In the cannabis market, most of the extracts and products can be broadly categorized as full spectrum or distillate. These extraction methods have fundamental differences that affect the potency, terpene profile, and mode of consumption of the end product, whether a producer or a consumer; understanding the distinction between full spectrum vs. distillate is essential to creating or finding the product that best matches your needs.
This article explores the distillate vs. full spectrum difference and their benefits and drawbacks.
Full-spectrum extracts preserve the terpene of the original cannabis plant as much as possible. In a full-spectrum cannabis product, there is a complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds that naturally occur in cannabis. This is why full-spectrum extracts deliver the “entourage effect,” where these compounds work synergistically to enhance therapeutic benefits.
Common extraction methods
Methods like CO2 extraction, hydrocarbon extraction (butane or propane), or ethanol extraction are used for full-spectrum extraction. These techniques offer better temperature control to preserve cannabis’ natural compound profile.
Typical full-spectrum products
You can easily recognize a full-spectrum cannabis product due to its dark amber color. Tinctures, vape cartridges, concentrates (like live resin), capsules, and topicals are common full-spectrum products.
What Is Distillate?
A distillate is a highly refined cannabis extract produced by isolating specific cannabinoids, usually THC or CBD. It is clear, potent oil that virtually removes all other plant material, reaching up to 99% purity of the target cannabinoid. Unlike full-spectrum extracts, there are no original terpenes or other compounds from the source plant in distillates.
Distillation process
Fraction distillation is used to heat cannabis extract and separate compounds based on their boiling points. The method allows the collection of specific cannabinoids while removing other plant materials.
Distillate is commonly used in
Due to their purity and precise dosing, distillates are used for vape cartridges, edibles, and topicals. Also, they are used for therapeutic products.
Full Spectrum vs. Distillate
Feature | Full Spectrum | Distillate |
Composition | Preserves the original cannabinoids profiles, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds | Isolates specific cannabinoids (typically 90-99% THC or CBD), minimal or no terpenes or other compounds |
Entourage Effect | Highly potent entourage effect due to interaction between multiple compounds | Minimal or absent entourage effect |
Taste & Aroma | Rich, plant-like flavor profile due to terpenes, taste resembles the original strain | Little to no natural taste; often enhanced with added terpenes or flavorings for some products |
Potency | Potentially stronger overall effect | Higher single cannabinoid percentage result in potentially more one-dimensional effects |
Use Case | Best for recreational users seeking whole-plant benefits and therapeutic effects | Ideal for precise dosing, consistency, and flavor control |
Benefits and Drawbacks
For a better full spectrum vs. distillate comparison, it’s essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Full Spectrum
Benefits:
- Delivers the “entourage effect” that is essential for therapeutic properties
- A more natural, well-rounded experience similar to the original cannabis plant
- Maintains strain-specific effects and terpene profiles
Drawbacks:
- The taste can be unpleasant for some users due to the original cannabis profile
- Consistency is hard to maintain between batches
- Typically expensive to produce due to the complex extraction process
Distillate
Benefits:
- Precise dosing and consistency make it ideal for pharmaceutical products
- Versatile for use in various products due to its neutral flavor
- Higher potency of specific cannabinoids (THC or CBD)
Drawbacks:
- No “entourage effect” due to absent terpenes
- It is not ideal for recreational use due to the one-dimensional effect
- Requires additional processing to add flavor
Which One Should You Choose?
Given the diversity of the cannabis products in the market, the fse vs distillate discussion can leave you confused. You have to be objective about the desired effect you seek from a cannabis extract.
Here’s how should you choose:
1. Medical users
Medical users seek therapeutic benefits, so full-spectrum extracts are best for them. Offering a complete entourage effect, they help address specific symptoms more effectively.
2. Recreational users
Such users can explore both full spectrum and distillate products. If they want to experience consistent and specific effects, distillates are ideal. But for a more flavorful experience, flavored vape cartridges or discreet consumption options such as full-spectrum edibles are better.
3. Product formulators
Distillates are best for product formulations for several reasons. Due to their high purity, they offer precise dosing, maintaining consistency in large-scale production. Also, for products with specific flavor profiles, distillates don’t overpower the target flavor by cannabis taste.
Also, Consider
The legal aspect of a product should be considered. Pure THC or high percent THC products are often restricted for recreational use.
Personal tolerance and sensitivity are another consideration. Your body may respond to various cannabinoids and terpenes differently, affecting the final experience.
Conclusion
Understanding full spectrum vs. distillate and comparison enables producers and consumers to focus on achieving different product goals. Each method has pros and cons, and the decision comes down to personal preferences and market demands. While full-spectrum cannabis products offer a more complete entourage experience with potential therapeutic benefits, distillates provide better consistency, potency, and versatility.
Demand for both varieties of products is on the rise, and there is no winner in the FSE vs distillate comparison. Many users find value in keeping both types of products in their collection. If you are new to cannabis products, we recommend sampling both to discover which product better suits your preferences and desired effects. Remember to start with low doses and adjust based on your experience.
