Cannabis Concentrates For Beginners: How To Smoke Distillate

The world is currently witnessing a revolution in the cannabis industry, for both recreational and medicinal purposes. As the understanding of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids develop, so does our ability to create concentrated variations of them in a variety of forms, and for a myriad of uses. From your basic weed oil, edibles such as Delta 9 THC Gummies, medicinal muscle ointments, you can find cannabis concentrates on hundreds of different products from dozens of brands. 

What Are Cannabis Concentrates?

Concentrates are products extracted from the marijuana plant and carefully processed to maintain the integrity of the most desirable plant compounds (primarily the cannabinoids and terpenes) and to remove excess plant material and other unwanted impurities. This means that concentrates have a higher ratio of cannabinoids and terpenes in contrast to the naturally occurring cannabis flowers. While the flowers typically contain around 5–25% THC, specific concentrates clock in at around 70–80%. 

Cannabis concentrate products can be vaporized using a portable vaporizer or dab rig—a process simply called “dabbing,” which has promptly become one of the most popular consumption methods in the market today. 

On the other hand, concentrates can also be used to enhance the potency of your plant. For you to accomplish that, pack a bowl with cannabis flower and try sprinkling kief on top, or adding a few drops of concentrated oil to your herb before rolling your joint. 

Before deciding on what form you want to smoke, you should arm yourself with knowledge on the diverse world of cannabis concentrates. To get the best experience, it's important to learn about each type, how to smoke or consume them, as well as how they are made. 

What Are THC Distillates?

THC distillates are the variant of cannabis oil concentrates that carry the highest THC percentage, with purity ranging from 90–99%, and with minimal impurities. They are ideal for smoking in vaporizers, ingesting in edibles, taking in tinctures, or dabbing with a rig, without taking in any carcinogens or chemicals that can damage the respiratory or digestive systems. This could be a double edged sword. Smoking cannabis in it's plant form has it's restrictions because of the smoke you ingest. Even the ocean grown strains with 20% THC won't get you high as pure distillate so be very careful with the dosing.

How Are Distillates Processed?

Unlike other extraction methods, distillates are solvent-free and are prepared through a revolutionary technology referred to as “short path distillation,” keeping all impurities completely out. The distillation takes place at low temperatures to extract even the smallest compounds from the cannabis plant matter. 

While no other cannabis extract or concentrate matches the exceptional purity of a THC distillate, it's always best to find a supplier that provides the cleanest and most effective products possible. They should offer distillate concentrates produced through sound techniques, with exceptional starting materials and state-of-the-art equipment. That's how you guarantee that you're getting the best quality for your money. 

It is also worthy of note that through careful selection of terpenes and flavonoids, it has become possible to produce a product that does not have an odor, without compromising the strength of cannabinoids. This means that users can self-medicate without drawing unwanted attention, making discretion a great bonus point here. 

How Do I Smoke Distillates?

Because THC distillates are extremely versatile, they are perfect for a variety of consumption methods, the most popular being smoking in vapes and joints. 

Through handheld vapes, disposable vapes, and refillable vapes, THC distillates are pretty straightforward to use; you just need to fill the vape tank with the THC distillate. It is good to remember that you will need to use a ceramic coil instead of a cotton coil since impurities in the latter can alter the taste. 

It's also good to know that cartridges and oils generally tend to provide a more concentrated and strong feeling, although sometimes short-lived. On the other hand, some say that oils provide more of a cerebral high than a body high, which may be helpful for those aiming to relax, but not the best option for those aiming for pain relief. This is something that needs to be considered when making your decision for purchase. 

Vaping is a commonly preferred method for terpene connoisseurs because it's known to provide the added bonus of a more robust taste, with more flavor distinction between the different cannabis strains. 

On the other hand, if you want to add some THC distillate to your joint, all you need to do is spread a bit of distillate onto your rolling paper, then fill it with ground-up dried flower and roll as you usually would. This method will allow you to use fewer flowers, while still enjoying the great medicinal benefits of your cannabis. The distillate will not only boost the THC percentage of your joint, but it will also add flavor while improving the smoke and burn of your joint, enhancing your overall smoking experience. 

What Should I Expect?

The time THC distillates take to work mostly depends on your chosen method of consumption. Since we're discussing smoking and vaping, you can easily expect an almost instantaneous effect; you are most likely to experience the difference within the first minute or two. 

Just a few years ago, we would have considered ourselves lucky to have the choice between a few strains, with additional options of Moroccan or Afghani cannabis. Today, however, the vista has completely changed. Not only do we have a plethora of different cannabis products available, but we now have more ways to consume them than ever. 

When quality cannabis—free from harmful pesticides and grown by experts—is used to create distillates, then the final product will be substantially better than its counterparts. With the market for commercial cannabis distillation equipment being young, the chances of inadequate distillates entering the market are quite high. While the situation is anticipated to improve with time quickly, the key is to always buy from a reputable supplier. 

When it comes to potency, and the desire to bask in the now-celebrated cannabis experience, nothing really compares to THC distillates. They are becoming one of the most recognized extracts, and are considered a great evolutionary step in the way we consume cannabis, providing unparalleled potency and enjoyment. Smoking distillates is a great way to get the most out of your plant, in terms of onset of action, rich flavor, and the option for discretion.