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Distillates

Distillates refer to a type of cannabis extract that is created using a process of distillation. This process involves heating the cannabis plant material to a specific temperature in order to vaporize and capture the most volatile compounds, such as THC and CBD, which are then condensed and collected as a pure oil.

Distillates are known for their high potency and purity, as the distillation process removes impurities and other unwanted plant material. This makes them popular for use in vape cartridges, as well as for dabbing or adding to edibles.

Because distillates are so pure, they can be further refined to create other cannabis products such as THC isolates, which contain only pure THC, or broad-spectrum distillates, which contain a range of cannabinoids and terpenes but no THC.

The market scope for cannabis distillates has been rapidly expanding in recent years, as more and more consumers are seeking out potent and high-quality cannabis products. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global cannabis concentrates market size was valued at USD 3.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.8% from 2021 to 2028.

Within the cannabis concentrates market, distillates are becoming an increasingly popular choice due to their high potency and purity. They are widely used in the production of vape cartridges, which are one of the fastest-growing segments of the cannabis industry. In addition, distillates are also used in other cannabis products such as edibles, tinctures, and topicals.

The market for distillates is expected to continue to grow as the legalization of cannabis expands globally and more consumers become familiar with these potent and versatile cannabis extracts. However, as with any cannabis product, the market scope for distillates is also subject to regulatory changes and consumer preferences, which can impact the demand and availability of these products.

The market for cannabis distillates is a highly competitive and rapidly growing industry, with several major players and many emerging companies. Some of the key players in the market for distillates include:

1. Canopy Growth Corporation

2. Cresco Labs

3. Curaleaf Holdings

4. The Green Organic Dutchman

5. Trulieve Cannabis Corp.

Other notable players in the market for distillates include PharmaCann, Columbia Care, Acreage Holdings, and Liberty Health Sciences, among others. Additionally, there are many emerging companies and startups that are entering the market for distillates as the industry continues to grow and evolve.

The commercial production of cannabis distillates involves a specialized process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Extraction - Cannabis distillates are typically produced using a solvent-based extraction method, such as butane, propane, or CO2 extraction. This process involves using a solvent to extract the cannabinoids and other desired compounds from the cannabis plant material.

2. Winterization - After extraction, the crude cannabis oil is typically winterized, which involves mixing the oil with ethanol and freezing it to remove impurities such as waxes and lipids.

3. Distillation - The winterized crude oil is then distilled using specialized equipment to separate and isolate the desired compounds, such as THC or CBD. This involves heating the oil to a specific temperature and then capturing the vaporized compounds as they are condensed and collected.

4. Post-processing - After distillation, the cannabis distillate may undergo additional post-processing steps to further refine and purify the oil, such as fractional distillation or chromatography.

Once the cannabis distillate has been produced, it can be used to create a wide range of products, such as vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Commercial producers of cannabis distillates must comply with all relevant regulations and safety standards and ensure that their products are accurately labeled and tested for potency and purity.