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Live Resin Vs Distillate: Which One Is Right For You?

Live Resin Vs Distillate: Which One Is Right For You?

Now that cannabis is legal in numerous states, you can buy various kinds of concentrates and extracts online. One of these is live resin, a supremely potent, tasty, and aromatic concentrate that many cannabis consumers love. 

Distillates are also considered some of the best ways to take THC and other cannabinoids due to their convenience and ease of use. 


If you’re wondering which of these is perfect for you, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the difference between live resin and distillates. 


We’ll get into how these concentrates are prepared, how to use them, and where you can buy them online. We also understand that storing cannabis is an art form. We will, therefore, share tips that the sophisticated consumer can use to keep their live resin distillate fresh and potent for longer.

What Is Live Resin?


The best cannabis flower is glossed with a thick layer of trichomes. These sticky, white, resinous glands typically have a distinct aroma. Most of the terpenes and terpenoids in cannabis are found in these oils.


Technology is finally catching up to the unmatched levels of creativity and innovation that have always existed in the cannabis industry. We can now harness terpenes and cannabinoid-rich trichomes from cannabis buds, resulting in the formation of a concentrate known as live resin. 


So many live resin products are available on the market today, from live resin diamonds and live resin carts to live resin pods, live resin wax, live resin badder, etc. If you enjoy consuming cannabis without inhaling or vaping, you should try our live resin edibles.

What Is Distillate?


Distillate is a highly concentrated, highly purified form of cannabis that typically contains one potent cannabinoid, like CBD, Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, CBN, or CBG. Distillates have a thick, oily consistency and a golden-yellow hue.


Distillate is prepared by refining cannabis resin to remove all undesirable compounds, leaving behind only one cannabinoid. Distillates are commonly used to make craft cannabis goods like edibles, topicals, and disposable carts.

Live Resin Vs. Distillate: The Differences


Live resin and cannabis distillates have two core similarities: they are both potent concentrates and require a solvent in their preparation processes. 


There are a few similarities, but that's about it. A variety of properties can be found in live resins and distillates.


While distillates usually contain more than 90% of the primary cannabinoid, mostly THC or CBD, live resin is often full-spectrum. This means it maintains the entire profile of the cultivar it was sourced from. For instance, aside from THC and CBD, Delta 8 live resin may contain CBG, CBN, and other essential phytochemicals. 


The effects of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds tend to be enhanced when they are combined. This phenomenon is referred to as the entourage effect.


Cannabis distillates are typically odorless and tasteless. This is because all terpenes and terpenoids are distilled during their preparation. While live resin is one of the most aromatic concentrates on the market today, it retains its flavor over time. Since it is made from trichomes, it retains lots of terpenes. This is crucial to note if aroma and taste (or lack thereof) are dealbreakers. 


Another glaring difference between distillates and live resin is their extraction process. Live resin is prepared at low temperatures. Freshly harvested buds are flash-frozen with dry ice or liquid nitrogen to ensure all phytochemical content is preserved. The buds are kept frozen for the entire time. 


Cannabis distillates are prepared differently. Usually, higher temperatures are used. Cannabis oil is heated until, one by one, all compounds are distilled away. This leaves behind a super-refined extract. And while live resin is made using frozen buds, distillates are made using dried and cured cannabis. 


You should also expect to feel different when you take distillates compared to live resin. Sure, both of these concentrates may be psychotropic, but the experience will differ significantly. 


Live resin contains a broad network of chemical compounds, meaning you’re likely to experience a balanced, well-rounded elevation. On the other hand, distillates contain more than 90% pure THC (in the case of THC distillates) and lack the balancing effect of terpenes and other non-psychotropic cannabinoids.

How Should Live Resin Be Used?


Live resin can be used in various ways. One of these is vaping. We sell live resin carts prepared from some of the most potent and aromatic cultivars available. Our carts are classy, elegant, light, and sleek, making them a great fit for the sophisticated cannabis connoisseur. 


Carry them with you to enjoy an authentic live resin experience when you’re on the go. 


Live resin edibles are another simple, convenient, and effective method of taking live resin. In contrast to other forms of cannabis consumption, it takes longer for the effects to kick in. This is because the edible has to be digested before the cannabinoids can be metabolized and released into the bloodstream. 


The good thing is that the elevated experience may last as long as two to six hours, depending on factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and body metabolism. 


Dabbing is another quick way to consume your live resin. All you need is some resin sauce, your dab rig, and a heat source. Using a  dab tool with a spoon-shaped tip, scoop some fresh resin and place it onto a heated dab nail. The resin will begin to vaporize. 


Inhale the vapor from the mouth end of your dab rig. Make sure the nail isn’t too hot, as this could burn the sauce, damaging THC, other cannabinoids, and terpenes. 


If you’re used to smoking, you can also add live resin to cannabis flowers and smoke them in a joint or blunt. Like vaping, smoking offers a quick onset of effects.

How Should Distillate Be Used?


Distillates are designed for the cannabis consumer who’s more inclined towards taking pure THC, CBD, or any other primary cannabinoid than they are concerned with how a product tastes and smells. 


Like live resin, cannabis distillates can be consumed in numerous ways. 


