THCA Distillate: Dangerous Hemp Extract, or the Future of Cannabis?

Now that THCA is hot property, it was only a matter of time before it became available in distillate form. For some cannabis aficionados, THCA distillate is the future of the plant. For others, it is a highly concerning product.

Below, I outline the reality of THCA distillate, explaining what it is, how it’s made, the potential dangers, and more. What you’ll find is that “THCA distillate” isn’t really something you can buy. Confused? Read this article as I reveal all!

The Lowdown on THCA Distillate

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants. It doesn’t get you high on its own, but when heated, it converts to THC, the intoxicating compound we all know and love.

THCA distillate is a highly concentrated form of THCA extracted from hemp plants using advanced distillation techniques. It’s often touted for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, without the intoxicating effects of THC.

How Is THCA Distillate Made?

Manufacturers use a specific process called distillation that turns raw cannabis into a pure concentrate. Distillation involves separating and refining cannabis compounds based on their respective boiling points.

The first step involves using solvents such as ethanol or CO2 to separate the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from the cannabis plant. Then, manufacturers remove waxes, fats, and lipids. This process is known as “winterization” and involves dissolving the extract in ethanol and exposing it to sub-zero temperatures.

Once winterization is complete, impurities are removed to ensure a more refined product. Now, the extract undergoes a process known as fractional distillation. At this point, the cannabinoids get separated based on their different boiling points. Since the THCA is exposed to heat, it is decarboxylated, which means you end up with THC distillate, not THCA.

Creating a true THCA distillate is extremely challenging since heat is involved in distillation, which decarbs it. So, if you see a product that’s labeled “THCA distillate,” it usually means that high THCA plant material was used, but the final product will contain a high percentage of THC.

The Debate: Dangerous or Promising?

So, what’s the deal with THCA distillate? Some folks in the community are wary of its rise, citing concerns about purity and safety. They argue that without proper regulation, THCA distillate could pose risks to consumers, especially if it contains harmful contaminants or impurities from the extraction process.

On the other hand, proponents of THCA distillate see it as a game-changer in the world of cannabis. They point to its potential for therapeutic use, especially for those seeking relief from conditions like chronic pain, inflammation, and even epilepsy.

The main issue is that such products often contain an extremely high level of delta 9 THC, exceeding 90%. As such, a little goes a VERY long way. Most people consume it via dabbing, which involves heating the extract until it becomes a vapor that you inhale.

You’ll find that the cannabinoid takes effect quite quickly and results in an intoxicating high. The immense potency of distillate means that excessive consumption could lead to adverse effects such as paranoia, anxiety, nausea, and even hallucinations.

Yet another issue is the manufacturing process itself. Let’s face it: Many facets of the cannabis industry, including how it is regulated, need an overhaul. If you elect to try distillate, make sure you only buy from reputable brands that include third-party lab reports with their products.

The Regulatory Quagmire

Ah, regulation—the perennial thorn in the side of the cannabis industry. The murky legal status of cannabis at the federal level has created a patchwork of state laws and regulations that vary widely from place to place. This lack of uniformity makes it challenging for producers and consumers alike to navigate the ever-changing landscape of cannabis products.

With THCA distillate, the regulatory waters are especially muddy. While hemp-derived products are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, the FDA has yet to issue clear guidelines for their production and sale. This leaves the door wide open for unscrupulous producers to cut corners and put consumers at risk.

Furthermore, while THCA flower remains federally legal at present, THCA distillate is not because the end product typically contains a high level of THC. This cannabinoid, of course, remains federally illegal.

So, unless you can find THCA distillate that contains a high THCA content and minimal delta 9 THC, you’re out of luck if your state doesn’t permit medical or recreational marijuana.

THCA Distillate: What Awaits It & the Cannabis Industry?

So, where does this leave us? Is THCA distillate a dangerous hemp extract, or could it be the future of cannabis? Well, like most things in life, the answer lies somewhere in the middle. While there are legitimate concerns about purity and safety, there’s also tremendous potential for THCA distillate to revolutionize the way we think about cannabis.

As we move forward, regulators, producers, and consumers must work together to ensure that distillate—and all cannabis products—meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

However, please note that any products you see that are labeled as “THCA distillate” probably don’t contain much of the non-intoxicating cannabinoid. The distillation process means that it has likely been decarboxylated, so it contains an extremely high level of THC. Such products remain federally illegal, so please check your state’s laws on marijuana and THC before considering a purchase.