With the legalization of hemp and its derivatives, cannabis products have been taking the spotlight lately. And if you’ve been around the cannabis block, you’ve probably heard of terms like full-spectrum and distillates. But what do they mean exactly? Is there really a difference? And why does it matter?
What Are Cannabis Extracts?
Cannabis extracts are concentrated forms of the cannabis plant, packing a powerful punch of beneficial plant compounds like THC and CBD, way more than your regular cannabis flower.
So, how do they get so mighty? It’s all about the extraction process, where the good stuff gets separated from the plant material. There are two primary methods: solvent-based and solventless extraction.
Solvent-Based Extraction: In this method, we use solvents like butane, propane, ethanol, or carbon dioxide. These solvents dissolve the cannabinoids from the plant matter. After the cannabinoids dissolve, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind a concentrated extract.
Solventless Extraction: On the other hand, solventless extraction skips the solvents completely. Instead, this method relies on pressure and heat to extract the cannabinoids. A well-known example of a solventless extract is rosin.
Now, if you’ve dabbled a bit about cannabis, you’ve probably come across these extracts. They show up in all sorts of products and forms. Cannabis vapes have cannabis oil in them, and cannabis Diamonds are a solid form of these cannabis extracts. But all these forms fall under three main categories, each offering a unique perk, they are Broad spectrum, full-spectrum, and distillate.
Full Spectrum Extracts: The Whole Plant Experience
Basically, a full-spectrum extract preserves the diverse array of compounds found in cannabis, maintaining its essence.
These extracts go beyond just the popular THC or CBD. They include a rich mix of cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and other minor cannabinoids. Additionally, they contain terpenes, which give cannabis its distinctive aroma and flavor, and flavonoids, which contribute to the plant’s color. A popular example is THC full-spectrum extract.
In essence, full-spectrum cannabis extracts deliver a more complete and natural experience, capturing the full richness of the cannabis plant.
Broad-Spectrum Extracts: Full Spectrum Without the High
Broad-spectrum extracts give you the full plant experience without the THC. They pack a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, much like full-spectrum extracts, but with one key difference: they are completely THC-free. This makes them a go-to option for those who want to enjoy cannabis but prefer to skip the psychoactive effects or live in a state that doesn’t welcome THC.
Cannabis Distillates
Essentially, cannabis distillate is an ultra-concentrated form of cannabis extract. Think of it as taking all the best parts of cannabis and concentrating them into one super-powerful extract.
From the name, distillates go through a distillation process. It starts with heating up cannabis extract until it turns into vapor. This vapor is then cooled and condensed back into a liquid. This process carefully separates out everything but the cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, leaving behind a product that’s nearly crystal clear and packed with potency.
Cannabis distillate stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, its amazing purity. Often containing over 90% of a single cannabinoid, such as THC or CBD, this means you get a potent effect with each use.
Additionally, cannabis distillate has a neutral flavor. Most of the terpenes, which contribute to the distinctive taste of cannabis, are removed during the distillation process. As a result, it has a mild taste.
Also, its versatility is a bonus. You’ll find cannabis distillate in a wide range of products, from vape cartridges and edibles to topicals.
Which Is Better? Full-Spectrum Extract or Distillate?
When it comes to cannabis products, you might find yourself choosing between two popular options.
Full-spectrum extracts are like the all-star team of cannabis. They include a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, all working together to give you a richer experience and overall wellness benefits. This blend creates what’s called the entourage effect. Simply put, the entourage effect means that all these compounds team up to enhance and balance the overall effects.
Leading cannabis researcher Ethan Russo, MD, shows some fascinating evidence for the entourage effect. In one study, 71% of epileptic patients improved with CBD-rich cannabis extracts, while only 36% saw improvement with purified CBD. He also shares research where patients using full-spectrum extracts enjoy better results with smaller doses and experience fewer side effects. This means the various compounds in cannabis work better together than they do alone!
However, this all-star mix might not always be consistent. For medical patients or casual users looking for something specific or having a sensitivity to certain compounds, the unpredictability could be a bit of a downside.
Now, if you’re someone who likes things straightforward, cannabis distillate might be up your alley. It’s highly refined, focusing on isolating a single cannabinoid with most other compounds filtered out. So you can get to enjoy the individual benefits of CBD or THC with higher potency. This means you get precise dosing and consistent effects. However, that also means that you might miss out on that entourage effect. So, while you get precision, you lose the rich, layered experience that comes with a full-spectrum extract.