If you like using inhalable cannabis products, you could buy vape kits pre-filled with distillate. You could also add some distillate to a bowl, pre-roll, or even place a few drops under your tongue. Many companies use distillates to prepare gummies, caramel chews, and other edible craft cannabis goods. 


It’s recommended to start with a small dose of distillate due to the high concentration of THC or CBD in it. Gauge how your body responds to this amount, and take some more if you need to. Make sure you’re aware of how much you use; otherwise, you might be locked to your couch for the next six hours or longer!

Distillate Vs. Live Resin: Which Is Better?


Different strokes for different folks! The cannabis plant has a unique relationship with every cannabis consumer based on their unique needs. Some people can’t use any product unless it has a fresh, appealing aroma. Others couldn’t care less about the smell and taste if the product was packed full of a bouquet of psychotropic compounds.


It is, therefore, not possible to state whether distillates are better than live resin goods. Depending on what kind of experience you are seeking, you can go for either. If you’re looking for a highly potent product with a pure cannabinoid profile, distillates will be perfect for you. If you enjoy cannabis goods with a full spectrum of phytochemicals, you’ll have a great time using resin. 


There's no need to choose between the two right away. You could try both live resin and distillate and see which experience you relish the most.

Does Live Resin Smell More Than Distillate?


Yes. Live resin is tastier and more aromatic than cannabis distillates. 


In order to produce live resin, fresh, frozen cannabis buds' trichomes are used. They, therefore, retain the smell and aroma of the original cultivar that they were extracted from. 


Distillates, on the other hand, are made using dried and cured flowers and are further purged to remove terpenes and other unwanted chemical compounds. Most distillate products, therefore, have no aroma or taste.

Live Resin Vs. Distillate: Which Gets You Higher?


If you go for THC distillates, you’re going to experience a more elevated effect than if you take live resin. This is because THC distillates contain concentrated THC in its purest form, so potency is a given. 


Live resin also contains terpenes and other non-psychotropic compounds, such as CBD, that tend to counteract the effects of THC.


Remember, apart from THC, it’s possible to have other cannabinoids, e.g., CBD, as the primary cannabinoid in a distillate. In this case, you won’t get high since CBD isn’t psychotropic. This is why it’s necessary to identify the effects you’re looking for before buying concentrates.


Live resin is potent, too, but that depends on the cultivar it was sourced from. You can even buy CBD live resin sauces that contain no THC. These are perfect for moments and tasks that require your complete focus and concentration.

Where Can You Find The Best Quality Live Resins And Distillates?


Where you buy your resins and distillates will determine the quality of the product and your overall experience. If you’re new to buying cannabis online, you may feel a little spoilt for choice, considering how many online cannabis stores exist today. 


The Hemp Collect is a cannabis brand that sells premium quality cannabis products at some of the best prices. 


We have everything the cultured cannabis consumer needs, from disposable vape carts to edibles, soft gels, and tinctures. When we founded our company, our mission was to create the highest-quality inputs and goods for our consumers. That remains our goal, one we strive to meet with every single product we sell and every customer we encounter.


Whether you're looking for live resin, distillates, or other craft cannabis goods, you've come to the right place. We will deliver your order directly to your doorstep from the comfort of your own home. Remember, all our products have been tested in the lab and come with a 100% money-back guarantee. There are no better things than that.

You Just Bought Some Live Resin Or Distillate. Now What?


Once you try live resin, distillates, and other similar concentrates, there’s no going back. Super-potent extracts like live resin last a long time. You don't need much, after all. You will, therefore, need to store your products well to ensure they remain potent and aromatic. 


These tips may help: 

  • Sunlight is one of THC’s biggest enemies. UV rays from the sun degrade THC and other essential phytochemicals. Store your resin and distillate in lightproof, airtight containers to prevent this
  • You can place your resin and distillates in the fridge but not in the freezer
  • As a general rule of thumb, cool, dark, and dry places work best. Whatever you do, don’t store your products in a zip-loc bag.
  • You can invest in a humidor to protect your products from fluctuations in humidity.
  • If you have pets or children, ensure your cannabis products are stored safely away in a locked cabinet they can’t reach


Final Thoughts


By combining plant alchemy and new technology, we’ve been able to create high-quality goods that every cannabis consumer can use. Most of our products are cultivar-specific, making it easier for you to target the experience you’d like to have. Our goods are classified into three groups: DAYTRIP, ANYTIME, and KNOCKOUT. 


Our Daytrip goods come with a powerful boost, making them ideal for daytime use. Anytime products are balanced, mild, and mellow and are thus perfect for use, well, anytime. Our Knockout products will do exactly that, so use them in the evening. 


Congratulations! You just embarked on a new chapter of your cannabis consumption story.

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About Ashley Dellinger

Ashley Dellinger is a trailblazer in the cannabis and hemp sectors, serving as the Director of Innovation at The Hemp Collect. With a keen visionary mindset, she not only propels advancements in these industries but also showcases her versatility as a seasoned professional writer based in Oregon. As a collaborative force, Ashley works alongside leading brands, processors, and retailers to elevate industry standards. Ashley Dellinger's work not only sets new benchmarks but also inspires others to pursue excellence. For a closer look into her insights and experiences, connect with Ashley on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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