KEY TAKEAWAYS
- CBD distillate is a yellowish liquid that is slightly more viscous than honey, while CBD isolate is a fine white powder.
- CBD distillate is not 99% Pure CBD, it contains other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC.
- CBD distillate is more expensive than CBD isolate because it contains a wider range of cannabinoids, not just 99% pure CBD.
- Both CBD distillate and CBD isolate are used for various hemp products like oil tinctures, edibles, topicals, and vape liquids.
What is CBD distillate
CBD isolate and CBD distillate are both forms of cannabidiol derived from hemp, but they differ in a few key ways.
CBD isolate is an odourless and tasteless white powder with a fine texture. It’s created by thoroughly purifying cannabidiol extracted from the hemp plant, leaving it 99% pure CBD without any other hemp compounds or THC. On the other hand, CBD distillate is a golden-yellow liquid with a mild hemp aroma and taste. It has more viscosity than an oil but less than honey, it is a mixture of CBD, other minor cannabinoids and terpenes, flavonoids plus trace amounts of THC. Depending on the formulation, CBD distillate usually ranges between 40-80% in terms of its total CBD content.
In essence, what sets these two forms of cannabidiol apart is their levels of purity and composition. Isolate is extremely purified so that only one compound remains (in this case CBD), whereas CBD distillate contains a wider range of cannabinoids beyond just cannabidiol.
What is CBD distillate used for
Both CBD distillate and CBD isolate are used for various hemp products like oil tinctures, edibles, topicals, and vape liquids. CBD distillate contains a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds found naturally in the hemp plant. This allows for what is known as the “entourage effect” which is said to boost the effectiveness of each individual minor cannabinoid through synergistic interactions. Due to its high concentration of minor cannabinoids it is less potent than CBD isolate and it is also more expensive.
On the other hand, CBD isolate contains only pure isolated CBD with no other cannabinoids or plant compounds present making it flavourless and odourless so it’s great for use in food products or topical products like creams or lotions. It’s also extremely pure and potent with a minimum 99% CBD content making it perfect for those who want very specific dosing requirements from their product. This form of CBD is more potent than distillate and is less expensive so you can get more bang for your buck of CBD but no other minor cannabinoids or terpenes.
CBD isolate is generally used when customers want pure CBD at a lower price, while CBD distillate is used when customers want to experience a wider range of cannabinoids and not just CBD.
Does CBD distillate have THC
Full spectrum CBD distillate contains all the compounds found in the hemp plant, including CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids and terpenes. Broad spectrum CBD distillate has all the compounds found in the hemp plant, excluding THC.
Manufacturers typically remove THC from broad-spectrum CBD by using various methods such as chromatography, distillation, and winterization. Chromatography separates the various compounds present in the hemp extract, based on their chemical and physical properties, allowing for the THC to be isolated and removed[1]. Distillation uses heat to vaporise the components in the hemp extract and then cool the vapour to separate and collect specific compounds, including THC[2]. Winterization involves mixing the hemp extract with ethanol and freezing it, causing the fat-soluble compounds, such as THC, to precipitate out of the solution and be removed [3].
Does CBD distillate get you high
No, CBD distillate does not get you high. The minimum amount of THC to feel “high” is a dose of 2.5mg[4], although full spectrum CBD distillate contains trace amounts of THC, is not enough to produce a psychoactive effect. Broad spectrum distillate has had all THC removed, so it is not possible to get high from it.
Most CBD distillate tinctures contain 1000mg of CBD and less than 0.2% THC, so consuming the whole bottle would only provide 2mg of THC. You would be sick before being able to consume that much oil!
How many mg of CBD are in distillate
The concentration of CBD in distillate can vary significantly, depending on the preferences and practices of the manufacturer. Different companies may opt for higher levels of minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBC instead of concentrating more on CBD, or focus primarily on delivering a higher content of CBD with minimal amounts of other cannabinoids.
