As you browse the shelves or online store of your local cannabis dispensary (like Sunrise!), one of the most common choices you’ll encounter is live resin vs distillate. We get asked about this often. Is live resin better than distillate, or vice versa? Is there a difference between live resin vs rosin vs distillate?
You don’t have to wonder anymore! Let’s dig into the specifics between live resin vs distillate—and get those questions of yours answered for good!
Even cannabis connoisseurs may not know everything these two forms of weed have in common and how distillate vs live resin differ. But it’s helpful to know the distinctions so you understand what to expect when you opt for a live resin or give distillate a try. Each has a unique processing and preparation method that THC amounts to flavor profiles and more.
Remember—both distillate and live resin have their advantages. Let’s take a closer look:
Live resin is a concentrated form of cannabis that captures the fresh feel and flavor of the weed flower. It’s made from flash-frozen cannabis plants that are run through a hydrocarbon extraction machine. The extract is then purified and processed into what you see on the shelves as live resin products.
This method of flash-freezing and extraction is an effective way to keep as much of the flower’s natural cannabinoids and terpenes intact. This gives it strong potency, as well as ensuring the rich aroma and flavor profiles are preserved. So, no wonder it’s a popular form of cannabis to indulge in.
Because it’s extracted directly from flash-frozen flowers, live resin can have 60-90% THC levels for a strong kick. So, you’ll find live resin in dabs, vapes, and concentrates.
Like many cannabis customers, you may wonder, “Is live resin better than distillate?” The fact is, it really depends on what you’re looking for. Let’s take a look at distillate in more detail…
To create weed distillate, cannabis is dried, cured, and then treated to extract the cannabinoids from the flower. Next, cold temperatures are used on the extract to filter out plant compounds such as sugars and chlorophyll, which purifies the remaining cannabinoids even more. The extract is distilled to remove any residual chemicals from the preparation process.
After processing, what’s left is a cannabis distillate that is high in cannabinoid potency, and low in terpenes. The result is a product that can get as potent as 95% in THC amounts, for a powerful high.
Cannabis distillate can be consumed in many ways. You’ll see it in vape carts, as well as in edibles and tinctures. Because it’s pure and potent, weed distillate can be used for baking and infusing into drinks—it’s super handy in cannabis recipes. It’s also easy to determine an exact dose when using distillate.
So, if you’re looking at vape products, which is better: a live resin vs. distillate cart? Again, it depends on what you want most. Here’s a quick comparison:
Overall, the price difference between live resin vs distillate may not be that significant to you, especially when you choose a product you really like. That said, live resin tends to cost a little more because the extraction process is more demanding, while distillate is a little less pricey.
Resin and rosin are so similar in spelling that our budtenders get lots of questions about this too. Is there a difference between live resin vs rosin vs distillate, and if so, what is it?
Simply put, live rosin is processed differently than the other two options. Live resin and distillate are typically extracted using solvents such as butane and ethanol, then refined to remove any residue from those solvents. Live rosin, however, is created by treating cannabis only with heat and pressure, which some people prefer as it’s a bit more “organic.”
Check out our FAQs or our News feed anytime to learn the latest in cannabis information.
How It’s Made | Makeup | Flavor & Aroma | Strength | |
Live Resin | Extracted from flash-frozen cannabis flowers treated with ethanol or other substances | Retains most or all of the cannabis flower’s cannabinoid and terpenes | Has a rich and distinctive flavor & aroma | Up to |
Rosin | Extracted from cannabis flowers treated only with heat and pressure (no solvents) | Retains most or all of the cannabis flower’s cannabinoid and terpenes | Has a rich and distinctive flavor & aroma | 85–90% THC |
Distillate | Distilled from the cannabis plant using ethanol or other substances | Almost entirely THC and no other cannabinoids or terpenes | Typically flavorless and odorless, blends well with edibles, drinks, etc. | As high as 99% THC |
As you can see, the question of choosing a distillate vs live resin cart (or even a rosin product) really comes down to your goals and preferences. The right choice is the one that meets your needs!
If you’re a flavor chaser, a live resin or rosin product will give you a well-rounded experience of the cannabis plant your product has been crafted from. Both live resin and rosin keep the original mix of cannabinoids (including but not limited to THC) and terpenes for the full entourage effect too.
For a THC seeker who wants a potent high, distillate will be your #1 choice just because it’s most likely to give you a 99% THC kick. But since some rosins and live resins can be as strong as 90% THC, they may be worth trying.
Those who are concerned about discreet use may find distillate to be a good fit since it is generally odorless and won’t give off that telltale “weed” smell when you vape it or smoke it.
For those who prefer the most natural cannabis product, live rosin’s solventless extraction method may be appealing to you.
As you explore the exciting cannabis world of live resin, distillate, and rosin, remember that you have a lot of choices. Our expert budtenders will be glad to chat with you and offer some insights to help you find the vapes, extracts, and edibles that give you the results you’re most interested in.
Reach out to us anytime with questions, or shop now at any of our convenient Missouri locations. We’re looking forward to serving you on your cannabis journey!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects research, personal opinions, and reports from other sources. Sunrise Dispensary does not provide medical advice and makes no claims about the efficacy or safety of cannabis for medical or recreational use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of the information provided in this blog. Cannabis products should be used responsibly and in compliance with local laws.
Sources:
Now open for adult use. Must be 21+ with valid ID to purchase. We accept cash and debit.
