The purity of distillate varies depending on the type of distillate and the distillation process used.
For cannabis distillate, the purity can range from 95% to 99% delta 9 THC.
CBD distillate must contain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC to be legal.
Understanding Distillate Purity: Cannabis vs. CBD
Cannabis Distillate Purity
Cannabis distillate, derived from the cannabis plant, is primarily composed of delta 9 THC.
The distillation process, particularly through methods like fractional distillation or short path distillation, allows for the concentration of delta 9 THC to reach levels between 95% and 99%.
This high purity is achieved through multiple vaporization-condensation steps in a fractioning column, also known as rectification.
The process effectively separates the desired cannabinoid from other components in the plant material, resulting in a highly purified extract.
CBD Distillate Purity
In contrast, CBD distillate is derived from hemp and must adhere to legal standards that limit the delta 9 THC content to less than 0.3%.
The challenge in producing CBD distillate lies in maintaining this low THC level while still purifying the CBD.
Techniques such as chromatography or dilution are employed to ensure the THC levels remain compliant.
The purity of CBD distillate, therefore, focuses more on the absence of excessive THC rather than achieving high concentrations of CBD.
Quality Fractions in Distillation
During the distillation process, different fractions are collected.
The "heart" fraction is the most pure and is typically used in higher-end products like vape pens due to its pristine color and purity.
The "tails" fractions, which are the preliminary and end portions of the distillation, are often used as bases for edible or topical products.
Techniques and Considerations
Distillation methods like short path distillation are favored for their efficiency and ability to handle a variety of compounds by adjusting for boiling points and condensation temperatures.
This method, along with others, helps in achieving the desired purity by removing undesirables like residual solvents and ensuring that the target compounds are fully decarboxylated.
Conclusion
The purity of distillate is highly dependent on the specific type of distillate and the techniques used in its production.
Cannabis distillates aim for high THC purity, while CBD distillates focus on maintaining low THC levels.
The distillation process itself is crucial, with different fractions offering varying levels of purity and quality.
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