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My To Do List

  1. These Wiki pages
  2. My Lab Notes - capture all steps, keywords to cross-reference so I can discover patterns
  3. Research: Distilling Vendors' Whitepapers

Tips

Here are some additional tips for distilling cannabis:

  • Use fresh, high-quality cannabis material.
  • Use a clean, well-maintained distillation apparatus.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the distillation apparatus.
  • Monitor the temperature carefully during distillation.
  • Collect the distillate in a clean, dry container.

Cannabis Distillation Guide - Compiled by JMP

Introduction

Cannabis distillation is a relatively new technique that has emerged as the cannabis industry transitions from a black market to a legal market, and requires advanced equipment and safety measures. However, distillation itself is an ancient process that has been used for centuries to produce alcohol, essential oils, perfumes, and medicines. Distillation is the final process for making cannabis oil. It is a purification process that uses heat, steam, and vacuum pressure to separate all the chemical compounds in the concentrate and produce a concentrated cannabinoid distillate. During distillation, terpenes and flavonoids are removed from the mixture for a pure cannabinoid.

The most common method of cannabis distillation is short-path distillation, which involves heating the purified oil to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing them back into a liquid in separate fractions. The fractions are collected based on their boiling points, which are lowered by the vacuum pressure. The result is a highly pure and potent distillate that can be used for various products.

Cannabis distillation has several advantages over other methods of extraction, such as:

  • It can achieve high purity and potency of the desired compound by lowering the boiling point and minimizing the loss of material.
  • It can remove unwanted impurities, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents.
  • It can isolate specific cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, for targeted effects.
  • It can produce a clear and transparent oil that is suitable for various applications.

However, cannabis distillation also has some drawbacks, such as:

  • It requires expensive and sophisticated equipment and safety measures.
  • It removes the natural terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its flavor and aroma.
  • t may reduce the entourage effect of the cannabinoids, which is the synergistic interaction of all the compounds in the plant.

Therefore, some manufacturers add terpenes or other additives to the distillate to enhance its properties.

Cannabis Distillation Methods

Cannabis distillation methods are the techniques used to isolate specific cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, from the cannabis oil after extraction and purification. Cannabis distillation methods can produce a highly pure and potent distillate that can be used for various products, such as edibles, vape cartridges, tinctures, topicals, and dabbing. Cannabis distillation methods can also remove unwanted impurities, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents, from the oil. The process involves using heat and vacuum pressure to separate individual cannabinoids and terpenes from the decarboxylated extract according to their unique boiling points and molecular weights. The most common method of cannabis distillation is Short Path Distillation, which involves heating the purified oil to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing them back into a liquid in separate fractions.

There are several methods used for cannabis distillation. Here are some of the commonly employed techniques:

Thin Film Distillation

In the cannabis industry, thin film distillation is used to produce high-quality distillate. Distillate is a highly concentrated form of cannabis extract that is free of unwanted impurities. It is made by evaporating the solvent from a cannabis extract and then condensing the vapors back into a liquid. Thin film distillation is a more efficient way to produce distillate than traditional distillation. Thin film distillation is a type of distillation that uses a thin film of liquid to facilitate the separation of the different components of the liquid. The liquid is spread in a thin film on a heated surface, and the vapors are then condensed back into a liquid. This process is more efficient than traditional distillation for separating the different components of a liquid, and it is also less likely to damage the volatile compounds in the liquid. This is because it uses a thin film of liquid, which allows for more efficient heat transfer. Thin film distillation is also less likely to damage the volatile compounds in the cannabis extract, which results in a higher-quality distillate.is a type of distillation that uses a thin film of liquid to facilitate the separation of the different components of the liquid. The liquid is spread in a thin film on a heated surface, and the vapors are then condensed back into a liquid. This process is more efficient than traditional distillation for separating the different components of a liquid, and it is also less likely to damage the volatile compounds in the liquid. Thin film distillation is used in a variety of industries, including the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the chemical industry. It is also used in the cannabis industry to produce high-quality distillate. Here are the steps involved in thin film distillation:

  1. The liquid is heated to a specific temperature, which causes it to vaporize.
  2. The vapors are passed over a heated surface, where they condense back into a liquid.
  3. The different fractions of the liquid can then be collected separately.
  4. The thickness of the thin film is important for the efficiency of the distillation process. The thinner the film, the more efficient the process will be. However, the film cannot be too thin, or it will not be able to hold the liquid.
  5. The speed of rotation of the heated surface is also important. The faster the surface rotates, the thinner the film will be. However, the speed cannot be too fast, or the liquid will not have time to vaporize.

Thin film distillation is a versatile process that can be used to separate a variety of compounds from liquids. It is a more efficient and less damaging process than traditional distillation, and it is therefore becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries. Here are some of the advantages of thin film distillation:

  • It is more efficient than traditional distillation for separating the different components of a liquid.
  • It is less likely to damage the volatile compounds in a liquid.
  • It can be used to separate a variety of compounds from liquids.
  • It is a versatile process that can be used in a variety of industries.

