If you’re the kind of consumer who wants maximum THC with minimal fuss, distillate vapes might just be your new best friend. These sleek, potent cartridges are engineered to deliver a powerful, predictable high.
But how do distillate vapes compare to other extracts like live resin, rosin, or CO₂ oil? And more importantly, are they the right match for your preferences and priorities?
In this guide, we’ll break down what distillate is, how it stacks up against other vape types, and what to consider before adding one to your rotation.
What are distillate vapes?
Distillate vapes are a type of cannabis vape cartridge filled with cannabis distillate, a highly refined oil that contains primarily just one cannabinoid, usually THC or CBD. The distillation process is designed to remove almost all plant material, including terpenes, fats, and lipids, leaving behind a virtually pure oil containing a single cannabinoid distilled from the broader spectrum of cannabis compounds.
Distillate is often flavor-neutral due to the removal of terpenes. However, it can be enhanced with added terpenes, either cannabis-derived or botanically sourced, to recreate classic strain flavors or introduce unique new profiles. Distillate vapes are valued for their potency, often reaching up to 98% purity.
Distillate vs. other cannabis types
Distillate vs. live resin
Live resin is made from fresh-frozen cannabis plants, which helps retain a broad spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. This gives it a rich, flavorful, and aromatic profile that closely mirrors the original plant. It’s often favored by consumers who value taste and the full range of effects that come from preserving more of the plant’s natural compounds.
Distillate is more refined and focused on purity. The distillation process strips away most compounds, leaving behind a single cannabinoid and resulting in a clean, potent, and flavor-neutral oil. Terpenes can be added back in to recreate strain profiles or introduce new flavors, but the overall experience tends to be less complex than live resin.
If purity and potency matter more to you than flavor and broad-spectrum effects, distillate is a solid choice.
Distillate vs. full-spectrum extracts
Full-spectrum extracts preserve most of the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant. These compounds work together to create the “entourage effect,” a synergistic interaction that may enhance the overall therapeutic and psychoactive effects of cannabis. Full-spectrum products may be your go-to if you’re looking for an experience that feels more complex and true to the plant’s natural chemistry.
Distillate, by comparison, is much more targeted. It isolates one cannabinoid (typically THC or CBD), removing most of the plant’s other components during the refinement process. THC distillate is often chosen by consumers with high THC tolerances looking for a potent product, while CBD distillate is a good choice for those looking for the therapeutic benefits of CBD without any trace of THC.
Distillate vs. rosin and solventless extracts
Rosin is a solventless extract made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash, squeezing out a rich, sticky concentrate. Rosin retains many of the original cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant, offering a flavorful and aromatic experience with a more holistic effect. Thanks to its solventless production, it is also devoid of the residual solvents which must be removed from other types of extracts.
Distillate, on the other hand, is created using solvent-based extraction, a refinement process known as winterization to remove lipids and waxes, and short-path distillation to isolate specific cannabinoids. The result is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, virtually pure extract containing one cannabinoid.
Distillate vs. CO₂ oil
CO₂ oil is made using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent, which preserves more of the plant’s original compounds, like terpenes, minor cannabinoids, and flavonoids. This results in a more well-rounded product that offers moderate potency along with a flavor and effect profile closer to the original strain.
Supercritical CO₂ extraction can be the first step in producing distillate. The extract must simply be put through the additional refinement process and distillation steps required to separate the desired cannabinoids.
Is a distillate vape right for you?
Here are a few reasons why a distillate vape might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle:
- You want high THC potency: Distillate vapes are some of the most concentrated products on the market, often containing more than 95% THC. If you’re looking for a strong and efficient experience, this might be your ideal option. However, new consumers and those with low tolerances should be mindful of this potency.
- You prefer a consistent experience: Thanks to the refinement process, distillate offers reliable dosing and predictable effects every time, which is excellent for both new and experienced consumers who value consistency.
- You need something discreet and low-odor: Distillate vapes produce minimal aroma and vapor, making them perfect for on-the-go or stealthy use without drawing attention.
- You’re looking for pure CBD without any THC: If you want to avoid THC entirely, choosing a CBD distillate is a good way to go. CBD distillates offer the benefits of CBD with none of the intoxicating properties of THC.
Distillate vape options available at High Street
High Street offers a variety of premium distillate vapes, each designed to deliver potency, consistency, and great flavor. From brands like Illicit, Clade9, and The Clear, some of our top distillate vape choices include:
- Illicit Charm Cereal Distillate Disposable Vape
- Prolific Blue Zlushie Distillate Cartridge
- Clade9 Fig Bar Disposable Distillate Vape
- Joystick Honeydew Dream Cartridge
- The Clear Elite Golden Goat Disposable Vape
- The Clear Elite OG Disposable Vape
- The Clear Elite Grapevine Disposable Vape
- The Clear Elite Lime Sorbet Disposable Vape
- The Clear Elite Lemon Haze Disposable Vape
- The Clear Elite Pure Pear Disposable Vape
- The Clear Elite Golden Goat Disposable Vape
Check out our online menu to see what we have in stock now, or stop by our dispensary in Hackettstown, NJ to see what’s currently on our shelves.
Ready to check distillate vapes out?
At High Street, we’re all about delivering the best in quality and consistency. If you’re looking for powerful, smooth, and discreet options, our handpicked selection of premium distillate vapes is curated to suit every preference. Visit us today and find the perfect distillate vape to elevate your experience!