An isolate is a single cannabinoid separated from every other compound in the plant, typically by crystallisation from a refined extract. CBD isolate and THCA isolate are the common forms; both are white or off-white crystalline solids when pure. Isolates have essentially no terpenes, flavonoids or minor cannabinoids, so they have little smell or taste.
In practice
Manufacturers use isolates where exact dosing and no flavour are wanted, or as a starting material for other products. A COA for a good isolate reads 98-99%+ of the target compound with little else. THCA isolate is also the basis of some "diamonds" products. Semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC and HHC are commonly made by chemically converting CBD isolate. GenetixBay defines the product only; no processing details.
Don't confuse with
- Distillate: an oil, usually 80-95% of the target cannabinoid with other compounds present.
- Diamonds: large THCA crystals grown in terpene-rich sauce; chemically similar, different product style.
- Full-spectrum: retains much of the plant's chemistry.
A cannabinoid is any compound that binds the body's cannabinoid receptors or shares the typical cannabis terpenophenolic structure; the plant-made ones are phytocannabinoids such as THCA and CBDA.CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating neutral cannabinoid formed when CBDA decarboxylates; hemp-type and CBD-dominant cannabis make it mainly as CBDA in their trichomes.THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the acid cannabinoid that drug-type cannabis makes in its trichomes; heat or time decarboxylates it into THC, losing about 12% of its mass.Terpenes are volatile hydrocarbon compounds built from five-carbon isoprene units; in cannabis they are made in the trichome heads and are a major part of aroma and flavour.A COA (certificate of analysis) is a lab's signed report of what it measured in a specific sample, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, moisture and contaminants, with methods and limits.Delta-8 THC is an isomer of THC with the double bond shifted one position; the plant makes only traces, so commercial delta-8 is semi-synthetic, usually converted from CBD.THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the neutral, decarboxylated cannabinoid mainly responsible for cannabis's reported intoxicating effects; the living plant makes it almost entirely as THCA.A hair-like outgrowth of the plant's skin; in cannabis the glandular types make and store the resin holding cannabinoids and terpenes.Distillate is a highly refined cannabis oil in which cannabinoids, usually THC or CBD, have been separated from most other compounds by distillation, leaving a clear, almost odourless oil.Diamonds are large crystals of THCA, typically grown out of a solvent extract and sold alone or in terpene-rich sauce; they are nearly pure THCA.The entourage effect is the hypothesis that cannabis compounds, especially cannabinoids and terpenes together, produce effects different from any single compound; human evidence remains contested.
