When it comes to cannabis options, the creation process and extraction method can have a significant effect on the high they provide. Among cannabis extracts, many people wonder whether they should pick a live resin or distillate option.
This article discusses the differences between the two and their relative pros and cons.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin is a form of cannabis that results from freezing fresh buds and then putting them through an extraction process that utilizes a solvent, such as ethanol or butane. Because the cannabis is rapidly frozen, the plant’s properties are preserved, and its terpene profile is protected.
Different types of live resin exist, including sugar, sap, and sauce. Live resin is typically consumed through vaping or dabbing. It’s also possible to use it in combination with a bowl or blunt.
Because live resin helps preserve the plant’s complete terpene profile, it may provide an enhanced experience and a stronger high. This option is different from other extracts, like distillate, because it preserves the flower to a higher degree and relies on low temperatures and a solvent for the extraction process.
If you’ve heard of live rosin, you may be wondering if it’s the same as live resin. Live rosin and live resin are two different things. Although they are both made with fresh frozen cannabis buds, live resin uses solvents. In contrast, live rosin is made using either a mechanical separation of trichomes and then pressing the trichomes (hash rosin) or by pressing the fresh frozen buds (fresh press).
What is Distillate?
Distillate is a type of cannabinoid extract with a more complicated extraction process than other options available. Distillate has an extraction process similar to other products but adds one extra step. By heating the mixture and causing vaporization, a specific cannabinoid can be separated from the rest of the compounds.
Once the process is completed, the final distillate product is lighter in color and as pure as it can possibly be. A THC distillate can be up to 99% THC but ranges from 85% to 95%. Distillates are incredibly concentrated, and their specific effects will depend on the original strain.
If you’re an experienced cannabis user and are looking to upgrade your experience, then a distillate could be the right solution. Distillates are typically only recommended for those very familiar with cannabis.
Live Resin vs. Distillate: How Are They Different?
Understanding the differences between live resin and distillate can be confusing, but there are a few notable things that set them apart.
The extraction process for each product is different. Live resin products involve freezing the plant and then continuing the extraction steps, while distillate takes the extraction process one step further by heating it back up and isolating a specific cannabinoid.
If you want a higher THC content, then distillate might be right for you. Another difference is the amount of terpenes preserved in each process. While live resin does contain terpenes, distillates do not.
When it comes to live resin vs distillate, both can be smoked off the top of a bowl. Many people find this is a convenient method of consumption; they can add it to their cannabis routine.
Live resin is a full-spectrum extract, while distillate is not. If you’re trying to decide between distillate and live resin and want a comprehensive terpene profile, then live resin is probably right for you. Because distillate is not full-spectrum, it’s less likely to induce the entourage effect that live resin does.
Pros and Cons of Using Live Resin
There are so many reasons why live resin is an excellent option for cannabis users. Some people choose live resin because they want a well-rounded and potent high that it can provide because of the comprehensive cannabinoid and terpene profile it retains from the plant. Live resin is usually single-source, meaning it comes from a single strain harvest of plants from one farmer.
Because the terpenes remain in live resin, they do have more of a cannabis smell when smoked. Some people have no problem with this smell, but for others who live in an apartment or somewhere where smoking isn’t encouraged, it can be a deterrent to selecting this option. In addition, live resin can be more expensive than distillate because of the quality of the input material.
Pros and Cons of Using Distillate
Due to its elevated THC content, distillate will get you high… really high. Distillate is typically cheaper than live resin and is widely available at dispensaries in all adult-use and medical cannabis states. Because the material is stripped of all compounds but the THC, producers add either cannabis, hemp, or botanically derived terpenes in varying concentrations to create a flavor profile. Some companies even use artificial flavors to make them more like flavored nicotine vapes, which many individuals want to avoid.
Distillate lacks the natural cannabis terpenes present in the original input material, which can impact your cannabis experience. It is made with inferior material that is typically from a blend of cannabis plants, not a single strain like live resin.
Live Resin vs Distillate: Which Should You Choose?
There has not been much research to specifically examine the benefits of live resin vs. distillate. However, some studies have found the advantages of whole-plant cannabis over isolates, which suggests that live resin could be a good option if you’re looking for more well-rounded effects.1
For many medical cannabis users, live resin is an appealing option because of its more potent effects and longer-lasting highs. Many medical cannabis patients are looking to get the most out of the money they spend, so distillates can be an effective way to do that.
Live Resin vs Distillate FAQ
You're not alone if you have questions about live resin and distillate. There’s a lot to learn about these extracts, which can be overwhelming when you first dive into all the information available. Here are some commonly asked questions about live resin vs distillate.
Which one is cheaper?
Live resin is typically more expensive than distillate due to the quality of the input material and final product compared to distillate.
Which is more potent?
Due to the process, distillate is more potent than live resin, but live resin contains more terpenes than distillate.
Which one provides a longer-lasting high?
Live resin provides a longer-lasting high than distillate, which some people prefer. However, if you want a quick cannabis session, neither distillate nor live resin is likely to provide the length of results you’re looking for due to their concentrated nature.
Does live resin or distillate smell better?
The answer to this depends on whether or not you like the smell of cannabis. Live resin will smell similar to vaping flowers, whereas distillate may smell more like a nicotine vape, having more fruity flavors.
Which product is best if I haven’t tried cannabis before?
Neither! If you’re new to using cannabis, consider opting for an option that isn’t an extract with highly concentrated levels of THC. It may be overwhelming if you start with a concentrated product, which could result in a “bad” high. While live resin would technically be better than distillate, neither is ideal and shouldn’t be considered for new users.
How can I know if live resin is safe to use?
In general, it’s safest to purchase products from a reputable, trusted brand. Researching a company can be a great way to ensure that you feel comfortable using its products.
Could I have a bad experience using live resin or distillate?
As with all cannabis products, there is a possibility you could have a bad high. The best ways to reduce the chances of having a bad high are to make sure you’re using a quality product, know the dosage you’re consuming, and have adequate experience with cannabis before trying an extract like live resin or distillate.
Resources
- McPartland JM, Russo EB. Cannabis and Cannabis Extracts. Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics. 2020;1(3-4):103-132. doi:https://doi.org/10.1300/j175v01n03_08 ↩︎
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
