Distilling cannabinoids from an extract dissolved in a choline-based amino acid ionic liquid is feasible, but the process requires careful optimization to avoid co-distillation of impurities like waxes while ensuring sugars remain behind. Cannabinoids can be successfully distilled under high vacuum (0.001–0.1 mbar) at moderate temperatures (100–200°C), as their volatility allows separation from the non-volatile ionic liquid. However, waxes—being long-chain fatty acid esters—may partially co-distill if their boiling ranges overlap with cannabinoids, whereas sugars, due to their high polarity and low volatility, will not carry over into the distillate.

To minimize wax contamination, a pre-distillation winterization step (freezing the extract in ethanol to precipitate waxes) is recommended. The choice of ionic liquid matters, as choline-amino acid variants (e.g., choline glycinate) offer thermal stability but must not degrade under distillation conditions. Proper temperature control is critical to prevent ionic liquid decomposition, which could introduce contaminants. Additionally, a well-designed condenser system helps prevent aerosolized ionic liquid from reaching the distillate.

In summary, while cannabinoids can be effectively distilled from such ionic liquid solutions, waxes pose the main contamination risk unless removed beforehand. For optimal purity, combining winterization, activated carbon filtration, and precise short-path distillation is advisable.

Yes, cannabinoids can be distilled from a choline–amino acid ionic liquid using short-path or molecular distillation. The IL won’t evaporate. Sugars won’t distill (non-volatile), but some waxes might if temperatures are high enough, though most will stay behind.