Here are some of the disadvantages of thin film distillation:

  • It requires specialized equipment.
  • It can be a more expensive process than traditional distillation.
  • It is not suitable for all types of liquids.

Wiped Film Distillation

also known as molecular distillation, is a high-efficiency distillation technique. Wiped film distillation is a variation of thin film distillation that uses a rotating wiper to spread the liquid in a thin film. The wiper ensures that the liquid is evenly spread on the heated surface, which helps to improve the efficiency of the distillation process. Wiped film distillation is also more efficient than short-path distillation for separating the different components of a liquid. It involves heating the cannabis extract on a heated surface, while a rotating wiper blade continuously spreads the extract as a thin film. This method is particularly effective for separating compounds with similar boiling points and achieving a high level of purity. The most common pieces of equipment are wiped film short-path molecular stills. In this approach, the feedstock of oil is fed into a jacketed vessel that is often heated with an oil circulating temperature control unit to achieve temperatures up to 343 degrees Celsius, though the typical distillation temperature range is 130-180 degrees Celsius. In these systems, the feed stock is distributed on the evaporation chamber wall with a special wiper. The resulting thin film allows the more volatile terpenes to evaporate through the top of the chamber into their own external collection vessel, while the CBD/THC is collected along a temperature-controlled central condenser unit which is cooler (typically 60-70 degrees Celsius) than the evaporation chamber and serves to attract the cannabinoid vapor. The final step in the process is solvent removal, accomplished in a separate, external cold trap, which is also temperature controlled with a chiller.

Feature Thin film distillation Wiped film distillation
Liquid film thickness Typically less than 1 mm Typically 0.1-0.2 mm
Heat transfer rate Higher Higher
Volatile compound damage Lower Lower
Equipment cost Lower Higher
Operational cost Lower Higher
Production capacity Lower Higher

Other

  • Short Path Distillation: is a widely used method for cannabis distillation. It involves heating the cannabis extract under vacuum to reduce the boiling points of different compounds and separate them based on their volatility. The process utilizes a Short Path Distillation apparatus consisting of a boiling flask, a distillation head, a condenser, and a collection flask.
  • Steam Distillation: Steam distillation is a method commonly used for extracting essential oils from plants, including cannabis. It involves passing steam through the cannabis plant material, vaporizing the essential oils and other volatile compounds. The vapor is then condensed and collected, resulting in a distilled product.
  • Vacuum Distillation: Vacuum distillation utilizes reduced pressure to lower the boiling points of the compounds being distilled. By applying a vacuum, the distillation process can be conducted at lower temperatures, minimizing the degradation of heat-sensitive compounds. Vacuum distillation is often employed in combination with other distillation methods to optimize the process.
  • Fractional Distillation: is a technique used to separate and collect different fractions of compounds based on their boiling points. It involves using a fractionating column, which provides multiple vaporization-condensation cycles, allowing for repeated separation of different compounds based on their boiling points. This method is useful when distilling complex mixtures of compounds.
  • Cold Trapping: is a technique used in distillation to collect volatile compounds that are condensed at low temperatures. By cooling the distillate vapor, volatile compounds can be collected separately from the non-volatile components, improving the purity of the final distillate.

Short path distillation vs Fractional distillation

Short Path Distillation and fractional distillation are two methods used to purify and separate compounds based on their boiling points. Both methods involve heating a mixture to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing the vapor back into a liquid. The main difference between the two methods is the distance that the vapor travels before it is condensed. In Short Path Distillation, the vapor travels a very short distance (typically just a few centimeters) before it is condensed. This short path length reduces the amount of distillate that is lost during the process and makes it more efficient for distilling small quantities of material. The main advantage of this technique is that it can achieve high purity and potency of the desired compound by lowering the boiling point and minimizing the loss of material. It is often used for compounds that are unstable at high temperatures or to purify small amounts of material.

Short Path Distillation


Short-path distillation is a process that is primarily implemented to make the distillation of heavier molecules faster and more efficient. It is also known as fractional distillation or molecular distillation. Short-path distillation is a relatively simple method of separating materials from various compounds based on differences in their volatiles through low-pressure evaporation. The process gets its name because the materials being distilled only travel a short distance throughout the apparatus—typically just a few centimeters. This short path length reduces the amount of distillate that is lost during the process and makes it more efficient for distilling small quantities of material.

Short-path distillation involves heating the purified oil in a round-bottomed flask to vaporize the individual compounds. The flask is connected to a downward-sloping, inclined side-arm that leads to a condensing tube. The condensing tube is located close to the heated flask, which means the extract only has to travel a short distance before it is condensed. A vacuum pump is attached to the system to create a low-pressure environment inside the apparatus. This lowers the boiling points of the compounds and reduces the risk of thermal degradation. The vapors are then condensed back into a liquid in separate fractions based on their boiling points. The fractions are collected in different flasks or receivers according to their weight. The result is a highly pure and potent distillate that can be used for various products.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Short-Path Distillation

Short-path distillation has several advantages over other methods of cannabis distillation, such as:

  • It can achieve high purity and potency of the desired compound by lowering the boiling point and minimizing the loss of material.
  • It can remove unwanted impurities, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents.
  • It can isolate specific cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, for targeted effects.
  • It can produce a clear and transparent oil that is suitable for various applications.

