The cannabis industry has evolved significantly since its origins in the Netherlands in the 1980s. Nowadays, there is a wide variety of products on the market offering different potencies, purity levels, and uses. One such product is “Clear” or cannabis distillate, whether it’s THC distillate or CBD distillate. Below, we explain step by step the intricacies of this concentrate, learning about its advantages and properties.
What is Cannabis Clear or Distillate?
Clear, commonly known as cannabis distillate, is a concentrated extract obtained through a distillation process. This process removes any impurities while retaining the desired compounds, which in this case are cannabinoids.
The cannabis distillation process is complex and requires precision, because it involves separating the desired components of the plant using advanced techniques. This not only increases the potency of the final product but also removes unwanted substances.
- In general terms, the process involves extracting cannabinoids from cannabis plants, either using solvents or without them.
- This extract then undergoes what’s known as “fractional distillation”, resulting in a cannabis distillate.
- If a solvent such as alcohol is used in the extraction process, an evaporator is then used to eliminate the remaining solvent.
The result is a high-potency, pure concentrate that typically contains cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, or both, among others in smaller quantities.
As its name suggests, the essential characteristic of this type of extract is the fact that it’s transparent, indicating a highly refined product. Due to its purity and high concentration, it’s highly valued among consumers.
Additionally, clear has become the preferred format for many consumers due to how versatile it is. It can be used in vapes for a quick and efficient effect, in edibles for a sustained and slower release of compounds, and even in topical creams for efficient and therapeutic application in specific areas.
Due to its high cannabinoid concentration, distillate is ideal for quickly and effectively meeting specific needs.
However, during the production process, terpenes are destroyed. This means that it’s necessary to reintroduce terpenes to achieve a greater effect, a broader entourage effect, and improved aromas and flavors, as explained later in this post.
As a side note, there has been a recent demand on the market for synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoid distillates, such as HHC. While they may not necessarily be harmful, they are not naturally found in the plant in high proportions. Currently, there are no studies on them, so if you’re going to consume distillate, it’s recommended to choose cannabinoids with established studies, such as THC or CBD. It’s important to consider that these cannabinoids have been created to get around regulations, and there haven’t been studies conducted prior to their sale to assess the risks or benefits of each newly generation cannabinoid.
Advantages of Cannabis Distillate
Cannabis distillates offer several advantages over other concentrates, making them one of the most coveted formats on the market:
- They provide a high concentration of cannabinoids (around 90%).
- Their versatility allows them to be added to various formats and products (vaporizers, creams, edibles, tinctures, etc.).
- Despite the loss of terpenes during the distillation process, terpene profiles can be added to Clear later, choosing your own flavor and enhancing effects and benefits, as well as the entourage effect.
- Cannabis distillate is considered a very useful format for therapeutic treatments with cannabinoids. Due to its cannabinoid concentration dosing is easier and more precise compared to other products, such as buds, for example.
Are Terpenes Lost in the Process of Obtaining Distillate?
Yes. During the cannabis distillate production process, terpenes are lost as they evaporate. This results in a product that lacks the taste and smell of cannabis, presenting both pros and cons.
The main advantage is that with the same base product (the same distillate), using different cannabis terpene profiles allows for the creation of products with different flavors and effects.
It’s been proven that terpenes play a crucial role in the entourage effect of cannabis compounds. By removing them, the synergy created between cannabinoids and terpenes is lost, resulting in a loss of therapeutic potential. This is another reason to reintroduce them into the final product formulation.
In addition to the functional properties of terpenes, it’s important to consider that many consumers enjoy the exquisite flavors of different cannabis strains. Therefore, a product lacking cannabis flavor significantly diminishes the quality of the experience.
In summary, cannabis distillate by itself doesn’t contain terpenes, but by adding terpenes, a wide range of different products can be obtained.
Can terpenes be added to distillate?
Fortunately, Clear allows for the addition of cannabis terpene profiles afterwards without affecting any of its properties or the quality of the product. This results in a distillate that not only has extraordinary levels of purity and cannabinoid concentration but also exhibits the entourage effect and the complex flavor and aroma of the best cannabis strains.
In fact, it could be said that it’s not just a matter of being able to add terpenes; it’s necessary to add them if you’re aiming to achieve a more effective and flavorful product. Additionally, adding terpenes allows for the creation of an extensive product line based on the wide variety of terpenes available.
How Much Terpenes Should be Added to Distillate?
When talking about adding undiluted Cali Terpenes terpene profiles, the proportion of terpenes used is actually really low.
- THC Distillate: The ratio is usually between 2 to 3%, with 2.5% being the most common.
- CBD Distillate: The terpene ratio used for CBD is typically between 3 to 4%, depending on the distillate.
Importance of the Origins and Certifications of Cannabis Distillate
When choosing Clear or distillate, it’s important to understand that the origin of the product, as with any other product, plays a fundamental role in its quality and safety. It’s essential that the distillate comes from reliable and certified sources that follow safe production practices and have all the necessary certifications to ensure quality and purity.
If you can’t get your hands on the documentation, there are numerous cannabinoid and residue analysis laboratories where you can analyze the distillate you’ve acquired and determine its quality.
Uses of Cannabis Distillate
Its high concentration and purity make distillate an ideal candidate for precise and effective applications in various medical conditions, while its popularity among recreational consumers drives innovation and standardization, benefiting both sectors.
- Therapeutic use in the field of medical cannabis: As medical cannabis is legalized in dozens of countries and states around the world, there is a need to standardize and dose medical cannabis treatments. Since clear is a highly concentrated and pure form of cannabis compounds, it can be particularly effective in the treatment of diseases and ailments. Its high potency allows patients to use smaller doses with more significant effects, standardize a treatment plan more accurately, and apply a more precise dosage.
- Development of cannabis-based pharmaceuticals: The pharmaceutical industry could benefit from using Clear as a base to develop specific medications, leveraging its concentration and purity to create precise doses and specific administration methods like pills, sprays, or transdermal patches.
- On the other hand, its applications in the recreational field are also notable, as distillate can be used to create high-end and effective cannabis products. As the cannabis industry transforms due to the international regulatory wave, there’s a demand for innovation in consumption methods. The recreational market is also driving more efficient and attractive formats such as vaporizers and specific administration devices, which could also be adapted for medical use.
In conclusion, cannabis distillate, commonly known as Clear, represents a significant advancement in the world of cannabis, offering potency, purity, and versatility for a controlled and satisfying experience. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, this type of extract positions itself as a key product in the market, as current trends indicate a growing interest in customized, high-quality cannabis products.
Do you have any questions, or would you like to share your opinion about cannabis distillate with the community? Leave a comment below!
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