Why We're Moving to Distillate Vapes - and What Actually Changed
Cannabis vape products can look similar from the outside, but the oils inside them may be extracted, refined, and formulated in very different ways.
​
As the Firelands Scientific vape portfolio evolves, we're refining cannabis oil extracted from our sun-grown plants into distillate for our vape formulations. Distillation gives us a highly refined cannabinoid base before final formulation, while our terpenes remain CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, and strain-specific. We want to explain what cannabis distillate is, how the process works, how distillation differs from extraction, live resin, and solventless processing, and why this supports the next phase of our vape lineup.
QUICK DEFINITION
A distillate vape contains highly refined cannabis oil in which selected cannabinoids have been concentrated through distillation. Firelands Scientific distillate vapes are made from oil extracted from our sun-grown plants and formulated with CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes.
What is a distillate vape?
A distillate vape is a cannabis vape product made with refined cannabinoid oil. Distillation is a refining process applied after extraction: it separates and concentrates selected cannabinoids from other components in the extract.
​
For Firelands Scientific, oil extracted from our sun-grown plants is refined through distillation before final formulation with CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes. The word distillate describes the refined oil inside the product, not the vape hardware itself. A distillate formulation may be filled into a traditional vape cartridge, a rechargeable all-in-one device, a pod, or another approved vaporizer format.
Why is Firelands Scientific adding distillation to its vape process?
We're adding distillation as an additional stage of refinement for the cannabis oil used in our vapes. That gives our product-development and manufacturing teams greater control over the targets established for a finished formulation and can support more repeatable specifications from one production batch to the next. Our finished vape formulations use CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes.
​
Adding distillation does not mean other vape oils, live resin, or solventless extracts are universally better or worse. Different extraction and processing approaches are built around different product goals. This change reflects the direction we've selected for the next phase of the Firelands Scientific vape portfolio.
KEY POINT
The benefits described here relate to formulation and manufacturing control -
not a claim that distillate is safer, healthier, or guaranteed to create the same experience for every person.
Benefits of distillate vapes as a formulation platform
A more standardized cannabinoid base
Cannabis extracts can contain different proportions of cannabinoids, terpenes, waxes, pigments, and other plant compounds. By refining oil extracted from our sun-grown plants through distillation, we can begin final formulation with a more standardized cannabinoid-rich base.
Greater control over the finished formula
Starting with refined distillate can make it easier to establish clear targets for cannabinoid content, terpene composition, viscosity, and compatibility with the selected vape hardware. Firelands Scientific then formulates the refined oil with CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes.
More repeatable product specifications
A standardized formulation base can support repeatable manufacturing targets from batch to batch. This refers to product specifications, not a promise that every individual will have the same experience.
Clearer product comparison
The updated process also creates an opportunity to make our vape lineup easier to understand. Instead of treating an extraction or refinement method as a simple quality ranking, customers can compare the formulation type, labeled cannabinoid content, ingredients, terpene information, device format, oil quantity, and batch-specific details.
How does Firelands Scientific make distillate vape oil?
At Firelands Scientific, cannabis oil extracted from our sun-grown plants is refined through distillation to create a highly refined cannabinoid base. The final formulation uses CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes. More broadly, a peer-reviewed study in Industrial Crops and Products describes wiped-film short-path molecular distillation as one method used to create cannabinoid-rich distillate and separate cannabinoids from more volatile and heavier compounds.
1. Oil extracted from our sun-grown plants
We begin with cannabis oil extracted from our sun-grown plants. This creates the base oil that is later refined through distillation.
2. Distillation and additional refinement
The extracted cannabis oil then undergoes distillation as an additional refining step. Distillation concentrates selected cannabinoids and separates other components of the extract to create a more standardized cannabinoid-rich base for final formulation.
3. CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived terpenes
For the terpenes used in our finished vape formulations, Firelands Scientific uses CO2 extraction. These terpenes are cannabis-derived and strain-specific, and they remain a consistent part of our formulation approach.
4. Final formulation and filling
After distillation, the refined cannabinoid oil is formulated with CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes according to the product formulation. The finished oil is then filled into approved vape hardware.
5. State-required testing and labeling
Finished products must satisfy the testing, packaging, and labeling requirements that apply in the state where they are sold.
.png)
Extraction vs. distillation: what's the difference?
Extraction and distillation describe different stages of processing. Extraction separates compounds from cannabis plant material; distillation can then refine extracted oil further. At Firelands Scientific, oil extracted from our sun-grown plants is refined through distillation, while the terpenes used in the finished formulation are CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, and strain-specific. Different processing choices can produce different chemical profiles. A study in Scientific Reports found that extraction protocols can materially change the chemical profile of cannabis extracts.
For a closer look at a different extraction category, explore the Firelands Scientific Solventless Guide.
Do distillate vapes have terpenes?
