CBD, or Cannabidiol, has quickly become a household name, skyrocketing in popularity due to its potential health benefits and therapeutic uses.
Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” commonly associated with cannabis, making it an attractive option for those looking for relief from pain, anxiety, and other conditions without the mind-altering effects.
Among the various forms CBD can take, CBD distillate stands out due to its high purity and potency. This concentrate contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils found in the cannabis plant, but without the psychoactive THC.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about CBD distillate. From what it is to how it’s made and even how to use it, keep reading to discover if CBD distillate is worth the hype!
What is CBD Isolate and CBD Distillate?
CBD distillate is a super refined form of cannabis extract, known for being one of the purest types of CBD you can find. Needless to say, it has a lot of CBD and barely any THC, making it perfect for those who want the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects.
On the other hand, CBD isolate exclusively contains CBD without any trace of THC. This makes it the purest form of CBD available, with a potency of around 99%.
What Sets CBD Distillate Apart From CBD Isolate?
While both offer high levels of purity and potency, CBD distillate goes through an additional distillation process to remove any impurities. This results in a product that not only contains all the beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant, but also offers a more potent and concentrated dose of CBD.
As mentioned, CBD isolate is essentially pure CBD, with no other plant parts. It’s often retailed as a white powder.
Now here’s where things get a bit confused — but stick with us. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the good stuff that the plant comes with, including just a touch of THC. CBD distillate is similar to full-spectrum because it has various cannabinoids and terpenes, but it usually doesn’t have THC. This makes it a good middle-ground for those who want the benefits of different cannabinoids and terpenes working together without the high from THC.
How is CBD Distillate Made?
The process of making CBD distillate starts with extracting CBD from the hemp plant. This is usually done using CO2 or ethanol extraction methods to separate CBD and other cannabinoids from the plant matter. After extraction, the product goes through winterization to remove fats, waxes, and lipids — adding to the purity.
Distillation is key to purifying CBD. In this step, the extract is heated and cooled in a special device called a short path distillation apparatus, allowing precise temperature control. This is important because different cannabinoids and terpenes vaporize at different temperatures. By adjusting these temperatures carefully, manufacturers can isolate CBD in a concentrated form while keeping the beneficial properties of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
The distillation equipment is advanced and needs exact settings to ensure the final product’s purity and strength. Short path distillation units, rotary evaporators, and fractional distillation columns are crucial for producing high-quality CBD distillate.
In the end, this careful process results in a golden, thick liquid that captures the cannabis plant’s essence, concentrating its beneficial features into a potent and adaptable product.
The Composition of CBD Distillate
CBD Distillate is popular not only because it’s pure but also because it has a complex makeup. It’s full of minor cannabinoids beyond just CBD, including CBG, CBN, and CBC. These elements are thought to enhance each other’s therapeutic effects through what’s called the “entourage effect,” boosting the overall health benefits and making CBD distillate a strong choice.
Besides cannabinoids, CBD distillate also contains terpenes, which are the compounds that give cannabis its distinct smell and taste. But terpenes do more than just smell good; they have health benefits too, adding to the distillate’s effectiveness. From myrcene, which is known for its calming effects, to limonene, known for boosting mood, these compounds enrich the CBD experience.
Importantly, even with its wide range of cannabis compounds, CBD distillate usually doesn’t have THC, the part of cannabis that gets you high. This means people can get the benefits of cannabis compounds without the psychoactive effects, making CBD distillate a great choice for those who want the health benefits of cannabis without the high.
Benefits of CBD Distillate
Full spectrum distillate CBD is known for its health benefits, especially for aiding in the relief of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Many users find it gives them substantial relief, thanks to its high-quality, pure CBD.
Aside from mental health and pain, full spectrum distillate might also help protect the brain. Early research shows it could support brain health and slow down diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, thanks to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that may shield brain cells from damage and aging.
While more research is needed, the existing evidence points to CBD distillate’s wide range of potential health benefits.
How to Use CBD Distillate
Broad spectrum CBD offers a versatile way of incorporation into daily routines, catering to various preferences and uses. Here’s how you can use broad-spectrum distillate:
- Dabbing and Vaping: For those seeking immediate effects, dabbing or vaping CBD distillate can provide quick relief. These methods allow for the distillate to be inhaled, entering the bloodstream directly through the lungs, which means effects are felt more rapidly.
- Edibles and Tinctures: Incorporating CBD distillate into edibles or using it as a tincture can be a more discreet and easy way to consume CBD. When added to food or placed under the tongue, the CBD is absorbed through digestion or sublingually, offering a longer-lasting effect.
- Topicals: Applying CBD distillate topically can be beneficial for localized relief of pain or inflammation. It can be mixed into creams or salves and applied directly to the skin where the CBD can interact with local cannabinoid receptors.
Safety and Side Effects
While CBD distillate is celebrated for its health benefits, it’s crucial to be aware of possible side effects. Common side effects include fatigue, changes in appetite, and gastrointestinal distress. It’s also important to note that CBD can interact with certain medications, so consulting with a healthcare provider before starting CBD use is recommended.
Dosage Recommendations
For safe use, it’s best to start with a low dose of CBD and slowly increase it to see how your body reacts. Buying CBD distillate from trusted suppliers who offer third-party test results can help ensure the product is pure and strong, lowering the chance of any bad reactions.
Conclusion
In this discussion, we’ve taken a close look at how CBD distillate is made, pointing out its high purity and strength. We noted that it’s packed with beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes but lacks THC, making it a good choice for those who want its benefits without the high.
CBD distillate is versatile and can be used in various ways, like inhaling or applying it to the skin, fitting easily into different lifestyles and preferences. While it offers many health benefits, such as potentially helping with mental health and reducing pain, it’s crucial for users to use it carefully, paying attention to dosage and possible side effects!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a CBD distillate?
CBD distillate is a highly refined cannabis extract that contains a broad spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes but typically lacks THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. THC-free CBD distillate is known for its purity and potency, making it a valuable product for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of CBD and other compounds without the high.
2. What is better, CBD isolate or distillate?
The choice between CBD isolate and distillate depends on one’s health goals and preferences. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, free from other cannabinoids and terpenes, which might be preferable for individuals sensitive to certain cannabis compounds or those who require high concentrations of CBD.
On the other hand, CBD distillate contains a broader profile of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, potentially offering enhanced therapeutic benefits through the entourage effect.
3. What are the benefits of full-spectrum CBD distillate?
Full-spectrum CBD distillate provides the entourage effect, which is the synergistic interaction of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in cannabis. This interaction can enhance the therapeutic properties of the product.
Benefits of full-spectrum CBD distillate include relief from anxiety, depression, pain, and inflammation, as well as potential neuroprotective properties that could support brain health.
4. What can I make with CBD distillate?
CBD distillate is incredibly versatile and can be used to create a variety of products. You can infuse it into edibles, such as gummies, chocolates, and baked goods, for a discreet and convenient consumption method. It can also be mixed into tinctures, which can be taken sublingually for quick absorption.
For topical applications, CBD distillate can be added to creams, balms, and salves for localized relief of pain or inflammation. Additionally, it can be used in vaping and dabbing for those who prefer inhalation methods.