We get it: there are a lot of cannabis products to keep track of. Recently, many people have been comparing live resin vs. distillate to see which one is right for them — however, not everyone understands how these two marijuana products differ.
That’s why, today, we’re looking specifically at cannabis distillate and live resin to help you better comprehend these products’ unique attributes.
From key differences to even some similarities, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about live resin vs. distillate.
Defining Cannabis Distillate and Live Resin
Before we look closer at how live resin vs. distillate compare, it’s important to define what each product is.
Let’s also look at their extraction processes to have a better understanding of how these cannabis extracts are made, too.
What is Cannabis Distillate?
To get a bit technical, cannabis distillate is a highly purified form of cannabis extract that professionals have carefully refined to isolate a specific cannabinoid — typically THC or CBD. (However, you can find various cannabis distillates focusing on minor cannabinoids.)
The extraction process removes impurities, including cannabis plant matter, waxes, and chlorophyll, resulting in a clear, potent product with nearly pure concentrations that often exceed 90%.
These types of cannabis extracts are ideal for those seeking the most pure products on the market.
You won’t experience the effects of full-spectrum cannabinoids with cannabis distillates purely because their purpose is to isolate compounds, instead.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin, on the other hand, is a type of cannabis concentrate that extractors curate from flash-frozen cannabis flowers.
Essentially, marijuana buds are placed in freezing temperatures — rather than being dried or cured — to help preserve the terpene and cannabinoid contents.
This process creates a very potent, aromatic type of cannabis concentrate that many people flock to because of its all-encompassing profiles.
In other words, live resin’s full-spectrum profile is great for those seeking balanced, powerful experiences. But, if you’re looking for something more isolated… I think you know where this is going.
Live Resin vs. Distillate: Key Differences
Now that you know what live resin and distillate are overall, let’s take a look at some of the main differences that they present when you directly compare them.
Composition and Appearance
When comparing live resin vs. distillate, it’s their appearances that tend to be the most stark.
Because of the extreme refinement process that professionals use for distillate, the product comes out often entirely clear. It is likely going to have that same viscous, honey-like texture that many people are used to seeking from cannabis extracts, but its clarity is going to be unlike anything else.
You may also find cannabis distillate in a powder form. These products are going to be very different in composition than other concentrates, but you can consume them in various ways: sublingually, within edibles, or on top of cannabis flower.
Live resin, on the other hand, is going to be sticky and malleable. It typically comes in a more amber, golden color, but the shades will differ from brand to brand. (Some live resin may even have some crystals within it!)
You’ll usually find this cannabis concentrate in small plastic containers that you can use for dabbing, edibles, or placing on cannabis flower.
Purity
Another key difference between cannabis distillate and live resin are the purity factors. Again, this comes down to the extraction process; however, it’s important to fully understand how these two compare.
Factor | Live Resin | Distillate |
Cannabinoid Purity | Moderate to High (60-80%): Contains a broader range of cannabinoids (e.g., THC, CBD, CBG, CBN) in their natural ratios, but not as concentrated as distillate. | Very High (90%+): Highly purified to isolate a single cannabinoid (e.g., THC or CBD), often exceeding 90% concentration. |
Terpene Content | High (3-10%): Rich in natural terpenes due to flash-freezing of the plant, which preserves aroma and flavor. | Low to None: Terpenes are mostly removed during the distillation process, resulting in a flavorless, odorless product unless terpenes are reintroduced. |
Flavonoids and Other Plant Compounds | Moderate to High: Flavonoids, waxes, and other plant compounds are retained, contributing to the color, flavor, and potential health benefits of live resin. | None: Distillate is refined to remove all other plant compounds, including flavonoids, waxes, and chlorophyll. |
Processing and Refinement | Minimal Refinement: Live resin undergoes fewer extraction and refinement steps, preserving a full-spectrum chemical profile of the cannabis plant. | Extensive Refinement: Distillate goes through multiple refinement steps (winterization, distillation), which removes everything except the desired cannabinoid. |
Consistency | Viscous and Sticky: Retains its natural stickiness and golden color, with a rich, terpene-heavy profile. | Clear and Thick: Has a syrupy, thick consistency and is translucent to almost clear, lacking the natural colors from the original plant material. |
Product Focus | Flavor and Full Spectrum: Prioritizes a full-spectrum experience with rich flavors and a balanced cannabinoid-terpene profile. | Potency and Purity: Designed for users seeking the highest concentration of a single cannabinoid with little to no flavor or aroma. |
Entourage Effect | Strong: Retains a broad range of cannabinoids and terpenes, promoting the entourage effect, where these compounds work synergistically for enhanced effects. | Minimal to None: Due to the absence of terpenes and other cannabinoids, distillate lacks the full entourage effect, delivering a more isolated cannabinoid experience. |
Let’s break it down:
Consumption Methods
There are so many different ways you can enjoy both live resin and THC distillate. Here is what those consumption methods look like for these cannabis concentrates:
Dabbing
Live Resin: Ideal for dabbing because of its sticky, terpene-rich texture. Dabbing live resin cannabis concentrates produces intense flavors and aromas, providing a more authentic strain experience. Live resin concentrates are going to be the most common product form.
