Cannabis concentrates have recently surged in popularity, offering consumers highly potent products like “distillate” and “liquid diamonds.” Although frequently used interchangeably, these extracts are fundamentally different in their production and chemical structure. Distillate is a highly purified cannabinoid oil, while liquid diamonds are characterized by crystalline structures. This article clarifies the scientific processes behind each product to determine their true relationship.
Understanding Cannabis Distillate Production
Distillate production begins with crude oil extraction, followed by intensive refinement. The first step is winterization, which uses a solvent and freezing temperatures to separate undesirable fats, lipids, and waxes. Next, the extract undergoes decarboxylation, using heat to convert non-intoxicating cannabinoid acids, such as THCA, into active forms like THC.
The final step is fractional distillation, a technique separating compounds based on their distinct boiling points. Under vacuum pressure, the extract is heated, causing different compounds to vaporize sequentially. THC is isolated into a “main fraction,” while most natural terpenes are separated into “heads” and “tails.” This purification results in a near-pure, high-potency oil that is typically odorless and flavorless.
The Formation of THCA Diamonds
The formation of cannabis “diamonds” relies on crystallization. Diamonds are tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the non-intoxicating precursor cannabinoid. The process often starts with a live resin extract made from fresh-frozen cannabis to preserve the plant’s full profile of terpenes.
This terpene-rich extract is placed into a sealed environment under pressure and controlled heat, creating a supersaturated solution. Over several weeks, THCA molecules precipitate out of the liquid, forming solid, crystalline structures known as diamonds. The remaining liquid is a highly aromatic, terpene-rich concentrate called “sauce.” This method yields up to 99% THCA purity, which activates into psychoactive THC only when heated.
Composition of the Final “Liquid Diamonds Distillate” Product
The commercial term “liquid diamonds” describes a blend combining the purity of crystallized THCA with the full-spectrum flavor of the cannabis plant. When THCA diamonds are heated (decarboxylation), they convert into flowable, activated THC. This liquid THC is often mixed back with the terpene-rich “sauce” it grew from, creating a highly potent and flavorful final product.
The label “liquid diamonds distillate” suggests a hybrid product more complex than a simple live resin blend. Some manufacturers create this by mixing high-purity, flavorless distillate with the aromatic “sauce” from the diamond production process. This blending strategy leverages the high potency and low cost of distillate while reintroducing desirable flavor and aroma from the diamond-derived terpenes. The final product is typically a commercial formulation utilizing components from both distillation and crystallization.