The Battle of the Cannabis Extracts: Live Resin vs Distillate
As cannabis continues to gain mainstream acceptance, more and more people are becoming interested in the world of concentrates.
These highly concentrated forms of cannabis oils are made by extracting THC and other cannabinoids from the plant material, resulting in a potent and efficient product.
Two popular types of concentrates are live resin and distillate. While both are highly concentrated forms of cannabis, they differ in their production methods, potency, and effects.
In this blog post, we will break down the differences between live resin and distillate, allowing you to make an informed choice about which one is right for you.
We will provide a detailed overview of each type of concentrate, discussing their unique properties, strengths, and weaknesses.
From the extraction process to the final product, we will delve into the science behind these concentrates and what makes them different from each other.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin is a highly potent cannabis concentrate that is gaining popularity among cannabis enthusiasts. Unlike other concentrates, live resin is made from freshly harvested cannabis plants that are flash-frozen immediately after being harvested.
This process helps to preserve the plant’s terpenes, which are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its unique flavour and aroma.
As a result, live resin has a more robust flavour profile and a more pronounced aroma than other concentrates.
One of the main advantages of live resin is its high terpene content. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are responsible for the distinctive flavours and aromas of different cannabis strains.
By using fresh, frozen buds, the terpene profile is preserved, resulting in a concentrate that is bursting with flavour and aroma.
Additionally, the high terpene content is believed to enhance the psychoactive effects of the concentrate, resulting in a more potent and enjoyable experience for the user. Live resin is typically consumed through dabbing or vaporizing, but it can also be added to edibles or used to create cannabis-infused products like tinctures
What is Cannabis Distillate?
Distillates are a type of cannabis concentrate that has rapidly gained popularity in the cannabis industry. They are made by using a process called distillation, which involves separating and refining specific cannabinoids and terpenes from the rest of the plant material. This results in a highly potent and pure form of the desired cannabinoid, typically THC, CBD, CBG, or CBN.
One of the main advantages of distillates is their versatility.
They can be used in a wide range of products, from edibles and tinctures to vape cartridges and topicals.
Additionally, because distillates are so pure, they offer a consistent and precise dosing experience. This makes them an ideal choice for medical patients who require specific doses of a particular cannabinoid for their treatment.
Finally, distillates are also popular among recreational users, who appreciate their potency and ability to provide a strong and long-lasting high.
Top 4 Differences:: Live Resin vs Distillate
1. Live Resin vs Distillate: Extraction Process
One of the live resin vs distillate differences is the extraction process. Live resin is extracted using a technique that captures the full spectrum of compounds found in the plant, including terpenes and other volatile compounds.
This method involves freezing the freshly harvested cannabis plant immediately after it is cut, preserving the plant’s natural chemical makeup.
The plant is then extracted using a solvent, such as butane or propane, to strip away the resinous trichomes. The resulting extract is known for its potent aroma and flavour profile, which is a result of the preserved terpenes.
On the other hand, distillate is a highly refined extract that is created using a process called fractional distillation. This technique involves heating the cannabis extract to a temperature that vaporizes the individual compounds. The vapour is then condensed and collected into a pure, potent liquid that contains only the desired compound, such as THC or CBD.
The resulting extract is odourless, tasteless, and highly potent, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer their cannabis extract to be discreet and flavourless.
2. Live Resin vs Distillate: Terpenes
One of the main differences between the two is their terpene content.
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in cannabis that give each strain its unique aroma and flavour profile.
Live resin is made from fresh, frozen cannabis flowers that are immediately processed after harvest, preserving the plant’s natural terpene profile. This results in a concentrate that is rich in flavour and aroma, with a more complex and nuanced profile than distillate.
On the other hand, distillate is a highly refined concentrate that is stripped of all its terpenes and other plant compounds, leaving behind only pure THC.
This makes it an ideal choice for those who want a concentrate with a high THC content and little to no flavour or aroma.
However, some people find distillate to be less enjoyable than live resin due to its lack of terpenes, which can give it a harsher taste or make it less effective at delivering the desired effects.
3. Live Resin vs Distillate: Effects
One of the primary live resin vs distillate differences is the entourage effect.
The entourage effect is the synergistic interaction between the various compounds found in cannabis. Live resin is made from fresh cannabis plants that have been flash-frozen immediately after harvesting.
The freezing process preserves the plant’s terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds, resulting in a product that contains a wide range of active ingredients.