Distillate: People rarely use distillate for dabbing because it lacks flavor and aroma. It’s more about high cannabinoid content rather than a full sensory experience.
Edibles
Live Resin: You can find live resin edibles in local dispensaries; however, it’s not super easy to make them at home using this sticky product.
Distillate: A popular choice for edibles because it’s flavorless and odorless, making it easy to incorporate into recipes without altering taste. Distillate also offers precise dosing due to its high concentration of THC or CBD.
Tinctures and Capsules
Live Resin: People typically do not use live resin in tinctures or capsules due to its flavor and full-spectrum profile, which may not be suitable for everyone. The presence of terpenes and minor cannabinoids may give it a stronger taste.
Distillate: Consumers commonly enjoy this in tinctures and capsules because of its purity and flavor neutrality. Distillate allows for precise dosing and a clean experience without the added flavors or effects of terpenes.
Topicals
Live Resin: You don’t typically use live resin in topicals, as the strong terpenes can irritate the skin, and the focus is more on whole-plant effects rather than local relief.
Distillate: Professionals frequently add distillate to topicals for its purity and versatility. It provides cannabinoids without terpenes that might irritate sensitive skin, making it a good choice for creams, balms, and lotions.
Distillate and Live Resin Products
All in all, you can find both live resin and distillates in so many different product forms.
These days, live resin is quickly gaining popularity, and you can commonly come across it within vapes, edibles, and as a plain concentrate itself. Live resin cartridges are also fairly popular these days, too.
Distillates, on the other hand, can be in their powdered form, in sticky concentrate form, or used in non-consumable products like topicals.
Truly, no matter what you’re looking for, cannabis connoisseurs are bound to find distillate and live resin in your perfect form.
Live Resin vs. Distillate: Which One is Right for Me?
So, live resin vs. distillate: which cannabis concentrate is right for you? Well, you’ll want to first decide what your preference is in terms of experience and cannabinoid content.
If you’re someone seeking a more powerful, well-rounded experience, the full-spectrum extract of live resin is going to be best for you.
But, if you want something more concentrated and wholly focused on the cannabinoids you like, cannabis distillates are the way to go.
You should also take the time to determine how you want to consume your products, as this will also influence which one is right for you.
If you’re more into dabbing, vaping, and smoking, live resin may be best; however, those who like making edibles or homemade topicals will find distillates ideal.
Get High-Quality Distillate and Live Resin With An MMJ Card
Whether cannabis distillate or live resin products are going to be your go-to, let Elevate Holistics make getting them a little bit easier — and a whole lot cheaper.
As medical marijuana patients, you gain access to top-quality cannabis plant products that you wouldn’t otherwise.
And, if marijuana is fully legal in your state, you’ll pay a lot less in taxes on your cannabis concentrates, making each purchase more affordable than adult-use consumer’s purchases.
So, if you want the best distillates and live resin at the lowest prices, it’s time to get your medical marijuana card online with Elevate Holistics. Our approval process only takes a few minutes and you can do it all from the comfort of your couch.
Click the button below to get started and enjoy cannabis concentrates in a whole new way.
