Cannabis vape cartridges offer a convenient way to consume THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. With so many options on dispensary shelves, choosing the right cartridge can get confusing. Two of the most popular types of carts are live resin and distillate. While both deliver high-quality cannabis oil, they provide very different experiences.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about live resin vs. distillate cartridges. We’ll cover how they’re made, their key features, pros and cons, and how to decide which one is best for your needs. Let’s dive in!
What is Live Resin?
Live resin begins with freshly harvested cannabis plants that have been flash frozen. This preserves the plants’ aromatic terpenes and cannabinoids right at their peak. The frozen material then undergoes solvent extraction using butane or ethanol. Because no decarboxylation occurs, the extract retains the complete chemical profile of raw cannabis.
The final live resin oil is thick and sap-like, ranging in color from translucent amber to opaque white. It also has an exceptionally pungent smell reminiscent of the strain’s living scent. When vaped, the flavor is bright, nuanced, and intensely cannabis-y. And with a full array of terpenes fueling the “entourage effect,” the high can feel more holistic and well-rounded compared to isolated THC.
What is Distillate?
Distillate starts with cured cannabis flower that has lost some terpenes during the drying/curing process. The material undergoes various extraction methods to produce crude oil, which then goes through multiple rounds of refinement and distillation. This intensive process isolates and concentrates specific cannabinoids like THC and filters out all other compounds.
The final distillate oil is clear and viscous with little to no aroma or flavor – essentially pure, molecular THC. When vaped, the sensation is intensely potent and intoxicating but lacks the rich, diverse effects provided by cannabis’ full symphony of compounds. Many distillate cartridges have terpenes reintroduced in an attempt to restore some character.
Live Resin vs. Distillate Key Differences
Here’s a quick rundown of how these two oil types differ:
- Extraction material: Live resin uses fresh frozen plants; distillate uses cured/dried plants
- Process: Live resin = flash freezing, solvent extraction; distillate = decarboxylation, distillation
- Compounds: Live resin retains full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes; distillate isolates specific compounds like THC
- Flavor: Live resin has exceptionally bold, natural cannabis flavor; distillate has very little flavor
- Effects: Live resin offers rich, nuanced effects; distillate provides intense but one-dimensional high
Which Cannabis Cartridge Is Better?
So which of these premium cannabis oils delivers the best vaping experience? The answer depends entirely on what you’re looking for.
Live resin cartridges are unmatched for their profoundly flavorful and aroma-rich effects. They mirror the chemical complexity of the living plant and tend to feel more balanced and finely-tuned. However, the THC potency is lower than distillates.
Distillates offer sheer potency and maximum intoxication in easy anonymity. The effects slam hard and fade cleanly with no taste or scent lingering. But the high can feel hollow and lack dimension compared to live resins.
The Best Cannabis Cartridge Depends on You
When it comes to choosing between live resin and distillate cannabis cartridges, there is no definitively “better” option. Both have unique advantages catering to different priorities and preferences. Live resin offers profoundly rich flavor and holistic effects by retaining a full spectrum of compounds. Distillate provides sheer potency and anonymity by isolating nearly pure THC. Deciding which is best for you comes down to the experience you find most valuable. Still unsure after reading this guide? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment with any other questions below!
FAQs
What is a distillate cart?
A distillate cart, or distillate cartridge, is a type of cannabis oil vape cartridge that contains highly refined and purified cannabis oil. The oil goes through an extensive distillation process that isolates specific cannabinoids like THC and removes all other compounds like terpenes. This creates an odorless, flavorless, highly potent THC oil.
Is distillate a good high?
Distillate can provide an extremely powerful and intoxicating high since it contains very high THC levels ranging from 60-95%. However, some users feel the effects are one-dimensional compared to full spectrum extracts. The lack of terpenes and other compounds means you don’t get an “entourage effect.” But if you purely want potency, distillates deliver on getting you very high.
Which is better live resin or distillate?
There is no definitively “better” option between live resin and distillate – they both have pros and cons. Live resin offers a more well-rounded high with rich flavor and aroma due to retaining all the compounds found in fresh cannabis. But distillate provides superior THC potency and can be easier to use discreetly. It comes down to personal preference based on what effects are most important to you.
Is a distillate cart better than a dab?
Distillate carts are not necessarily better than dabs, or vice versa. They offer different experiences. Dabbing provides intense effects immediately whereas carts offer consistent hits in a more low key, portable package. Most would argue that both dabs and distillate carts pack a more powerful punch than flower alone due to very high THC levels. Choosing between them depends on your particular needs and preferences at the time.
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