Generally speaking, the average concentration of CBD in distillate ranges from 40-80% [5], although this can differ significantly depending on whether the company prefers more minor cannabinoids or more CBD. To determine how much actual CBD is present in a tincture or other product containing distillate, simply multiply the percentage of CBD by the total amount of CBD distillate. For example, if a tincture contains 1,000mg of CBD distillate which has been extracted to have a 40% concentration rate of CBD, it will contain 400mg (40% x 1000mg) of pure cannabidiol.
How to figure out CBD mg per gram of distillate
Calculating the amount of CBD per milligram per gram of distillate can be done by following these steps:
- Determine the total CBD content of the distillate: This information should be provided by the manufacturer or can be obtained through the lab reports. The amount is usually expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the distillate.
- Convert the percentage to milligrams: If the CBD content is expressed as a percentage, multiply the total weight of the distillate (in grams) by the percentage to obtain the total amount of CBD in milligrams.
Example: If the distillate weighs 1 gram and has a CBD content of 80%, the total CBD content in milligrams would be 1,000mg X 0.8 = 800mg
- Divide the total CBD content by the total weight of the distillate: To determine the CBD content per milligram, divide the total CBD content (in milligrams) by the weight of the distillate (in grams).
In the previous example, the CBD content per milligram would be 800mg ÷ 1000mg= 0.8mg/g
Can you have 99 percent CBD distillate
No, it is not possible to have a 99% CBD distillate as by definition a distillate is a mixture of different chemical compounds, not a single pure form. The term “99% Pure CBD” typically refers to CBD isolate, which is the most pure form CBD extract and contains no other compounds besides pure cannabidiol. distillate, on the other hand, is a mixture of CBD and other minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN as well as additional terpenes. The purpose of using CBD distillate instead of isolate is to experience the “entourage effect,” where all the various cannabinoids work together synergistically to maximise each other’s individual effects.
CBD distillates typically contain anywhere from 40-80% total cannabinoid content, with varying ratios between CBD and minor cannabinoids like CBG or CBN depending on the manufacturer’s product goal. A product containing 99% pure CBD would be an isolate and would not produce an entourage effect due to its lack of additional active compounds found in distillates.
How to use CBD distillate powder
You can’t use CBD distillate powder because it doesn’t exist. People who refer to CBD distillate powder are mistaken; they are actually referring to CBD isolate, which is something completely different.
While CBD distillate is a yellowish liquid that is slightly more viscous than oil, CBD isolate takes on the form of a fine white powder.
Both CBD distillate and CBD isolate powder can be used to make edibles or infused into other products for consumption, such as tinctures, oils, edibles and topical creams.
Where can I buy CBD distillate in Australia
Unfortunately, the availability of CBD distillate in Australia is very limited. No Australian suppliers currently offer CBD distillate to consumers. You can, however, purchase Broad Spectrum CBD, which is CBD that has been diluted with a carrier oil. Raw CBD distillate is only available from US and European suppliers, most of them will happily ship it to Australia.
Due to the limited availability Down Under, many people have taken to buying their CBD distillate directly from US-based companies such as GVB Biopharma and Vivimu . The advantages of purchasing from these companies are that they usually offer relatively low prices for high-quality products and can provide a range of options for what type of product you want. You may have to use a shipping forwarded, we recommended reaching out to their customer service team pre purchase.
How much is a litre of CBD distillate
The answer to the question “how much is a litre of CBD distillate” is that it depends on where you’re buying it from and how much you’re buying. Generally, CBD distillate is sold by weight, not volume. This means that 1 litre of CBD distillate would weigh around 1kg. Currently, the wholesale price for 1kg of CBD distillate in Europe can range anywhere from €1,699.99 to €2,000. When converted to AUD currency, this would be approximately $2,600 AUD.
One kilogram of CBD distillate can potentially make 10,000 bottles of CBD at 10% strength and 10 ml each. This means that each bottle would contain 1mg of pure CBD distillate which would be considered a high strength concentration as compared to other broad spectrum CBD tinctures available on the market.
