Stored CBD distillate may change physical properties over time if not used right away. Changes are drastic as the material goes from a liquified consistency to a solid state.
What do these changes look like? When can they be seen?
Since CBD distillate is produced under high temperatures, it maintains a liquified state with relatively high viscosity depending on the internal temperature of the product. Distillate should be blonde or gold and usually has high visual clarity when held under light. When stirred or mixed, it should resemble honey very closely in that the material is easy to scoop yet slow to pour.
In time and as the material cools down, changes in physical properties can be observed. This transformation includes texture changes to a waxier consistency and sometimes colors become richer. Unless distillate is taken to the next step in the purification process via isolation, this waxier consistency could arise due to other naturally occurring byproducts of the hemp plant such as cannabinoids, lipids, or other terpenes remaining entrapped within the distillate matrix as CBD molecules restabilize into a solid form.
What to look out for? What causes these changes? Why?
Crystallites are small embryonic crystal formations that are produced when like-molecules gather to stabilize as the material cools down. They promote CBD restructure by creating more surface areas for CBD molecules to bind to and as the distillate solidifies, unique formations can be observed. Usually, these crystals collect at the edge or wall of a container and sometimes while suspended in the medium. Regardless of where they start forming, these structures serve as the precursor for distillate solidification.
Formations are seen quickly depending on multiple factors and sometimes they can be observed within a day or two from production. A major contributing factor is overall product potency. Distillates with a minimum of ~60% purity are capable of developing crystal structures, anything less is incapable or they will be produced extremely slowly. Highly pure material will develop crystillites rapidly, this is because the oversaturation of like CBD molecules encourages lattice formation and attracts other like-molecules to the crystal substrate faster. Proper winterization of crude can also affect these qualities because lipids can still be carried over from the initial starting material; thus, affecting the CBD saturation within the medium and the molecule’s ability to quickly attract one another.
Here at Nucl3o our lab processes properly winterized crude that averages 70%-90% in CBD distillate potency. Due to these qualities, we observe crystallization of our distillate quickly. That’s a good thing. There are a variety of ways distillate can crystalize and many of these reformations create unique patterns. Check out the photos below!
What do I do if my distillate enters this solid state? How can I undo this?
If distillate has been stored in a proper container and away from degrading forces such as light and moisture, the overall potency should still remain the same as when it was originally received (assuming minimal oxidation has occurred). Any heating source that won’t burn the material could be used to gently melt solid distillate back to its liquid state. Once reheated distillate can then be used for normal processes.
If you have any questions about your distillate, call me, Chanel Chan at Nucl3o – (702) 445-7490