In the end, the choice between full-spectrum and distillate is all about what you’re after, and what works best for you!
What Full-Spectrum Products Are On The Market?
Ready to dive into the vibrant world of full-spectrum products? Whether you’re a CBD enthusiast or a THC aficionado, there’s something out there that’s just right for you.
Full-Spectrum CBD Delights
CBD-dominant goodies are all the rage right now! Whether you want something less intense to incorporate into your wellness routine, or you want a distillate of your favorite cannabinoid paired with full-spectrum CBD for the entourage effect, we’ve got you covered!
Our BiowellnessX CBN Oil Tincture with Full-Spectrum Cannabis Oil is a standout. With a 1:6 CBN to PCR oil ratio, this tincture packs a powerful punch of 300 mg CBN, perfect for helping you drift off into dreamland with ease.
Or if you’re aiming to boost your productivity while staying calm, check out our Biowellness CBG Oil Tincture with Full-Spectrum Oil. This powerhouse contains 1000 mg of pure CBG and 2000 mg of full-spectrum CBD oil.
Full-Spectrum CBD Edibles: Gummies aren’t just for kids, they’re taking the wellness world by storm! From relaxing to focusing, and even helping with sleep, there’s a full-spectrum gummy for every mood. Browse our collection of full-spectrum gummies and discover a tasty way to enjoy all the benefits of CBD.
Full-Spectrum THC Thrill
Ready for a bit more excitement? Full-spectrum THC oils offer a thrilling ride. Our Delta-8 THC Tincture with PCR Hemp Oil is a top pick, combining a hefty dose of Delta-8 distillate with premium full-spectrum PCR Oil for a unique and uplifting experience. Not to be outdone, the Delta-10 THC Tincture with PCR Hemp Oil also delivers a powerful dose of Delta-10 distillate, perfect for a balanced buzz.
Full-Spectrum THC Edibles: Full-spectrum THC edibles let you enjoy the THC buzz, balanced out with some CBD. Whether you’re in the mood for something relaxing or a bit more energizing, you’ll find an edible that fits your vibe.
Popular Distillate Products
Now, if you know your cannabinoids and want to zero in on what you like, then our distillate products will not disappoint.
Pure CBD oil tincture: Refresh your routine with our Pure CBD Oil Tinctures, featuring a zesty peppermint flavor that’s both invigorating and soothing. With options from 300mg to 3000mg per bottle, you can easily find your sweet spot, whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your CBD game.
THCa Diamonds: THC in its full glory! When heated, THCa transforms into pure THC. Our BiowellnessX Diamonds are potent, and practically perfect at 99% THC, offering a buzz like no other.
THC Edibles: Let the good times roll with our THC edibles! Our distillate gummies come in a range of potencies, from a mellow 10 mg to a mighty 100 mg per gummy. Each one is packed with pure cannabinoid goodness, making it a breeze to find the right dose for any occasion.
Final Thoughts: Full-Spectrum vs Distillate
In conclusion, whether you choose full-spectrum or distillate cannabis products depends on what you’re looking for. Full-spectrum offers a richer experience, thanks to the entourage effect, where all the plant’s compounds work together. On the other hand, distillates provide pure, high-potency cannabinoids without any extras.
So, if you want the most natural experience with potential added benefits, go for full-spectrum. But if you prefer something potent and straight to the point, distillates might be a better option. Either way, knowing the difference helps you make the best choice for your cannabis journey.
Happy Hemping!
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Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post does not constitute legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the Food and drug administration FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.
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Resources:
- Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill – 07/25/2019 | FDA
- The Controlled Substances Act (dea.gov)
- Cannabis for Chronic Pain: Challenges and Considerations
- Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing
- Comprehensive Review of Medicinal Marijuana, Cannabinoids, and Therapeutic Implications in Medicine and Headache
FAQs on Full-spectrum and Distillates
Full-spectrum contains all compounds from the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Distillate is a highly purified extract containing primarily one cannabinoid such as THC or CBD.
Distillate is typically more potent as it contains a higher concentration of a single cannabinoid.
Some believe full-spectrum offers a wider range of benefits due to the “entourage effect,” where compounds work together. However, distillate has a higher concentration of a single cannabinoid, offering a more potent effect.
Yes, you can combine them for a customized experience. Some full-spectrum oils combine distillate oil with full-spectrum oil.