What is CBD Distillate & How to Use It

What is CBD distillate?

CBD distillate is a highly refined, concentrated form of CBD oil—typically ~80%+ CBD—with the remainder made up of minor cannabinoids (which may include trace THC), terpenes, and flavonoids. Because it retains multiple plant compounds, it can support the potential entourage effect.

Watch: CBD Distillation Overview (YouTube)

CBD isolate vs. distillate: what’s the difference?

CBD isolate is CBD that’s been further refined from distillate to remove everything except the cannabidiol molecule (≥99.5% CBD). It contains no other cannabinoids or terpenes, so there’s no entourage effect. CBD distillate keeps a broader set of compounds (with lower overall CBD %).

Which is “better”? Neither—choose based on goals. Isolate is best if you want to avoid THC entirely or face frequent testing; distillate is best if you want broader plant compounds and potential synergy.

Full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum CBD distillate

Full-spectrum distillate

Contains CBD plus the hemp plant’s minor cannabinoids and terpenes, including trace THC (within legal limits). This profile most closely supports the entourage effect.

Broad-spectrum distillate

Similar to full-spectrum, but refined to remove/reduce THC to non-detectable levels (often labeled “NDT”). Broad-spectrum may also taste less “earthy.” It can be made by adding chosen compounds to isolate, or by removing THC from full-spectrum.

Read more: CBD isolate vs broad-spectrum

How CBD distillate is made

1. Extraction: Cannabinoids/terpenes are pulled from hemp using supercritical CO₂ or food-grade ethanol.
2. Winterisation: The extract is mixed with ethanol and chilled to precipitate waxes/lipids for removal.
3. Decarboxylation: Heat activates cannabinoids (e.g., CBDA → CBD) and reduces “leafy” notes.
4. Final distillation: In a vacuum still, compounds are separated by boiling points; vapors condense into purified distillate.

How to use CBD distillate

1) CBD oil (tinctures)

Distillate is often blended with a carrier oil and bottled as oil drops. Take sublingually or mix into foods. Remember: distillate can be an oil, but not all CBD oils are distillates.

2) Edibles

Fold distillate into recipes—baked goods, smoothies, or savory dishes—keeping temps moderate to protect cannabinoids.

Read more: Cooking with CBD oil

3) Topicals

Blend with butters/oils (e.g., coconut oil) to make balms or creams for localized application.

4) Vaping

Use distillate made for inhalation with a compatible vape pen/cartridge. Ensure it’s formulated for vaping (never vape standard tincture/carrier oils).

Pros & cons of CBD distillate

Pros

• High potency: ~80%+ CBD allows strong, compact dosing.
• Versatility: Nearly tasteless/odorless; works in oils, edibles, vapes, and topicals.
• Entourage potential: Broad/full-spectrum options retain supportive cannabinoids/terpenes.

Cons

• Component loss: Some delicate terpenes can degrade during refinement; added terpenes may not perfectly mimic native profiles.
• Cost: Precision equipment and QA make distillate products pricier than less-refined extracts.

Read more: Why is CBD oil so expensive?

FAQs

Is distillate the same as CBD oil?

No. Distillate is a refined ingredient (~80% CBD). “CBD oil” usually means that ingredient diluted in a carrier oil. Not all CBD oils use distillate.

Will full-spectrum distillate get me high?

No—legal products contain only trace THC. If you want to avoid THC entirely, choose broad-spectrum or isolate.

Isolate vs distillate—which should I pick?

Pick isolate if you need zero THC or frequent testing. Pick distillate for broader plant compounds and potential synergy.