Using cannabis concentrates is one of the best ways to get high. Unlike smoking weed, you can vape cannabis concentrates like live resin and distillate discreetly, whether you are at your out at a party or at home and want to unwind after a stressful day of work.
Distillate and live resin are the most common concentrates in the market, and many people wonder which option is better. To determine which option is better for you, we’ll review the key differences between these two concentrates, such as how they are made, what they contain, their potential benefits, and more!
Whether you prefer live resin or distillate, Vapes has you covered! Check out some of our best-selling live resin and distillate choices below!
Key Takeaways
- Both live resin and distillate are concentrates extracted from cannabis or hemp plants.
- The main difference between live resin and distillate are compounds found in each concentrate.
- Because live resin contains terpenes, other cannabinoids, and flavor compounds – many users report it can give you a more intense and satisfying high.
- Vaping live resin and distillate is the most convenient way to consume either of these concentrates.
- Live resin and distillate products are safe when you purchase them from trustworthy brands – like Botany Farms and Mellow Fellow
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Concentrates are extracts made from cannabis and hemp plants, and used to make cannabis products, such as vapes and edibles. Some cannabis extracts are more potent and extra long-lasting than cannabis flowers, depending on the type and THC percentage.
Although some concentrates are hemp-derived and comply with the 2018 Farm Bill that only allows a specific amount of THC, these concentrates and hemp products can still get you high, thanks to other minor cannabinoids. Live resin and distillate are two of the most common concentrates, especially in vape products.
What Is Live Resin Concentrate?
Live resin is a cannabis or hemp concentrate that is made by freezing freshly harvested cannabis to retain all its compounds for extraction, resulting in a darker amber color and a thicker viscosity.
This extract can produce very potent effects because of all of its compounds when consumed together. Live resin can be made out of most cannabinoids, that’s why you’ve probably seen products like live resin Delta-9 or live resin Delta-8.
What Is Distillate Concentrate?
Distillate is a highly-refined cannabis concentrate that filters out the unnecessary components of a cannabis plant. Because it only contains only one cannabinoid, it might not produce the same full effects when consuming distillate over live resin.
Plus, without the terpenes and flavor compounds – distillate is odorless and lacks flavor compared to smoking actual cannabis flower.
Live Resin vs. Distillate: How Are They Made?
Live resin is made by freezing freshly harvested cannabis or hemp plants before extraction. The reason behind freezing them in this state is to retain their cannabinoid and terpene content and include these compounds in the extract. Gain insight into how cannabinoids like THCA flower is made to better understand what goes in to making live resin & distillate.
After freezing the plants, live resin is extracted using lab-grade equipment. The process must be done by professionals to ensure that the final product is safe for consumption.
These preserved compounds give the extract a strong aroma, depending on the terpene content and flavors that come from flavonoids that were preserved during the freezing process.
On the other hand, distillate goes through a more complex process. It starts with dried and cured plants, and the extraction process requires high temperatures to ensure that it only extracts a specific cannabinoid for more purity.
Main Difference In Live Resin And Distillate
Aside from the extraction process and physical differences, one of the key differences between live resin and distillate is its contents. While live resin contains various cannabinoids and compounds like terpenes and flavonoids, distillate only contains a high concentration of either pure THC or CBD.
The difference in their contents makes each concentrate produce slightly different effects. Although both options are psychoactive and intoxicating – the terpenes and other compounds in live resin make the high more intense.
Does Live Resin Get You Higher Than Distillate?
Live resin can, in fact, get you higher than distillate because it contains various compounds that work in synergy to create a more satisfying high, enhancing something called the entourage effect. These compounds are not present in distillate, which means it cannot produce the same effect but can still get you pretty high.
What Is The Entourage Effect In Cannabis?
The entourage effect in weed happens when cannabinoids like THC, CBD, HHC, and other natural compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants are consumed together.
Anecdotal evidence and user reports say that the terpenes in live resin enhance the high of the psychoactive substances, producing a fuller, more well-balanced effect—the entourage effect.
Does Distillate Have Terpenes?
No, distillate’s extraction process eliminates all other cannabis compounds, including terpenes. There might be just a little terpene and other cannabinoid content left in the mix, but not enough to affect the flavor and effects.
