Difference between live resin vs. distillate

If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, then you’ve likely heard of live resin vs. distillate extracts. But do you know what the differences are between them? 

Both products offer unique experiences for marijuana users, but they can also be extremely confusing if you don’t understand how they work. In this blog post, we will delve into the differences between live resin and distillates, so that you can choose which one is best for your specific needs. 

Cannabis culture has come a long way in the last decade, with new forms of cannabis extract like full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, isolate, live resin, live rosin, and distillate concentrates popping up in dispensaries around the globe. But when it comes to vaping cartridges, two extracts stand out—live resin and distillate—both providing an impressive experience but each offering something distinctive. 

What is live resin?

Live resin products involve an extraction process that preserves the live terpenes found in live cannabis plants. The live terpenes are what give different strains of cannabis their unique smells, tastes, and effects. 

When discussing the differences between live resin vs. distillate extracts, one of the most significant is that live resin is made by flash-freezing live or freshly-cut flowers of the marijuana plant shortly after harvest.  Then, the manufacturer uses a solvent to extract cannabinoids and other compounds from the frozen material–resulting in a product with more aromatic, flavorful, and potent qualities compared to most other types of extracts. 

Pros of live resin:

• Higher quality terpene content than other extracts
• Stronger and more flavorful terpenes when compared to cured cannabis flower
• Can provide a more intense high than other extracts due to the increased levels of THC in the product

Cons of live resin:

• Expensive, as it is often considered a premium product
• Potency can vary from batch to batch due to inconsistency in freezing processes used for extraction 
• Often made with solvents, such as butane or propane, which may have negative health implications if not processed correctly

What is distillate?

Distillate extracts, on the other hand, is made using heat or pressure to separate cannabinoids from plant matter. This extraction method allows for higher concentrations of THC and CBD compared to live resin extracts but also results in less flavor complexity since it doesn’t preserve the live terpene profiles like live resin. The end result of the distillate extraction process is a product with higher levels of THC and CBD—but with less flavor compared to live resin extracts.

Pros of distillate:

• Highly potent—Distillates can contain up to 95-99% THC 
• Almost flavorless—Great for those who don’t want the flavors of live resin
• More affordable than live resin

Cons of distillate:

• Lower terpene content than live resin, meaning reduced aroma/flavor notes in the finished product 
• Can have a stronger psychoactive effect due to higher levels of THC and CBD—which may not be ideal for novice cannabis users 

At Dripp Extracts, we are proud to offer the best live resin and distillate products available on the market. Our live resin concentrates contain marijuana strains that were carefully selected and flash-frozen at their peak, resulting in a velvety, aromatic experience that’s perfect for vaping or dabbing. 

Our distillate extracts are made using advanced extraction methods to provide consumers with an ultra-pure vape cartridge product with a variety of potential applications, including creating edibles and topicals. No matter which type of extract you prefer, Dripp has you covered! 

The differences between live resin vs. distillate

Choosing between live resin and distillate is like deciding between fresh-squeezed orange juice or concentrated store-bought juice from a can. Live resin has a higher terpene content (more flavorful), whereas none are retained in distillate after extraction (almost flavorless).  Both products offer unique smoking experiences to suit individual preferences. Other differences lie in their respective extract processes and cannabinoid levels.

• The extraction processes

Live resin is created by flash-freezing fresh flowers shortly after harvest to preserve their terpene profile. This method of extraction results in a product that is more flavorful, aromatic, and sometimes stronger in its psychotropic effects. Resin-enhanced extracts can also be slightly more expensive due to it being considered as a premium product. 

While the live resin extraction process focuses more on terpene content, distillates focus more on cannabinoid preservation. Distillate extracts are made using heat or pressure to separate cannabinoids from plant matter, resulting in higher concentrations of THC and CBD than live resin. However, distillates tend to sacrifice flavor and aroma profile complexities that come with live resin extracts. 

• Cannabinoid levels

Live resin provides consumers with an array of different cannabinoids, depending on the marijuana strain used for extraction. The cannabinoid content will typically range between 30-60% THC, with the added terpene profile contributing to the psychoactive effects. 

Distillate extracts are often made with higher concentrations of THC and CBD compared to live resin, ranging from 75-99% potency. These ultra-powerful extracts are almost completely odorless and tasteless when compared to their live resin counterparts. The lack of flavor can be an appealing feature to some users who don’t want the added flavors of live resin.  Although, this also means that there is a greater chance of having an overly strong psychoactive effect due to the high cannabinoid levels.

• The Entourage Effect

The Entourage Effect is a phenomenon that occurs when the compounds found in cannabis interact with one another to produce additional effects. The terpene profile of live resin plays a significant role in creating these little surprises, as it provides a balanced flavor experience while also contributing to the overall medical benefits of consuming cannabis. 

Unlike live resin, distillates are stripped of most—if not all—terpenes during processing. This means that consumers won’t get the same level of flavor or aroma from these extracts and could potentially miss out on some beneficial effects that would otherwise be experienced with live resin. 

Dripp Extracts: Choosing the best cannabis extracts

At Dripp, we understand that everyone has their personal preferences when choosing the right cannabis extract. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful and aromatic experience or searching for the highest potency possible, Dripp Extracts offers an array of high-quality live resin and distillate products to suit your needs.

Whether you’re new to cannabis extracts or have been vaping and dabbing for years, Dripp is here with our selection of top-shelf live resin and distillate products. With our exceptionally crafted concentrates made from carefully selected marijuana flowers that are flash-frozen at their peak of freshness, you can expect nothing but clean, velvety-smooth dabs with every hit. 

So, no matter which concentrate you choose to vape or dab, Dripp Extracts maintains the highest product standards to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. For more information on live resin vs. distillate concentrates, contact Dripp Extracts today.