However, short-path distillation also has some drawbacks, such as:

  • It requires expensive and sophisticated equipment and safety measures. Short path distillation equipment can be expensive compared to traditional distillation equipment
  • It removes the natural terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its flavor and aroma. The process separates out and concentrates cannabis and hemp oil into three distinct categories: cannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids, and contaminants¹. This means that the natural terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its flavor and aroma are removed during the process.
  • It may reduce the entourage effect of the cannabinoids, which is the synergistic interaction of all the compounds in the plant. The entourage effect is the synergistic interaction of all the compounds in the cannabis plant. Since the short path distillation process separates out the different compounds, it may reduce the entourage effect.

Therefore, some manufacturers add terpenes or other additives to the distillate to enhance its properties.


The entourage effect< is thought to be due to an interaction between phytocannabinoids and terpenes. Phytocannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant, such as THC and cannabidiol (CBD), while terpenes are organic compounds that give plants their aroma and flavor


Introduction to D9-THC distillation class - September 1st 2018

his is a 6 hour long slide lecture + live demo of D9-THC distillation for those who want to get hip to basic benchtop techniques and principals. If you have any questions throw them in the comments I'm happy to answer what I know and can help explain. This was filmed back in 2018 so techniques and equipment may have changed but for the most part this is a solid foundation for all your distillation needs.

  • 0:00 Stream Starting Soon (SKIP!)
  • 28:57 Part 1: Distillation lecture
  • 3:24:07 End of Lunch Break
  • 3:49:22 Part 2: Live distillation demo
  • 6:19:26 Wrap Up Discussion
  • Part 1: Distillation lecture
    • Classroom Lecture / Slides
    • Origins and history of distillation
    • Basics of distillation apparatus
    • Design of distillation apparatus (Batch, Continuous, Industrial, Benchtop)
    • Principles of distillation (Thermal Energy, Boiling Points, -Evaporative Theory, Vapor Pressure)
    • Simple Distillation (Colligative Properties / Solutes, Boiling Point -Elevation)
    • Vacuum Distillation (Vacuum Pumps, Benchtop Distillation, -Rotorary Evaporators, Alcohol Stills)
    • Fractional Distillation (Vacuum Pumps, Short Path Distillation, Theoretical Plates, Reflux Ratio, Packing, Column Design, Vacuum Level, Vacuum Displacement)
  • Molecular Distillation (Wiped film, Thin film, Falling Film, Diffusion Pumps)

- Lunch Break

  • Part 2: Live distillation demo
    • Winterization & Filtration Discussion
    • Safety & Setup
    • Terpene Distillation
    • Cannabinoid Distillation
  • Wrap Up Discussion:
    • Terpene Reintroduction
    • Product Applications (Edibles, E-Pens, Pharmaceutical, Topical)
    • Q&A / Open Discussion


Glossary

  • Cannabinoids: The chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body and produce various effects, such as euphoria, relaxation, pain relief, anti-inflammation, etc. The most common cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is psychoactive, and CBD (cannabidiol), which is non-psychoactive.
  • Distillation: The process of separating and refining the cannabinoids based on their boiling points. This involves heating the purified oil to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing them back into a liquid in separate fractions. The result is a highly pure and potent distillate that can be used for various products.
  • Extraction: The process of separating the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material using a solvent. There are different methods of extraction, such as sieving, butane, CO2, ethanol, and rosin, each with its own pros and cons regarding yield, potency, quality, flavor, equipment, and safety.
  • Fractional distillation: involves a longer path length than short path for the vapor to travel. The mixture is heated in a flask and the vapor rises up a fractionating column before it is condensed. The fractionating column contains packing material that provides a large surface area for the vapor to condense on. As the vapor condenses and re-vaporizes on its way up the column, it becomes increasingly enriched in the lower boiling point compound.
  • Purification: The process of removing impurities from the crude cannabis oil after extraction, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents. This involves steps such as winterization (freezing the oil to separate the fats), filtration (passing the oil through a filter to remove solids), and decarboxylation (heating the oil to activate the cannabinoids).
  • Short Path Distillation:A distillation technique that involves the distillate traveling a short distance, often only a few centimeters, and is normally done at reduced pressure. This technique involves heating the cannabis extract to vaporize the THC and CBD, then bringing the vapor into a cooling system for consolidation and eventual collection into beakers. A form of fractional distillation used to separate an oleoresin into its active compounds: essential oils, resin, and more. It creates a "distillate," or pure compound in the form of a clear-golden liquid with little to no taste or color.
  • Solvent: The chemical liquids that dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant during extraction. Common solvents used for cannabis extraction are ethanol, CO2, butane, and propane.
  • Terpene The aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants that give them their distinctive smell and taste. Terpenes also have therapeutic benefits and may modulate the effects of cannabinoids.

Resources; recommendations for further learning

Publications

Websites

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