The two of cannabis concentrates’ most exciting terms are undoubtedly “Diamonds” and “Distillates.” With the cannabis industry’s evolution come enthusiasts looking for products with increasingly potent blends, distinct flavours, and clean, reproducible experiences. So, how do these two powerhouse extracts stack up, and how do they each compare? In this article, we’ll pick apart the differences between Diamonds vs Distillates by covering extraction processes, purity, potency and other experiences. Crossing the line from recreational to medicinal marijuana, whether you’re a veteran concentrate user or a beginner to this new universe, those are differences you need to know to make the ideal choice.
What Are Cannabis Diamonds?
One of the most visually stunning cannabis concentrates out there is cannabis diamonds. They look more or less like crystalline structures and may sparkle with purity. THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is typically used to make cannabis diamonds; it’s the non-psychoactive form of THC that is found in raw cannabis plants. THCA converts once heated to become THC, and when ingested, the result is the powerful high users of weed associated with the plant.
How Are Diamonds Made?
It is an intricate process, and everything has to be precise. That’s where it begins—live resin extraction where fresh cannabis plants are flash frozen, preserving terpenes and cannabinoids. Further, we subject the extract to the second process, which is recrystallization. The THCA eventually breaks apart from other compounds like terpenes that form solid, diamond-like crystals over time.
What Is Cannabis Distillate?
Cannabis distillate is a more refined and pure cannabis extract and contains anywhere from 90 to 99% THC (if it contains THC) or CBD (if CBD is used). Distillates are pure compounds that are rarely so pure that they retain a terpene profile, for example, as diamonds do, but чем эндкую more often stripped of terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids.
How Are Distillates Made?
All of these types of distillates are produced through a process called molecular distillation. A method includes heating the cannabis oil so that only specific cannabinoids with varying boiling points are released. This means the end product will be a highly concentrated oil – one that contains mostly the same THC or CBD with very little remaining plant matter. That’s why distillates are perfect for vape cartridges, edibles and tinctures because of purity and consistency.
Potency: Which One Packs a Punch?
Potency is one of the most important factors in deciding to buy a cannabis concentrate. Although diamonds come with incredibly high concentrations of THC, distillates do as well, but in different arrangements.
- THCA, a chemical that is high in diamonds, is transformed into THC once they are heated. Diamonds offer beautiful crystals that are pure THCA and cause users to experience an intense, fast-acting high. Cannabis diamonds are also not uncommon to be above 80% THCA.
- The upside of distillates, however, is that they can consist of upwards of 90 percent THC, yielding one of the strongest, longest-lasting highs on the market. Since distillates are very refined, they don’t contain the same entourage effect found in a wider spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Distillates are usually slightly more potent in THC alone. But diamonds add a bit more dynamism by combining cannabinoids and terpenes for a more nuanced high.
Flavour and Terpenes: Diamonds vs Distillates
There is no doubt that cannabis diamonds have a distinct flavour advantage. That’s because diamonds are often made from live resin, and live resin contains a lot of terpenes (aromatic compounds that contribute to the flavour and aroma of cannabis). That means that dabbing diamonds will be a more flavorful and aromatic experience for users.
- Then there’re diamonds — a rich, terpene-packed profile of flavours that capture what the strain originally did.
- On the other hand, the distillates are usually refined to strip them of their terpenes. This is super potent but also flavourless unless terpenes are reintroduced.
In this case, it’s serious if flavour and aroma trump diamonds. But if you’re after a tasteless or subtle taste in your cannabis product, you might prefer distillates.
Purity Wars: Are Diamonds Better Than Distillates?
A concern having to do with the purity of cannabis concentrates plays a huge part with those of us in pursuit of a clean and efficient experience. Diamonds vs distillates both excel in purity, but they achieve it in different ways:
- Cannabis diamonds are pure as the THCA crystals themselves, measured in excess of 99%. That means they’re one of the cleanest forms of cannabis concentrate you can find. But since diamonds preserve terpenes, they also offer a nice balance between potency and flavour, which is why they are so popular amongst concentrate enthusiasts.
- Instead, distillates provide overwhelming purity regarding the isolated THC or CBD content. For consumers looking for a product with minimal plant compounds, distillates are perfect at up to 99 percent purity. Distillates are less likely to contain impurities and work great when mixed into edibles, vape cartridges and tinctures.
The extract is good in the battle of purity, and both extracts brighten up the battle but with a judgement to personal preference. Diamonds or distillates, do you love your rich, full-spectrum (d) experience, or do you like the clean, consistent effects that pure THC (d) can offer?
Versatility: Using Diamonds vs Distillates
Versatility is a big deciding factor between distillates and diamonds. Both extracts can be used in various ways, but they cater to slightly different preferences and consumption methods:
- Users of dabbing usually use diamonds since they are the most commonly used for heating up the crystalline THCA to activate the THC. Other concentrates, or flowers, can be added to them to increase potency.
- With distillates, you can use topicals, favours, cartridges, and tinctures, to name a few. Due to their lack of flavour and odour, they are perfect for infusing many products without altering their taste.
Diamonds are going to be the better option if you like dabbing and want a big blast of that flavour. If you’re searching for a multipurpose product that can be added to just about any form of consumption, then distillates are the way to go.
Price and Availability
Every preference out of the array of legal cannabis concentrates always boils down to price. In general, diamonds are pricier than distillates simply because of the involved and time-consuming extraction. However, as extraction technology improves and the market grows, the two products have become more competitive in terms of prices.
Diamonds, on the other hand, are often thought of as a luxury product, something connoisseurs clamour for as the endgame of concentrate. Most distillates are cheaper and more accessible, so regions highly specialize in distillates, like vape cartridges or edibles.
Shining the Brightest: Which Cannabis Extract?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for the battle of diamonds vs distillates. Both cannabis extracts offer incredible potency, purity, and versatility, but they cater to different preferences:
- If you want a well-varnished, rich, terpene-heavy concentrate with a full spectrum, pick diamonds. They’ve got a dab-friendly clove that hits hard and actually tastes good.
- If you want the highest degrees of purity, power, and versatility, things get funky, but distillates are opt for; distillates will give you a very pure, very powerful substrate which can be used in vaporizers, edibles, and tinctures. The flavours and aromas of distillates make them far more complex than the pros and cons of using a specific form of alcohol.
In the end, it’s all about your taste and preference for how you want to consume your cannabis, with diamonds vs distillates being the difference. For more info, check out our selection of Diamonds vs Distillates at MMJ Express.