How is CBD distillate made
The process of distillation begins with the extraction of cannabinoids from hemp or cannabis plants. This initial extraction can be done through various methods, such as CO2 extractions or solvent-based extractions. Once this step is completed, manufacturers will use either short path or fractional distillation to separate the compounds from the extracted material into their purest forms.
Short path distillation involves vaporising the mixture at a low temperature, then condensing it in a container. This allows for different compounds to be separated based on their boiling points. By carefully controlling the temperature and pressure in the system, manufacturers can achieve higher purity levels for specific compounds like CBD that have lower boiling points than others.
Fractional distillation is another method used by manufacturers to make CBD distillate; however, it’s more complex than short path distillation as it requires multiple passes through a heated column while separating components based on differences in volatility. Once inside the heated column, components within the mixture will begin to evaporate at different temperatures and at different rates due to their varying volatility levels; those with higher volatility levels will evaporate faster than those with lower ones. As they leave their vaporised state they are collected in containers outside of the column where they can be condensed back into their liquid form and stored as individual fractions or further distilled into an even more concentrated product.
The final step in creating CBD distillate is winterization; a process that removes unwanted fatty acids, lipids and waxes from the mixture by soaking or steeping it in cold ethanol for several hours before filtering out any remaining impurities using special filters. The end result is an incredibly pure concentrate that contains anywhere from 60-90% cannabidiol content depending on if additional steps like decarboxylation were taken prior to winterization or not. With all these steps combined, manufacturers are able to produce high quality and consistent products that are perfect for businesses looking to create unique formulations or DIYers wanting something more concentrated than what is available over-the-counter.
How to make CBD distillate
Making CBD distillate at home can be a complicated process, but with the right knowledge and equipment it can be done safely and effectively. Here is a step-by-step guide to making CBD distillate at home:
1. First, you need to collect all of the materials you will need for this process, including your hemp plant material, a solvent such as ethanol or butane, a short path distillation apparatus, and a method to measure temperature accurately (thermometer).
2. Now that you have all of your materials ready, begin by decarboxylating your hemp material. This is important because it activates the cannabinoids in the hemp so that they can easily be turned into distillate by the distillation process. To do this you should heat the hemp up to between 220-250F for roughly 30 minutes.
3. The next step is to extract the cannabinoids from your decarboxylated hemp using either an ethanol or butane extraction method. When doing this make sure to keep track of temperature and pressure as these are two very important factors in determining quality cannabis extractions.
4. Once you have completed your extraction process and have acquired your crude oil extract, it’s time to begin the distillation process. To do this you will need to attach your crude oil extract into your short path distillation apparatus along with some inert gases such as nitrogen or argon (to prevent any oxidation) then start heating up your mixture slowly until it begins to boil off which should take around 150C (302F). As the mixture boils off pass over a collection vessel where it will cool off and become concentrated as more volatile compounds evaporate off first leaving behind mainly desired molecules like THC/CBD along with terpenes and flavonoids for added medical/recreational value
5. Once all of the desired compounds have been collected from your collection vessel it’s time for winterization which involves adding cold temperatures (-20C/-4F) and 200 proof alcohol overnight which will cause undesired waxes to precipitate out of solution allowing you to filter them away from what would eventually become known as winterized concentrate
6. From here we can move onto reheating our now winterized concentrate back up along with some inert gas such as nitrogen or argon again going slow and steadily increasing our temperature until we reach around 80C (176F), at this point all of our desired compounds should have been fully purged away from undesired plant matter 🙂 then pass over another collection vessel where we can collect our now purified clean CBD distillate!
7. The final step is testing, here is where its important that you test all components such as cannabinoid profiles (THC/CBD/CBG etc) heavy metals pesticide residues amongst others so that you know that what you created is safe and high quality 🙂 Once everything has been tested its finally time for consumption!
