When someone asks, “What is a distillate cart?” it’s usually a clear sign they’re new to the cannabis scene. This is because distillate carts (or cartridges) are popular in the cannabis world for providing a clean and concentrated form of cannabis. Compared to other cannabis products, distillates are known for their purity and potency since they lack other compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.

Whether you're curious about distillate carts or just starting to explore them, don't hesitate — we've got you covered. In this article, we'll delve into everything you need to know about distillate carts to help you decide if they're a good fit for your cannabis experience.

What is a distillate cart?

A distillate cart contains cannabis oil that's been distilled to its purest form, called a “distillate.” These carts are commonly used in vape pens and are known for delivering a strong, smooth smoking experience thanks to their potency and purity. There are several types of distillate carts, each with a specific use: THC carts for the “mind high,” CDB carts for therapeutic benefits without the high, Delta 8 carts for a milder version of THC carts, and many more.

How is distillate made?

Distillate is a cannabis extract that has gone through multiple refinement processes to isolate a specific cannabinoid (THC, CBD, Delta 8, etc.). Here’s a brief overview of the process:

• Drying: Cannabis buds are laid out on racks or hung upside down before they’re cured using air-tight containers to destroy any bacteria. This process also helps the cannabinoids stabilize.
• Extraction: Using solvents such as CO2 or ethanol, the oil containing all the important cannabinoids is pulled out, leaving behind a mixture of unwanted cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds.
• Winterization: At this point, the oil still contains a lot of undesirable fats and waxes. Winterization is done by mixing the extract with alcohol and freezing it, further isolating the important compounds.
• Filtration: After winterization, the mixture is filtered to remove the solidified fats, resulting in a purer form of cannabis oil.
• Decarboxylation: This oil is then heated to activate the cannabinoids, changing them from their acidic form (like THCA) to their active forms (like THC).
• Distillation: Finally, the extract is put through heat and a vacuum to remove leftover chemicals and isolate the desired cannabinoids.

What are the benefits of distillate?

Distillates offer a high-quality, versatile way to enjoy the purest form of cannabinoids. Here are the reasons why many cannabis enthusiasts choose to go distillate:

• Purity: Distillates are refined to removealmost all impurities, resulting in a cannabis that's nearly 100% pure cannabinoids. This means you get cleaner, smoother, and stronger hits.
• Versatility: Distillates are very versatile since you can use them in a variety of ways, from vaping and dabbing to cooking — yep, cooking! Its odorless, flavorless nature makes it a perfect additive for any recipe or smoking method.
• Potent hits: Since they are high in purity, distillates can deliver potent effects even in small doses, making them easy to dose and cost-effective.
• Discretion: Because they are both odorless and flavorless, distillates are perfect for users seeking a discreet way to consume cannabis.
• Consistency: Each batch of distillate offers a consistent concentration of THC or CBD, so you’re more likely to get the same experience every time.

Does distillate get you higher?

Yes, distillate can get you significantly higher, but it really depends on the type of distillate you choose. If you go for a CBD distillate, you're in for a robust body high without the psychoactive effects. On the other hand, THC distillates usually containover 90% THC, which results in stronger psychoactive effects compared to unprocessed cannabis flower that usually only have around 10-30% THC. 

Can you smoke THC distillate?

Yes, you can definitely smoke THC distillate, and there are several ways to do it:

• Dabs: Use a dab rig to vaporize the distillate for a quick, intense high.
• Vapes: Fill a vape pen with distillate for a clean, easy-to-control hit.
• Ready-made carts: If you want a more convenient and portable option, you can opt for pre-filled THC distillate carts.

Aside from smoking, here are other ways you can incorporate THC distillates in your routine:

• Adding to edibles: Mix distillate into your baking or cooking. Remember: you only need a little to feel the effects.
• Adding a drop to a pipe or bong: Enhance the potency of your flower by adding a drop of distillate directly onto your packed bowl.

What does distillate taste like?

Distillate doesn’t really taste like anything. This is because the distillation process strips away terpenes and flavonoids, the compounds that give cannabis its distinctive flavors and smells. The lack of taste and odor makes distillate a good choice for those who don’t like the strong, pungent taste or smell of weed.

However, for those who enjoy the aromatic and flavor profiles of cannabis, this might be a downside. Some brands reintroduce terpenes to their distillates to bring subtle flavors and aromas back into the mix.

How does distillate compare to other types of cannabis?

• Live resin: Unlike distillate, live resin is made from fresh, frozen cannabis flowers. This means that it’s able to preserve its natural terpenes and flavonoids. While distillate is known for its purity and high THC content, live resin provides a more complex cannabinoid and terpene profile, which is preferred by more nuanced cannabis connoisseurs.
• Wax: Wax is another concentrate that is less processed than distillate. It preserves more of the natural terpenes, making it more flavorful than distillate. While both are potent, wax provides a more natural cannabis experience. It’s also sticky and easier to handle for dabbing compared to distillate that’s an oil.
• Full spectrum extracts: As their name suggests, these extracts try to retain all the natural cannabinoids and terpenes of the cannabis plant. Full spectrum extracts are believed to provide the "entourage effect," where all the plant's compounds work together to enhance the overall effects. On the other hand, distillates provide a more targeted and intense experience by focusing mainly on specific cannabinoids.