Short path distillation is a method used to purify THC from crude cannabis extracts.
It is primarily suitable for small-scale operations.
This process involves heating the extract under vacuum conditions to separate THC and other compounds based on their different boiling points.
5 Key Steps in Short Path Distillation of THC
1. Setup and Operation
The process begins with a specialized setup that includes a heated flask to hold the cannabis extract.
As the extract is heated, a vacuum is applied to assist in drawing the vapors into fractionating tubing.
The vacuum and controlled heating allow for the separation of compounds based on their boiling points, ensuring that only specific compounds are collected at each stage.
2. Fractionation
The distillation yields three main fractions: heads, main body, and tails.
Each fraction contains different components of the extract.
Heads primarily contain terpenes and other high volatile compounds.
The main body, which is the most sought-after fraction, contains THC and CBD.
Tails contain compounds with higher boiling points.
3. Advantages and Limitations
Short path distillation is relatively simple and cost-effective, making it ideal for small-scale operations and those new to distillate production.
It produces a high-quality, pure product.
The process requires skilled operators to ensure efficient and high-quality results.
It is not suitable for large-scale production due to its limited capacity.
4. Further Processing
After the initial short path distillation, a second step involving a thin film evaporator may be used to further separate THC from CBD.
This step operates similarly to short path distillation but under different temperature and vacuum conditions.
Decarboxylation, the process of activating the psychoactive effects of THC by heating it to 104° Celsius, may also be necessary if this temperature is not reached during distillation.
5. Applications
The final product, a pure THC distillate, can be used in various applications such as vape pens, topicals, edibles, and more.
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