Concentrates V.S. Distillates, What’s The Difference?

Cannabis extracts have come to be one of the most popular ways of consuming marijuana. Concentrates are not only convenient and discreet but are capable of producing a much stronger high, with much less smoke. Recently, distillates have similarly emerged as a preferred method of consuming marijuana for many individuals. While there are similarities between the two products, there are also important differences.

What Are Concentrates?

‘Concentrates’ is a term that refers to a wide variety of marijuana extracts. It is a catch-all term that refers to products such as shatter, rosin, crumble, budder, and oils, among others. The main difference between concentrates and flower buds is potency. Whereas buds typically possess a THC content of between 10%-25%, concentrates sit in the 50%-80% range.

Concentrates are typically produced through an extraction method that utilizes thinning solvents like butane, propane, or supercritical CO2. The final product can take many different forms but when it is exposed to heat, it usually melts into a liquid. Concentrates can be consumed through many different methods. Dab rigs and vaporizers are the two most common and specific ways of consuming concentrates, however they can also be smoked if preferred.

Concentrates are much more portable and discreet than flower buds. They are easier to carry since they are smaller in size and do not give off as much of a smell. Moreover, since they are so much more potent, much less smoke is needed to achieve a strong high. For maximum convenience, concentrates like CO2 oils can be purchased in small, disposable, pre-filled cartridges that easily screw into a vape pen.

What Are Distillates?

Distillation is a process that has been used for thousands of years to produce numerous purified liquids such as distilled water and alcohol. This process has now been applied to marijuana extracts, resulting in a pure extract that can reach THC levels as high as 99%. Distillates are purified by removing all unwanted compounds, like ethanol, and as such, are considered to be cleaner and purer than other cannabis products.

Distillation vaporizes cannabinoids using heat. This vapour is collected inside the distillation cooling system. The extracted vapour can then be inserted into a liquid to create the distillate that is commonly sold in dispensaries. This process isolates cannabinoids and terpenes, allowing only what is desired to be extracted and infused into liquid. It is because of this process that distillates can achieve such high THC levels. The finished product is a decarboxylated and distilled yellow liquid that is odourless and tasteless. Distillate is very flexible and can be vaped, smoked, or ingested like an edible.

Although many people consider distillate to be a marijuana concentrate, it is cleaner, purer, and more potent than other concentrates. Because of this, it is widely regarded as being the future of cannabis extracts. If you are interested in trying out distillates, or any of the other concentrates we carry, check out our shop for some great deals.