Last updated: October 2026
CBD distillate is a refined hemp extract, usually 80 to 95% CBD, made by distilling crude extract to strip out plant waxes, chlorophyll and most other compounds. It sits between crude extract and CBD isolate (99%+ pure CBD). It’s mainly an ingredient that brands use to make oils, capsules and vapes, rather than something you take directly.
Below: distillate vs isolate vs crude extract, full and broad spectrum distillate, how it’s made, UK legal points, and how to choose a product made with it.
Distillate vs isolate vs crude extract
| Crude extract | Distillate | Isolate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD content | Roughly 50 to 70% | Usually 80 to 95% | 99% or more |
| Looks like | Dark, thick, sticky | Golden, thick oil | White crystals or powder |
| Other cannabinoids | Yes | Some, depending on type | None |
| Terpenes | Most | Few; often lost in distillation | None |
| Taste | Strong, grassy | Mild | Almost none |
| THC risk | Depends on source | Full spectrum contains THC; broad spectrum has it removed | None |
See what is CBD isolate? and full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate.
Full spectrum vs broad spectrum distillate
- Full spectrum distillate keeps THC along with other cannabinoids. Distilling concentrates everything, so THC can end up well above UK limits unless it’s removed.
- Broad spectrum distillate has had THC removed to non-detectable levels while keeping some other cannabinoids, such as CBG or CBC.
Many people choose broad spectrum hoping for an “entourage effect” from the other compounds, but this hasn’t been proven in people. See the entourage effect and what is full spectrum CBD?
How CBD distillate is made
- Extraction: CBD and other compounds are pulled from hemp using a solvent or another method. See how CBD is extracted.
- Winterisation: the extract is chilled with alcohol to remove fats and waxes, and the alcohol is then removed.
- Decarboxylation: gentle heat converts the raw acid form (CBDA) into CBD.
- Distillation: the extract is heated under vacuum so compounds separate by boiling point, leaving a concentrated CBD oil.
- THC removal (for broad spectrum): an extra step strips out THC.
Is CBD distillate legal in the UK?
- THC: CBD products must contain no more than tiny traces of controlled cannabinoids like THC. Full spectrum distillate often can’t meet this. See is CBD legal in the UK?
- Novel food: CBD food products, including oils and capsules made with distillate, must be linked to an application on the FSA’s public list. Raw distillate sold for eating isn’t on that list.
- FSA advice: the FSA’s 10mg a day figure was worked out for highly pure CBD (98% or more), not for less refined extracts like distillate.
The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication.
How distillate is used
Distillate is too thick and strong to measure at home, so it’s normally diluted by manufacturers into:
- oils, mixed into a carrier such as MCT. See best carrier oil for CBD
- capsules and gummies, for a fixed dose
- topicals, such as balms
- vape liquids, which need their own compliance checks
Dabbing or eating raw distillate makes it very hard to know your dose. A diluted product with a clear mg per drop or capsule is safer and more consistent. See how much CBD to take.
How to choose a product
- Batch lab report showing CBD content and THC “not detected”. A US study of 84 CBD products bought online found only about 31% were accurately labelled, and THC was detected in about 1 in 5. See how to read a CBD lab report.
- On the FSA public list for food products.
- Clear mg per serving, not just “mg per bottle”.
- No medical claims.
All our CBD oils and capsules are broad spectrum, on the FSA public list, and batch tested by an independent lab, with reports available on request from our lab testing page. We don’t recommend our products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
FAQs
What is CBD distillate?
A refined hemp extract, usually 80 to 95% CBD, made by distilling crude extract. It’s mainly an ingredient for oils, capsules and vapes.
Is CBD distillate better than isolate?
Neither is proven better. Distillate keeps some other plant compounds; isolate is pure CBD with no THC risk.
Does CBD distillate contain THC?
Full spectrum distillate does, sometimes above UK limits. Broad spectrum distillate has THC removed to non-detectable levels.
Can you take CBD distillate directly?
It’s possible but not advised: it’s very strong and hard to dose. A diluted oil or capsule gives a clear, consistent amount.
Is CBD distillate legal in the UK?
As an ingredient, yes, if THC is within strict limits. Food products made with it must be on the FSA’s public list.
What is the difference between distillate and CBD oil?
Distillate is the concentrated extract. CBD oil is distillate or another extract diluted in a carrier oil to a set strength.
Sources
- Bonn-Miller MO et al. Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online. JAMA, 2017.
- Johnson E et al. CBD product contamination: THC concentrations in commercially available CBD products. Drug Alcohol Depend, 2022.
- ACNFP and COT. Provisional CBD acceptable daily intake, 2023.
- FSA. CBD products linked to novel food applications.