Live Resin vs. Distillate: Potential Benefits
Although more research is needed to prove it, anecdotal evidence suggests that different terpenes have various therapeutic effects. Because distillate only contains the psychoactive compound in weed, live resin tends to have more potential benefits because of its terpene content.
Some of these benefits may include relaxing and calming effects, anti-inflammatory properties, energizing effects, and more.
How To Smoke Distillate And Live Resin Concentrates
Live resin and distillate will usually come in vape cartridges and disposable vapes, but here are some of the ways to smoke or consume live resin and distillate concentrates:
Vaping
Vaping is the most convenient way to use live resin and distillate concentrates. It’s not a good idea to smoke a joint or bowl in some situations, especially if you don’t want anybody to find out. If you want to unwind and get high discreetly at weddings, parties, or even at home – you can vape and get high with a small device that could fit your pockets. Check out our choices for live resin disposables below!
Dabbing
Dabbing is another way to consume live resin and distillate, but compared to vaping, dabbing could be a tedious way to smoke it – even if you are at home. However, dabbing might be an excellent choice for smoking all the left-over concentrates from used cartridges and disposable vapes.
Infuse In Joint Or Sprinkle In Bowl
If you happen to have live resin oil or shatter, you can also sprinkle some on a packed bowl or on a joint before you roll it up. The extra THC concentration will definitely kick your high up a notch!
Pros And Cons
There are many advantages of vaping live resin and distillate over dabbing and infusion, such as it is more convenient and you can do it anywhere. Although cartridges and disposable vapes can be quite pricey, the convenience and potency when vaping these concentrates are definitely worth it.
Can You Eat Distillate And Live Resin?
Because both distillate and live resin are used to make edibles, users can straight-up eat these concentrates and feel more intense effects. But be warned, the effects of eating concentrates directly can be stronger and last longer. So make sure you control your intake if you decide to consume them like this.
Is Live Resin Better Than Distillate?
Because live resin is not dangerous, more potent, flavorful, and may have potential benefits and therapeutic effects compared to distillate, it is safe to say that it is better. If you are smoking weed to get high, the more satisfying high and better diversity of effects and benefits goes to live resin.
Although a more potent high might not be for everybody, a lot of users still prefer live resin over distillate because they can always limit their consumption to feel a high they are comfortable with.
Live Resin vs. Distillate, Which Is Best For You?
Live resin and distillate can get you high, but live resin contains other compounds that can make the high much more enjoyable. Distillate might be pure THC, but THC isn’t the only thing you need if you want a better experience when vaping.
However, the type of high depends on the user’s preference, so how do you find out which option is best for you?
When To Use Live Resin
If you want a potent high with specific effects depending on your mood, live resin and its terpenes can either get you super relaxed and glued to your couch or make you more creative and productive.
It all depends on the product and its terpene profile – which only live resin has. In addition, long-time cannabis smokers will enjoy live resin more because the effects are close to smoking actual cannabis flowers – but more potent and longer lasting.
When To Use Distillate
Because distillate is pure THC without the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes, it might not satisfy most users. However, distillate is an excellent choice for people who love the high but not the pungent aroma. You can also use distillate to infuse THC into your cooking without compromising the flavor and smell of your dish.
Distillate vs. Live Resin — Final Thoughts
Both distillate and live resin are extracts from cannabis and hemp plants, meaning either of these options can get you high. But unlike distillate, live resin adds more to the mix than just a potent high.
The compounds it contains, such as the various cannabinoids and terpenes produce more effects and potential benefits that distillate cannot give you.
If you are looking for a concentrate that produces a “familiar” high that is closest to smoking the cannabis flower itself – live resin is undoubtedly the best choice.
Where To Buy Live Resin Vape Online
For many cannabis users and enthusiasts, live resin is the best choice because it can produce a more satisfying high thanks to its terpenes and the inclusion of other minor cannabinoids.
If you want to experience the entourage effect when vaping we recommend brands like Mellow Fellow, and Botany Farms.
Keep in mind that these disposable vapes can be used right out of the box, meaning you don’t have to buy a separate battery to use the device. Here are some of our best-selling live resin products:
If you’re team distillate, we still have something for you! We have sources for some of the best distillate vapes, made with different cannabinoid combinations, flavors, and effects.