CBD (cannabidiol) is gaining recognition all over the world for its plethora of physical and mental health benefits. Due to this, many products emerge on the cannabis market, from tinctures to topicals to CBD distillates.
Many people who are curious about CBD find the array of products they’re faced with, as well as new terms, confusing, to say the least.
However, don’t worry!
This article will explore what CBD distillate is, how it is made, the differences between full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and pure CBD, as well as the types of CBD distillate products available.
Stick with us, and we will cover everything you need to know about these products.
What is CBD Distillate?
CBD distillate is made by distilling hemp oil to separate the CBD from the other components.
The extraction process to go from CBD-rich hemp to distillate involves a number of steps that must be closely followed.
First, ground CBD hemp flower is mixed into a solvent (such as ethanol) to extract crude oil and separate terpenes. This crude hemp oil is then winterized and cooled to remove excess waxes, fats, and plant material.
Following winterizing, the oil is carefully heated at a controlled temperature to activate the cannabinoids, a process known as decarboxylation or decarbing.
Finally, the activated and filtered oil is ready for distillation.
Each cannabinoid has a different boiling point, so any cannabinoid can be isolated and extracted from the hemp oil by distilling it at a certain temperature.
For instance, THC is removed from the hemp oil by heating to 315°F, so the THC evaporates and leaves behind a broad-spectrum CBD distillate.
Types of CBD Distillate
With so many options available on the market, understanding the differences between full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum distillate, and pure CBD isolate is essential when deciding which product to purchase.
Full-Spectrum CBD Distillate
Full-spectrum CBD distillate is a misnomer, as full-spectrum CBD is actually undistilled hemp oil (all the steps above are followed until the point of distillation).
This CBD product contains valuable plant compounds and other amazing cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN. In addition, full-spectrum CBD contains up to 0.3% THC. That being said, while this isn’t enough to cause any psychoactive effects, it would likely trigger a positive result on a drug screen.
If minor THC content isn’t an issue, opt for full-spectrum CBD as the additional cannabinoids will enhance the efficacy of the CBD (known as an entourage effect).
Broad-Spectrum CBD Distillate
Broad-spectrum CBD distillate is the result of the full distillation process discussed in the first section. THC has been removed; however other non-psychoactive cannabinoids are still present.
Theoretically, broad-spectrum CBD distillate contains CBD and other hemp-derived compounds while being completely THC-free. However, there are a couple of reasons why this may not be the case.
Firstly, broad-spectrum CBD can still contain slight traces of THC, which could show on a drug test. Secondly, the labelling of CBD products is not consistent, and some brands label their full-spectrum CBD as broad-spectrum (or vice versa). If traces of THC are a concern, look for CBD isolate rather than distillate.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. It is sold as a powder and has been highly refined to remove all excess plant matter and cannabinoids.
For anyone who can’t risk having even traces of THC in their system, CBD isolate is the product to look for.
Benefits of CBD Distillate
CBD entered the spotlight for its myriad health benefits. It helps with stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia by reducing cortisol production and interacting with serotonin receptors.
It is an anti-inflammatory miracle that lessens muscle aches and pains. What’s more, CBD is an effective anti-nausea aid for anyone undergoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatments, which is why medical marijuana is usually high in CBD.
Full and broad-spectrum CBD distillates contain other hemp-derived cannabinoids, each with its own attributes.
CBG (cannabigerol) helps with pain, nausea, and inflammation. CBN (cannabinol) offers antibacterial activity and promotes sleep. In addition, CBC (cannabichromene) boosts healthy brain functions and may help fight cancer.
CBD distillates harness all these benefits into concentrated forms that can be added to a range of products. As distillates do not contain enough THC to get you high, they can be used discreetly without interfering with daily activities.
How to Use CBD Distillate
CBD distillates are available in a range of products, each with its own advantages, deficiencies, and rates of bioavailability (the percentage of active cannabinoids absorbed into the system).
Let’s cover some of them below.
Vaping
Vaping is the fastest and most effective way to use CBD. CBD vape oils are made by thinning out distillate so it can be inhaled through a vape pen.
Inhaling CBD sends it rapidly into the bloodstream through the lungs, bypassing the digestive system and other barriers that can reduce bioavailability.
Vape cartridges come in a range of flavours and concentrations, including full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate options. While vaping provides the highest bioavailability compared to other forms, it also has some health concerns. That being said, people with lung health concerns may prefer to use another form of CBD.
Edibles
CBD distillates can be purchased in concentrated doses of oil that can be mixed into cooking oils and added into all types of food, from baked treats to gummies.
CBD isolate powder can be sprinkled into dry ingredients, and water-soluble isolate can be dissolved into any liquid.
CBD isolate and distillate are tasteless, so they won’t alter the flavour profile of the food they’re added into. As they are so carefully measured, it is much easier to control dosage than using homemade cannabutter.
Still, because CBD edibles must pass through the digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream, the bioavailability is low, meaning more CBD should be consumed to have the same effect as vaping.
Tinctures
CBD tinctures (often called CBD oils) are discreet and easy to use, making them a trendy way to consume CBD.
CBD distillate is added into a carrier oil (usually MCT oil), which is dosed out with a dropper and taken sublingually. Oral CBD tinctures are usually flavourless or may have a mild, minty essence added.
While not as effective as vaping, tinctures provide higher bioavailability than edibles. They are absorbed into the bloodstream from under the tongue and don’t pass through the digestive system.
Topicals
The last is cannabis topicals. Topical CBD products are used to treat a range of ailments, from skin complaints to muscle pain.
CBD distillate is added to creams and lotions to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis and more. Since topical CBD products are not absorbed into the bloodstream, they don’t show up on drug tests.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has cleared up the difference between CBD distillates and isolates so that you can decide which products are right for you.
CBD distillates come in many forms, and based on your needs and preferences, different products will work better for you.
If you are interested in trying some of these products, be sure to visit our partner online dispensary Canada to get some mailed directly to your door!
Stay safe and happy medicating!
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