Is CBD distillate activated
Yes. CBD distillate is already in an activated, or decarboxylated, form. Decarboxylation is the process of heating up cannabinoids like CBD and THC to activate their beneficial properties [6]. The heat causes carboxylic acid groups on the molecules to break down, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) and activating the cannabinoid compounds so that they can produce effects when ingested or used topically. Since CBD distillate has already undergone this heating process, it has been decarboxylated and is therefore “activated” and ready for use.
How to stop CBD distillate from crystallising
One of the best ways to prevent CBD distillate from crystallising is to keep it warm. Applying controlled heat, as opposed to direct heat, will help to maintain its liquid consistency without degrading its quality. To achieve this, one should consider keeping it in a warm water bath or other container that maintains its temperature. When considering heating options for CBD distillate, it is important to not place it in the microwave or apply direct heat as doing so can cause degradation of the product and potentially reduce its potency and beneficial properties [7].
How to use CBD distillate
Yes, you can smoke CBD distillate. Many people dab the concentrate directly using a water pipe or a dab rig, while others may choose to add it to the outside of rolling papers for smoking purposes. Vaping is another option for consuming CBD distillate, however it is important that you use a vaping device specifically designed for concentrates as other devices may not be able to handle the thicker consistency of CBD distillates. Some vape pens are ideal for this purpose as they come with adjustable temperatures and are equipped with coils specifically designed for handling thick oils and waxes without compromising performance. Furthermore, due to their discrete size and portability, vape pens make for an ideal way of consuming your CBD extract no matter where you’re at.
Related: CBD Vapes Australia
Smoking CBD distillate
A dab rig is an essential piece of equipment used to smoke CBD distillate. It consists of a glass chamber with a nail or banger and an external water chamber. The nail or banger is heated up by a torch, then the CBD distillate is placed onto the hot surface and vaporised. This creates smoke that is then transferred through the water chamber, which cools it down and acts as a filter, before inhalation. To ensure that your experience goes as smoothly as possible, it’s important to follow some basic steps when using a dab rig:
Note: In dabbing the nail refers to the small glass chamber where the distillate is added – not a regular nail!
1. Make sure you have all necessary materials like CBD distillate, torch, dab tool and other required accessories such as cotton swabs or q-tips for cleaning your dab tools and banger after each use.
2. Heat up the nail with your torch until it’s red-hot (typically around 500 degrees Fahrenheit). You should allow the nail to cool slightly before putting any CBD distillate on it so that it doesn’t burn off too quickly or create too harsh of a smoke.
3. Place a small amount of CBD distillate onto the nail using your dab tool and inhale from the mouthpiece at the same time – this will help to maximise flavour and reduce wastage of your concentrate.
4. Rotate the dab tool around the nail to make sure all of the concentrate has been vaporised before discarding any remaining residue into a designated waste bin or ashtray.
5. Once you’ve finished inhaling from your rig, be sure to clean all parts with either rubbing alcohol or pipe cleaners in order to avoid buildup of resin over time which can clog pipes and create an unpleasant smoking experience for future uses.
Vaping CBD distillate
Vaping CBD distillate requires a special type of device that is designed to handle thicker concentrates. This kind of vaping device is usually called a “wax pen”, because it has the ability to heat the distillate to its vaporisation point, allowing you to inhale an aromatic concentrate. Wax pens are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and portability. They come in various shapes and sizes, so you can find one that suits your needs and preferences. Additionally, wax pens often have adjustable temperature settings which allow you to customise your vape experience according to your preference.
Alternatively, there are also e-liquid carts that contain pre-mixed distillates with Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG). These e-liquid carts can be used with regular vape pens, eliminating the need for specialised equipment.
Eating CBD distillate
It is safe to eat CBD distillate, however it is not recommended due to its very low bioavailability when ingested. Bioavailability refers to the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed by the body and made available for use. When consuming CBD distillate orally, most of it will be lost in the first metabolic pass through the gastrointestinal system before reaching systemic circulation.This means that when you ingest CBD distillate, your body absorbs only a small amount of it resulting in lower bioavailability. Conversely, smoking or vaping CBD distillate offers a much higher level of bioavailability as your body can absorb more of the components from it.
