Dilutants : Cutting Agents for Cannabis Vape Formulations

Dilutants are used primarily to reduce the concentration of cannabis resin in a particular batch of product – dilutants are also commonly referred to as cutting agents or diluting agents. Some people see this as “dishonest” or short-changing the customer; however, there are legitimate uses for dilutants in certain circumstances.

Additionally, some states, like California and Oregon, have banned certain dilutants and cutting agents from the legal cannabis market.

This article discusses how and which dilutants to use depending on formulation.

What are the types of Dilutants
How is each type of dilutant used?
How to avoid using dilutants in the first place

What are the types of Dilutants

The following are the most common types of dilutants.

Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil (MCT Oil) – primary coconut oil used in many CBD vaporizers

Propylene Glycol (PG)– used in the E-cig industry as a carrier for nicotine

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) – also used in the E-cig industry as a carried for nicotine

Neutral cannabis derived terpenes (CDTs) – neutral botanical “plant / weed” tasting terpenes

In the past, many formulators also used Vitamin E Acetate – this, however, is a dangerous dilutant and not safe for consumers to inhale.

How is each type of dilutant used?

MCT Oil – is used to dissolve CBD isolate so it can be filled into a vaporizer. It’s primary advantage is that it has the same boiling point as D9 THC distillate and will not separate.

Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin– are used interchangeably to reduce the concentration of cannabis in vapes. Many formulations, especially for first-time buyers or microdosers, call for reduced cannabis concentration for a more mellow vape effect.

Neutral cannabis derived terpenes (CDTs) – neutral botanical “plant / weed” tasting terpenes are another great agent for reducing THC concentration. The primary issue is the high cost of neutral terpenes comparted to PG or VG.

How to avoid using dilutants in the first place

It can be quite challenging to formulate low THC concentration vapes in certain markets like California without using dilutants – here are a few work arounds.

1) Use single-pass ethanol extracted distillate
Typically ethanol extracted crude is run through multiple passes though a falling film or a short-path distillation system.

First, pass ethanol D9 distillate usually falls in the high 80% to low 90% THC range. This allows for a lower THC percentage for vape formulations. Usually with terpenes added, the vape formulation’s THC percentage will sit within the lower 80% range.

2) Use 1:1 THC/CBD ratioed distillate
Often overlooked, THC distillate that has been “contaminated” with significant CBD percentages often sell at a steep discount. Since CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, it serves as a good base to create a vape formulation while also reducing the overall cost of the resin formulation.

3) Use D9 distillate “contaminated” with a large percentage of D8 THC
Also often overlooked, D9 THC distillate with a significant percentage of D8 is often unsellable and can be purchased for a steep discount. Whether from a messy extraction technique or dirty glassware during purification, distillate with large percentages of D8 is a good way to reduce the potency of a vaporizer mixture.
With D8 THC being less psychoactive, it also acts as a good base to create a vape that is low in D9 THC while also reducing the overall cost of the resin formulation.