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Medical Marijuana Distillates: What are They and How Do You Use Them?


The medical marijuana program in Louisiana is beginning to flourish. With new patients qualifying for Louisiana medical marijuana certifications every month, 2022 is set to be a big year for Louisiana cannabis.

Louisiana’s medical marijuana market contains many different products, offering a variety of different ways to use cannabis as a medicine. Distillate is a product that many patients use in different ways, and in this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about distillate, what it is, and how to use it!

What is Distillate?

Distillate is Extracted THC or CBD

Distillate is a type of cannabis extract that allows for specific cannabinoids to be separated and isolated, leaving only the cannabinoids desired in an oil-like substance.

Typically, CBD and THC are the cannabinoids most desirable for distillate extraction, so most distillate products will contain very high amounts of one or the other, or both.


Most commonly, distillate that is purchased from pharmacies will be made to produce a very high THC content, often coming in concentrations between 60% and 80%.


High THC, Scratch Everything Else

Although distillate offers a great way to isolate THC, it often removes other vital cannabinoids and terpenes along the way, requiring the chemist to reintroduce terpenes or opt for a different extraction method to leave certain compounds in the product.

Other extraction methods can keep terpenes intact more efficiently, but distillate is one of the most common ways to extract cannabis compounds due to its low cost and easily accessible cultivation technology.

How is Distillate Used?

Vaporize, Cook, or Drink Distillate

Distillate is used in a variety of ways. It most commonly gets vaporized, but it can also be added to foodstuff to make edibles or introduced to liquids to make tinctures.

Distillate frequently comes in a dabbable syringe, which is a little container with a small pointer and plunger that allows you to press out very small quantities of distillate. This is important, because due to the high THC content, only very small amounts of distillate are required to produce a very effective dosage.

Lack of Terpenes Could Be Good or Bad

Although we mentioned that distillate often has more terpenes removed in its extraction process, this could be beneficial if you’re looking to cook with distillate and make your own edibles. By having fewer terpenes, the flavor will be less pungent and can offer more versatility with cooking dishes.


Alternatively, if you’re looking to vaporize distillate (which is the most common way to use it), having no terpenes will produce very minimal flavor, which is not desirable.

Most companies that create distillate will use methods to retain terpenes or reintroduce them into the final product, so most of the distillate products you’ll shop for at pharmacies will have some flavor.


What Kinds of Distillate are Available in Louisiana?

Different Strains of Distillate Available, But Lacking in Entourage Effect

Distillate is available at Louisiana pharmacies, and you’ll find nearly all products come in the dabbable syringe.

Because distillate is extracted parts of the cannabis plant, you’ll find many different strain types available in distillate form, ranging from indicas to sativas, with different levels of THC between the product choices.

Another thing to note about distillate is that because it will often contain fewer terpenes and cannabinoids, it is not as efficient in producing the entourage effect, and it is not the best product to take advantage of all the therapeutic benefits that cannabis compounds have to offer.


Distillate is Potent – Dose Small

Distillate is a potent product, and it’s really designed to be taken in small, single doses. Distillate is particularly versatile since you could drop it right into a dab rig, make your own refillable vape cartridge, or cook with it.

Distillate is great for those who have built a high tolerance to THC as the THC content in distillate is significantly higher than the THC content in products like cannabis flower.

And because distillate is so potent, it is recommended to take the smallest dose possible for the first time, which would be a single drop, about the size of the head of a pin.

Why Distillate is Great

Distillate is an excellent alternative to cannabis flower and can be very versatile depending on how you want to use it. Especially as an affordable alternative to purchasing vape cartridges, distillate can be a great way to refill your own cartridges.

As an alternative to edibles, distillate can be a good way to cook up some homemade edibles, but beware of dosing too high in individual foods, as distillate is typically much more potent than other methods of making edibles.


Get Your Louisiana Medical Marijuana Certification

There are a variety of products available at Louisiana pharmacies, and 2022 will likely introduce a ton more! Patients in Louisiana are registering for medical marijuana certifications at a fast pace, and you can get your certification today!

Beat the lines and get your medical marijuana certification in Louisiana today, and you can even get certified online for ease of use and convenience.

For questions about Louisiana’s medical marijuana program, or how to become a medical marijuana patient in Louisiana, consult with one of our trusted doctors and book an online medical marijuana appointment today!

 

Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!

Check out Louisiana Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Louisiana!


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