanical terpenes after distillation. When purchasing distillate-based products, check whether the terpenes are cannabis-derived for a more authentic experience.