Yes. Firelands Scientific's updated distillate vapes are formulated with CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes. Terpenes are volatile aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. Because much of the original volatile profile may be separated or reduced during distillation, terpenes can be incorporated during final formulation.
​
Across the market, terpene source, identity, and amount can vary by product. Firelands Scientific's updated distillate vape formulations use CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes. Review the product label and ingredient statement for product-specific information, and visit our Understanding Terpenes guide for more about these aromatic compounds.
Is a distillate vape the same as a THC vape?
A THC distillate vape is one type of cannabis vape, but the terms are not interchangeable. 'THC vape' broadly describes a vape containing THC. 'Distillate vape' describes a product made with refined oil produced through distillation. A THC vape could instead contain live resin, rosin, another refined cannabis oil, or another approved cannabis extract.
Is distillate stronger than other cannabis extracts?
Not automatically. Many distillates are cannabinoid-rich, but the word distillate does not establish the potency of a finished product. Cannabinoid content varies by formulation and batch. Use the cannabinoid information on the product label rather than assuming potency from the extraction category.
Does distillate mean a vape contains no other ingredients?
No. Distillate describes the refined cannabinoid oil, not the complete ingredient list. Firelands Scientific's updated distillate vape formulations include CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes. Review each product's label for its specific ingredient statement and batch-specific information.
Is distillate better than live resin or other vape oils?
There is no single answer that applies to every product or every customer. Distillation emphasizes additional refinement and formulation control, while live resin and solventless extracts are built around different source-material and processing goals. Extraction and distillation are separate stages, and the extraction method used to create a base oil does not by itself determine whether the finished oil is distillate. Firelands Scientific's distillate is made from oil extracted from our sun-grown plants and formulated with CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes. The more useful comparison is whether a particular product's formulation, ingredients, hardware, and labeled specifications match what the customer is looking for.
​
We added distillation because it supports the direction of our vape portfolio - not because every other extraction or processing method is inferior.
What should you check when comparing cannabis vape cartridges?
When comparing distillate vape cartridges, pods, or all-in-one devices, look beyond the front of the package.
​
-
The extract or formulation type
-
The labeled cannabinoid content
-
The complete ingredient statement
-
Terpene information, when provided
-
The amount of oil in the device
-
The device or cartridge format
-
Required batch, testing, and state labeling information
-
Whether the product is being sold through a licensed dispensary
Do not alter a vape device or add substances to the cartridge or oil. Follow the product label and device instructions.
Where will the new distillate vapes be available?
Availability will vary by brand, state, dispensary, and launch schedule. Use official Firelands Scientific and brand resources to check current product availability.​
​
​
​
​
Frequently asked questions about distillate vapes
What is inside a distillate vape cartridge?
A Firelands Scientific distillate vape contains highly refined cannabinoid oil made from our sun-grown plants and formulated with CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes. Product-specific ingredients and cannabinoid content are identified on the product label.
​
What is the difference between distillate and a vape cartridge?
Distillate is the oil formulation. The cartridge is the hardware that holds and heats that formulation.
​
Are all distillate vape cartridges the same?
No. Products can differ in cannabinoid content, terpene formulation, ingredients, oil quantity, hardware, and product specifications.
​
Do distillate vapes contain terpenes?
Firelands Scientific's updated distillate vapes do. We use CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes in the final formulation. Other manufacturers may formulate distillate differently, so review the product label for product-specific information.
​
Is distillate the same as pure THC?
No. 'Distillate' refers to refined oil and should not be treated as a synonym for pure THC. The cannabinoid composition depends on the actual product.
​
What is the difference between extraction and distillation?
Extraction separates compounds from cannabis plant material. Distillation is a later refining step that can be applied to extracted oil. Firelands Scientific refines oil extracted from our sun-grown plants through distillation; our terpenes are separately CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, and strain-specific before final formulation.
​
Where can I find distillate vapes in Ohio?
As products become available, use the Firelands Scientific Product Locator or visit The Landing Ohio to check current dispensary menus and availability.
Continuing our commitment to clear cannabis education
Changing a formulation deserves a clear explanation.
Our move toward distillate vapes adds an additional refining step to the cannabis oil used in our formulations. Oil extracted from our sun-grown plants undergoes distillation to create a more standardized cannabinoid base and is then formulated with CO2-extracted, cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes. This gives our team greater formulation control and supports more repeatable product specifications. As new products arrive, we will continue providing accurate labeling and product-specific information so customers can understand what they are considering.
Product availability and formulations may vary. Always refer to the product label for batch-specific information. Explore more educational content in the Firelands Scientific Resources center.
Sources and further reading
Optimization of wiped-film short-path molecular distillation for recovery of cannabinoids from cannabis oil using response surface methodology - Industrial Crops and Products, 2023.
• The impact of extraction protocol on the chemical profile of cannabis extracts from a single cultivar - Scientific Reports, 2021.
• Ohio Administrative Code Rule 1301:18-4-22 - Advertising - Ohio Laws.
%20(1).png)