Live Resin vs. Distillate: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?

Marijuana has come a long way since humans first started using it over 2500 years ago. While flower consumption has been common for centuries, concentrates are now considered the future of cannabis. However, variations exist within the world of extracts. Understanding the difference between distillate and live resin is key to choosing the best concentrate for your needs.

While both options contain more THC than your typical bud, the conversation surrounding live resin vs. distillate is about more than potency. From how you ingest it to the type of buzz it brings, exploring the finer workings of these concentrates will clear the air on the newest way to enjoy cannabis.

Even though yesterday’s psychoactive flower has a new golden hue, it’s still the same THC we’ve always known and loved. Let’s explore the difference between distillate and live resin and demystify these extracts so your next trip to the dispensary is a breeze!

A Tale of Two Cannabis Concentrates

Despite the differences between distillate and live resin, they share a common base. Both are cannabinoid extracts that come from marijuana. This new form of ingesting cannabis is highly versatile and much more efficient than a pre-roll. Thanks to their convenience and potency, extracts are becoming a popular way to increase the intensity of a buzz.

Although both stem from cannabis flower, each final product offers a unique experience for the user. To better understand the differences between live resin vs. distillate, let’s explore how each one works.

What is Distillate?

Distillates are highly concentrated cannabis extracts. They are very potent, generally honing in on one particular cannabinoid and capturing it at elevated concentration levels. While those cannabinoids include CBD, CBG, and CBN, consumers are most familiar with THC distillate.

When comparing distillate vs. live resin, the extraction process plays a huge role in how each affects your body. Distillates use solvents and high levels of heat to extract plant material from dried and cured cannabis. The heat levels do not preserve the strain’s unique terpenes. However, the result is a nearly pure puff, with some distillates having over 90% THC.

What is Live Resin?

Terpenes play a vital role in the live resin vs. distillate debate. These chemical compounds affect the flavor and aroma of your bud. While distillates burn terpenes away, live resin is bursting with them. Preserving the unique compounds makes these concentrates fragrant and true to their strain.

Flash-freezing cannabis allows extractors to remove the plant material from the cannabinoids while preserving other compounds. This technique produces a full-spectrum oil that enhances the interaction of cannabis compounds in our bodies. Scientists refer to the unique experience of these interactions as the “entourage effect.”

The Difference Between Distillate and Live Resin

Now that we know the makeup of each concentrate, we can find the differences that inform the live resin vs. distillate debate. While both of these extracts come from cannabis, they each capture a different essence of this amazing plant. The two biggest differences are their potency and flavor.

Potency

Remember that when we’re talking about the differences between distillate and live resin’s potency, we’re still talking about two concentrates. Using extracts is a much buzzier experience than typical bud. Because of their higher levels of THC, users should approach them with careful consideration.

This caution is especially important when it comes to distillates. These extracts are often four times more powerful than bud, with some approaching 99% THC. They’re favorites for those making tinctures and edibles due to a lack of smell and flavor. Just look out for that high THC count—a little goes a long way.

Flavor

The terpene preservation in live resin gives smokers the best of both worlds. Not only will they enjoy the concentrated buzz of THC, but they’ll also wrap themselves in the aromas and flavors of their favorite weed cultivar.

By preserving more than just one cannabinoid, live resin offers a more authentic experience. Half the fun of 420 is diving into the unique complexities of each plant. Embracing the diverse and distinctive blend of compounds within every puff makes each buzz affect our bodies differently.

How to Use Live Resin vs. Distillate

Another key difference between distillate and live resin is how you ingest them. Because they have different qualities, there are specific sessions that better suit each extract. Simply put, it’s a matter of when you want to mimic OG tokes or blast off with new THC products.

Before we get to the live resin vs. distillate differences, let’s focus on one shared use: bowl toppers. If you’re trying to stretch your flower during a crowded smoke session or want to celebrate with a next-level buzz, sprinkling extract over your fresh flower in a bowl or bong will take your hits soaring.

The Versatility of Distillates

Sometimes, distillates’ lack of terpenes comes in handy. Without an overwhelming odor or flavor, these extracts are an excellent way to infuse marijuana into food or drinks without altering the flavor. You’ll most likely find distillates in cannabis edibles and beverages at your favorite dispensary.

Use Live Resin in Your Dab Rig

The live resin vs. distillate debate takes on a different tone when considering vaping or dabbing. In these instances, you want your vapor to pack dank flavors and unique cannabinoids and terpenes. It adds to the ambiance and evokes the entourage effect! Experiment with different textures like sauce, sugar, and diamonds.

Final Thoughts on the Live Resin vs. Distillate Debate

While they’re both concentrates, the differences between distillate and live resin add another layer to the fascinating world of weed. Whether you’re looking for an entourage of flavors or the most potent puffs, it’s clear that extracts are the future of 420.

Now that any foggy notions considering extracts have floated away, it’s time to browse Westwood Farmacy’s large selection of cannabis products. Whether you puff, rip, or eat your THC, we carry a premium stash at unbelievable prices.

Stop by our Westood dispensary and say hello to a friendly budtender. They’ll show you our daily deals and ensure you get the best buzz for your buck. Visit us today!