What is Distillate?
Distillate is an alternative extraction method for cannabis that isolates certain cannabinoids and produces pure cannabis oils like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Distillates are often extremely potent, with certain THC distillates containing as much as 99% THC. Distillate is often consumed orally, via vapor, or as a topical application, and may have psychoactive effects depending on the potency. Most often, distillate is provided in the form of a vape cartridge with THC concentrations of over 80%.
Cannabis distillate involves extracting cannabinoids from the plant material using hydrocarbon extraction, CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction, which creates a highly concentrated cannabis extract. The distillation process for CBD distillate, as an example, uses higher temperatures, steam and vacuum suction to refine the whole plant and create a liquid that’s rich in CBD.
This method of extraction helps to deliver a precise and predictable dose of cannabinoids, making it helpful for specialist doctors to prescribe as part of a medical cannabis treatment plan for specific health conditions.
Is Distillate legal?
According to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2010, many substances derived from the cannabis plant are considered illegal and controlled substances in the UK, unless they contain less than 1mg of THC in their final preparation. In 2018, medical cannabis was legalised only when taken with a prescription from a specialist doctor.
If you have any questions about using medical cannabis, or any of the terms you have come across, Emerald can help. We exist to make it easy for people managing chronic conditions to access medical cannabis under the care of qualified clinicians. Using the best quality products at the greatest value, we work quickly to get our patients the relief they need, safely and legally.