With so many options for cannabis vape cartridges these days, it can get confusing trying to understand the differences. Two of the most popular types of cartridges are distillate and live resin. But what exactly is a distillate cart?
Distillate carts are a type of cannabis extract that have been highly refined and concentrated. The distillation process removes all plant material and compounds except for the desired cannabinoids like THC or CBD. This results in an extremely pure oil that can reach THC levels as high as 95-99%, making distillate carts very potent.
How is Distillate Made?
Distillate production starts with dried and cured cannabis flower that goes through several extraction steps:
- Solvent Extraction: Solvents like butane, CO2, or ethanol are used to separate the cannabinoids and resins from the plant material.
- Winterization: Unwanted fats, waxes and lipids are removed from the crude extract via winterization, leaving behind a more refined oil.
- Decarboxylation: Heat activates the cannabinoids like THC and CBD, converting them from their acidic forms into the versions that produce effects.
- Distillation: The extract goes into specialized equipment that utilizes precise temperature and pressure controls to isolate the desired compounds. This last step is what makes it a true “distillate”.
Benefits of Distillate Carts
- Very high potency with up to 99% pure THC or CBD
- Odorless and flavorless so easy to use discreetly
- Can be made from a variety of cannabis strains
- Usually cheaper than live resin cartridges
Downsides of Distillate Carts
- Lack terpenes and other cannabis compounds removed during extraction
- Effects may feel “one dimensional” compared to full spectrum extracts
- Has to be cut with additives like PG, VG, or MCT oil as pure distillate is too thick on its own
As you can see, distillate carts offer exceptionally strong potency perfect for the user looking for high THC/CBD content. However, the extensive processing does remove many of the other beneficial components of cannabis that shape the plant’s effects.
If you value a full-spectrum high with rich flavor and aroma profile, live resin cartridges are a better option. Live resin undergoes a specialized cryogenic process to best preserve terpenes. This results in a less refined extract compared to distillates but many argue live resin provides a more well-rounded experience.
No matter which type of cartridge you prefer, be sure to get them from a trusted source like your local cannabis dispensary. Ask your budtender if you need help deciding between distillates and live resins to find the best choice for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Are distillate carts better?
Distillate carts are not necessarily better, but they do have some advantages. They tend to be more potent and affordable than live resin cartridges. The distillation process also removes odors and flavors, making distillate carts very discrete. However, many users feel live resin provides a more well-rounded high.
Is distillate a good high?
Yes, distillate can provide a potent and enjoyable high. With THC levels reaching as high as 95-99%, distillate delivers very strong psychoactive effects. Some users may find the experience too intense or “one-dimensional” compared to live resin. But in general distillate does produce a recreationally pleasing high.
Is distillate the same as vape?
No. Distillate refers specifically to a type of cannabis extract made using purification processes like molecular distillation or fractional distillation. It can then be used to make vape cartridges, edibles, topicals and more. So you can have THC distillate cartridges, CBD distillate cartridges etc. But distillate itself is an oil, not a vape or cartridge.
Are distillate vapes safe?
When manufactured properly in regulated labs, distillate vape cartridges are generally considered safe. Testing ensures contaminates like pesticides and solvents are not present. The biggest risk with distillate carts is the cutting agents used to thin the oil for vaping. Vitamin E acetate caused issues in early vape cartridges but most producers have moved away from dangerous fillers. As long as you get cartridges from licensed dispensaries, distillate vapes carry minimal health risks.
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