To increase the bioavailability of CBD distillate when ingested, it should be infused with a carrier oil such as hemp oil or MCT oil prior to consumption. This is because carrier oils contain naturally occurring fatty acids and lipids, which helps to bind the CBD molecules together and allow them to be more easily absorbed into the body. By doing this, the user’s body will have access to a larger percentage of CBD and therefore experience better results than if they had just consumed it alone.
Can CBD distillate be taken sublingually?
No, it would be very difficult to take drops of CBD distillate sublingually due to its high viscosity and stickiness. As a form of cannabis concentrate, CBD distillate is even thicker than honey, making it almost impossible to take drops directly under the tongue. It is therefore recommended that CBD distillate be infused with a carrier oil such as coconut or hemp oil in order to create a liquid form that can be easily ingested sublingually. This creates a CBD distillate tincture; an easy-to-take liquid with all the therapeutic benefits of the original extract minus the thick consistency.
FAQs
How to melt CBD distillate
CBD, unlike THC, has the unique characteristic of naturally forming a crystal lattice when it is high purity. CBD distillate that is too pure will eventually crystallise over time. In order to melt this solidified CBD distillate, it must be heated to around 50 degrees Celsius. This temperature can be maintained for an extended period of time without causing any degradation to the product. Heating the distillate to this temperature will cause it to become almost watery and easier to work with. However, if you don’t want your CBD distillate to turn back into a solid form, then adding additional terpenes or suspending it in a carrier oil may help prevent crystallisation and keep it in a liquid form for longer periods of time.
Is CBD distillate water soluble
No, CBD distillate is not water soluble. This means that when it is mixed with water, the two substances will not mix together into a homogeneous solution; rather, the CBD distillate will remain as a separate layer. However, this does not mean that you cannot use CBD distillate in aqueous solutions. To accomplish this, you can use the double boiling method to infuse CBD distillate with a carrier oil such as hemp oil or coconut oil.
Can I add CBD distillate to THC distillate
Yes, you can add CBD distillate to THC distillate. By heating both distillates up to 50 degrees Celsius and stirring them together, they will mix more easily and thoroughly. This combination of CBD and THC distillates is becoming increasingly popular in the vaping community due to its ability to provide a nuanced, balanced experience that combines the relaxing effects of both cannabinoids. Some users have even reported a synergistic effect when using this blend, where the effects of each compound are heightened when consumed together. Furthermore, depending on the ratio used, this mixture can provide a more tailored effect depending on individual needs. For example, those who need pain relief but don’t want intoxicating effects may opt for a higher CBD-to-THC ratio than someone who wants euphoric effects with pain relief.
References
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- Adams, J. L., Davis, A. C., Schneider, E. C., Hull, M. M., & McGlynn, E. A. (2022). The distillation method: A novel approach for analyzing randomized trials when exposure to the intervention is diluted. Health services research, 57(6), 1361–1369. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.14014
- Media, Blue Wheel. “Winterization Process in Cannabis Oil Extraction: Remove Waxes and Fat.” Professional Extraction Equipment, 9 Feb. 2021, https://precisionextraction.com/2020/06/what-is-the-winterization-process-in-cannabis-extraction/.
- Baron, E.P. (2015), Comprehensive Review of Medicinal Marijuana, Cannabinoids, and Therapeutic Implications in Medicine and Headache: What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been …. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 55: 885-916. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.12570
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- “Decarboxylation.” Decarboxylation – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/decarboxylation.
- Olejar, K.J., Kinney, C.A. Evaluation of thermo-chemical conversion temperatures of cannabinoid acids in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) biomass by pressurized liquid extraction. J Cannabis Res 3, 40 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00098-6

Written by Rodney Guthrie
Rodney Guthrie is a Swiss-born, Australian-raised author who brings a passion for biology to his writing. With a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s in Plant Biology, Rodney has a deep understanding of the natural world and the role it plays in our lives. His writing is informed by his academic background, and he uses this knowledge to educate and inspire others to appreciate and protect the world around them.