When consumed, the live resin can provide a more holistic and well-rounded experience due to the entourage effect.
On the other hand, distillate is a highly purified form of cannabis extract that contains only the primary cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD. During the distillation process, all other compounds, including terpenes, are removed.
While distillate can provide high levels of THC or CBD, it lacks the complexity and depth of a full-spectrum product. As a result, the entourage effect is not as pronounced with distillate as it is with live resin.
Ultimately, the choice between live resin and distillate will depend on the user’s preference and desired effects.
4. Live Resin vs Distillate: Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids’ presence is another big difference between live resin vs distillate. Live resin is made from fresh cannabis plants that have been flash-frozen immediately after harvesting.
As a result, the terpenes and cannabinoids are preserved, resulting in a high level of both.
Live resin typically has a THC content of around 80-90%, with some strains even reaching up to 95% THC.
In addition to high THC levels, live resin is also known for its full spectrum of cannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, and CBN, making it a more well-rounded and potent cannabis concentrate.
On the other hand, distillate is a highly refined cannabis concentrate that has been stripped of all plant matter, including terpenes and other cannabinoids. This process results in a concentrate that is almost entirely THC, with little to no other cannabinoids present.
Distillate typically has a THC content of around 90-95%, making it one of the most potent cannabis concentrates available.
However, the lack of other cannabinoids means that the effects of distillate can be very one-dimensional, with a strong focus on the psychoactive effects of THC.
When to Use Live Resin
If you want to take advantage of the flavour and enhanced aroma of cannabis, then you might prefer to use Live Resin.
Unlike other forms of concentrates that can sometimes taste harsh or artificial, live resin offers a complex and nuanced flavour that is similar to the taste of fresh cannabis flowers.
Additionally, because the live resin is made with fresh cannabis plants, it contains higher levels of terpenes than other forms of concentrates.
Terpenes are the chemical compounds that give a cannabis strain its distinctive scent. They also play a role in the effects of cannabis.
By preserving the terpenes during the extraction process, live resin offers a more complete and well-rounded cannabis experience than other forms of concentrates.
When to Use Distillates
Distillates are a great option for those who prefer pure and highly potent cannabis extracts. These products are made using a process known as distillation, which involves separating and refining cannabinoids and other compounds from the plant material.
This results in a highly concentrated and pure form of cannabis extract that can contain up to 99% cannabinoid content.
Distillates are available in various cannabinoid profiles, including CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC, among others. These products are typically used for medicinal purposes, as they offer a highly accurate and consistent dosing experience.
They are also popular among recreational users who are looking for a powerful and fast-acting high.
Furthermore, distillates do not contain any plant matter or impurities, making them a cleaner and healthier option than other cannabis extracts.
Top Live Resin and Distillate Products in The Market
Live Resin – Scooby Snacks
Scooby Snacks is a highly potent strain that is revered for its ability to induce deep relaxation and tranquillity. This Indica-dominant hybrid strain was created by crossing two powerful strains, namely Platinum Girl Scout Cookies and Face Off OG. As a result, the strain boasts a THC content that ranges between 22% and 26%.
Scooby Snacks is known for its sweet and earthy aroma that is accompanied by a hint of mint. Its flavour profile is equally impressive, with its taste being a combination of sweet and sour notes that are complemented by a hint of pine.
When consumed, the strain induces a strong body high that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain. Additionally, it offers a cerebral high that is characterized by increased creativity and enhanced focus.
Delta 8 Distillate
Delta-8-THC, also known as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in small quantities in cannabis plants.
It is structurally similar to its more well-known cousin, delta-9-THC, and can produce similar psychoactive effects, albeit to a lesser degree.
Delta-8-THC distillate is believed to bind to the same cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body as delta-9-THC, although some research suggests it has its own unique mechanism of action.
Delta 8 THC distillate is good for those looking for a mild high when tapping into its therapeutic benefits.
Live Resin Vs. Distillate- Which One is Better?
When it comes to Live resin vs distillate, both have unique benefits and drawbacks. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in your cannabis experience.
Live resin is ideal for those who prioritize the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes in their cannabis products, while distillate is preferred for its high potency and consistent effects.
Ultimately, it’s important to do your research and consider what matters most in deciding a decision on which one to try.
At BudExpressNow we have a rich catalogue of premium live resin and distillate products. Contact us today to make an order.