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The cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, which are active compounds that can cause drug-like effects throughout the body. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these compounds, and they’re what you’ll see most often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
It also produces over 150 different terpenes that are naturally found in every plant, and give them their individual smells and flavours. However, they also have medicinal uses. Terpenes work in holistic harmony with cannabinoids and other compounds in cannabis, helping everything to operate more effectively overall. Together, they can offer a number of potential medical benefits. This is known as the entourage effect.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website. Below we’ll be exploring THC Distillate: what it is, how it’s made, how to consume it, and the potential benefits including THC Distillate and chronic pain.
What is THC Distillate?
THC distillate is a type of extracted cannabis concentrate. It goes through a technical process (which we explain a little later) that results in a final product stripped of all materials and compounds except for one specific cannabinoid. In this case, THC. This makes the final product extremely potent, unlike some other cannabis products that contain a mixture of THC, CBD and terpenes.
It usually doesn’t taste or smell of much, due to the lack of terpenes. But this makes it a very flexible base ingredient for edibles and vape cartridges, as it’s possible to add terpenes to distillate. However, there’s ongoing research on whether or not this reduces medical benefits. It’s thought there’s a possibility that when terpenes are reintroduced or artificial, effects and benefits may change.
THC Distillate vs Full-Spectrum Cannabis - What’s the Difference?
Unlike THC distillate, any product that features a range of things extracted from the cannabis plant – like terpenes and essential oils – is classed as full-spectrum.
THC distillate is generally stronger than many other cannabis concentrates (often 90%+ THC).
However, although other concentrates, like live rosin or resin, may have lower THC, they have the terpenes and other compounds that distillate strips. Therefore, they offer a fuller spectrum of effects. It could be argued that some of these effects may enhance potency in other ways for some people. Or provide more effective relief for specific symptoms.
How Is THC Distillate Made?
Making distillate isn’t something you can or should do at home. It’s a complex and technical process that happens in a controlled lab. Specialised equipment and an in-depth knowledge of chemistry is also needed. We’ve included a rough process below:
1 - Extraction: THC is extracted from the cannabis plant material. This can be done using different methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
2 - Winterisation: The THC extract is mixed with ethanol, and then frozen.
3 - Filtration: The solution is filtered to remove any solid impurities.
4 - Evaporation: The solution is heated and rotated to evaporate the ethanol, and leave behind the oil.
5 - Decarboxylation: This is essentially a chemical reaction that happens when cannabis is heated. Before THC is ‘decarbed’, it starts as THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which is non-psychoactive. So, decarboxylation needs to happen to activate THC, and unlock its potential therapeutic benefits.
6 - Distillation: Heat and a vacuum is used to separate the cannabinoids based on their boiling points. And because THC has a unique boiling point, it’s isolated as a distillate.
7 - Refinement: This is sometimes added as a final step to achieve higher purity levels.
It’s important to only consume medical-grade cannabis that has been made by professionals. This is because experts using the proper technique is the only way to fully ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the THC distillate. Unapproved, DIY THC distillate runs the risk of contamination and incorrect or inconsistent dosage and potency, both of which can be extremely dangerous.
Not to mention the fact that anything that exceeds 1mg of THC per ‘container’ (bottle or packet), is illegal to sell over the counter in the UK. Products with higher levels of THC can only be prescribed by clinics like Alternaleaf, as they have the proper licensing and regulatory oversight. Ultimately with a licensed clinic, you know what you’re consuming is safe and approved.
How to Consume THC Distillate
It’s hard to say what the best ways to consume THC distillate are. Because experiences can vary with each method, and only you know how you like to consume medical cannabis. We touch briefly on a few popular consumption methods below.
Vaporisation
Distillate is almost always used in vape cartridges due to its potency, flowability, and neutral flavour. Its stripped down profile makes it ideal for adding custom terpenes and larger scale production. Other concentrates, like live resin or rosin, retain more natural flavour and are usually dabbed (vaporised on a hot surface and inhaled, typically using a dab rig).We’ve got lots more information on vaporisers here.
Sublingual Application
Placing cannabis oil or tincture that is made or infused with THC distillate under the tongue allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream. This results in a fast onset, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and tends to provide longer-lasting relief when compared to inhalation. It’s also discreet and you can easily control dosage.
Cannabis Edibles & Capsules
Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
If you're asking the question: THC distillate for edibles vs vaping, it really is down to personal preference. You can speak to your clinician about this in more detail, but ultimately, they’ll prescribe you something that is effective for you and your condition/symptoms. And you may not find the right way the first time you consume.
UK Laws: Is THC Distillate Legal for Medical Use?
Yes, because THC distillate is just a type of extracted cannabis concentrate. Therefore it follows the same rules as medical cannabis, which has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018 as long as it’s prescribed by a specialist doctor. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD or autism.
Just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It is always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
Effects and Potential Benefits of THC Distillate
The effects of THC distillate largely depend on dose, and how your individual body reacts. Remember that everyone is different, so someone else’s experience may not be the same as yours.
It’s also often considered by some as more precise and consistent in terms of effects, compared to other forms of cannabis, like dried flower. Although dosage, patient tolerance and method of administration can change effects, studies have shown that some of the benefits of THC distillate could possibly include:
- Pain relief
- Reduced nausea
- Ease migraines
- Reduced anxiety
- Increased appetite
- Help with insomnia
- Is anti-inflammatory
Also, be aware of potential side effects. Most common side effects are short-term, and should wear off within a few hours. These include:
- Coughing
- Bloodshot or irritated eyes
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth or thirst
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea
- Feeling tired
- Blurred vision
But because THC distillate is more potent, it could lead to higher tolerance, meaning you’ll slowly need more of it to achieve the same effects. As always, the best thing to do is follow the advice of your clinician, and ask them any questions you have.
Summary
Whether it’s THC Distillate for inflammation, THC Distillate for pain relief & anxiety, or THC Distillate for something else, there are lots of potential benefits. But, like with every medication, it’s still important to be aware of the risks.
The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.