As I’ve experimented with numerous cartridges from both categories, I believe that the distinction between these two styles of cannabis is not merely a personal preference issue, but rather a decision regarding two distinct cannabis experiences.
One is designed to provide a strong, customizable, THC high, while the other strives to replicate the full range of the plant's characteristics and provide a genuine, authentic experience of the plant. To help you determine which cartridge to purchase for your needs, we'll break down some key features and differences.
The Core Difference: It Starts with the Process
To compare the two products' effects, we must first understand how they were produced.
What is a Distillate Cartridge?
Distillates are refined through a series of processes to achieve high levels of purity. The initial step is extracting cannabinoids from plant material (usually biomass or trim). This crude extract is then subjected to a process referred to as short-path distillation, where a combination of heat and vacuum pressure is utilized to separate and purify the individual cannabinoids.
The ultimate objective of the distillation process is to achieve extremely high concentrations of THC (and/or CBD), typically exceeding 95% concentration. The resulting distillate is a pure, potent and virtually tasteless oil. As the distillation process removes the plant's natural terpenes (responsible for the plant's flavor and effect), the manufacturer must then re-add "botanical" or "cannabis derived" terpenes to the oil to develop flavor profiles such as "Blue Dream", "OG Kush", etc.
Based on my experience with distillate carts, I believe the intense fruit/candy flavor is a reproduction of the original plant's characteristics rather than a true representation.
What is a Live Resin Cartridge?
Live Resin takes the exact opposite approach to producing the products, focusing on preserving the characteristics of the plant rather than refining them.
Firstly, the process involves cryogenically freezing fresh cannabis plants immediately after they are harvested. By doing this, the plant's chemical makeup is locked-in at its peak level.
Next, the frozen material is extracted using solvents such as butane or propane under extremely cold conditions. This process gently extracts the cannabinoids along with the entire original terpene profile from the live plant. The end-product is a highly concentrated THC oil that is rich in cannabinoids and has a full spectrum of original terpenes, flavonoids, and other minor cannabinoids present.
From my perspective, the first time I smoked a live resin cart from a reputable company such as Cresco or Element, it was eye-opening. The flavor was not just "weedy", it had a distinct and earthy taste that was reflective of the characteristics of the strain and a truly unique experience that I had previously only achieved with high-quality flower.
Side by Side Comparison - The User Experience
With our knowledge of how they are created, let's now see how they function in the real world.
Flavor/Aroma
Distillate carts offer a wide array of bold, clean, and consistent flavors. Since the terpenes are added to the distillate oil, you can essentially find any flavor imaginable such as Watermelon Zkittlez or Pineapple Express. However, the added terpenes can have a chemical or artificial undertone and lack the subtle earthy complexities of the actual plant.
Live Resin carts provide an authentic flavor experience unlike anything else. You taste the strain as it was meant to be tasted - dank, gassy, floral, citrusy, or any other way the plant expresses itself in subtle nuances. The aroma is also true to life. The drawback is that the flavors are less "punchy" and more complex than those of their distillate counterparts.
Effect & Entourage Effect
I believe this is the largest differentiation between the two products.
Distillate effects are generally described as a "one note" or " generic" high. They are primarily a cerebral, THC driven experience. They are often powerful, but can seem empty or fleeting. I have found distillate cartridges to be good for a fast, potent head change, however they seem to lack the depth and long-term effects that live resin carts provide and tend to contribute to increased tolerance faster.
On the other hand, Live Resin carts are the poster children for the entourage effect. The entourage effect is a theory that states cannabinoids and terpenes act in concert to modify and improve the total effect of the cannabis. In practical application, this means a live resin cartridge produces a high that is more layered, more balanced and more representative of the strains characteristics than a distillate cartridge. An example of this would be the energetic and uplifting feeling provided by a live resin sativa and the full body relaxation of a live resin indica. Overall, the effects of a live resin cartridge are more complete and, in my opinion, longer lasting.
Choosing Your Product - A Step-by-Step Guide
Which one is right for you? Let's use a simple three-step guide to help you make a determination.
Step 1: Identify Your Primary Goal
Determine what you are looking for in a vaping session. Do you want:
- The strongest, most potent THC high possible.
- A discreet, flavorful session with little-to-no smell of weed.
- Then, a Distillate Cartridge is probably your best bet. It offers pure, unadulterated power and an abundance of flavorful options.
Do you want:
- An authentic, full-bodied experience of the characteristics of the cannabis plant.
- An experience that replicates the effects of smoking high-quality flower.
- Then, you should look into purchasing a Live Resin Cartridge. You will be getting quality and authenticity instead of raw potency.
Step 2: Consider Your Budget
Budget is always going to be a major consideration in the purchase of a cannabis product. Live resin is almost always more expensive than distillate. Why? Because live resin is created using more expensive plant material (frozen, high-quality flower) and more complicated and expensive equipment to produce.
Distillate is the budget friendly winner. Due to its relatively inexpensive production costs and efficiency in producing a higher volume of product from less expensive plant material, distillate is available to a larger customer base.
Step 3: Choose Your Priorities
Lastly, be honest about what you value most.
- Choose Distillate If: You are a beginner, have no money to spend, or just want a simple, potent, easy-to-use high. There are many good brands that fit into the distillate category, such as Select Essentials or Dime Industries, all of which provide a consistent, strong high.
- Choose Live Resin If: You are an aficionado, a former flower user who wants to get the same type of high with your vape, or someone who thinks distillate vapes do not deliver a full enough experience. The extra money spent will be worth it for the better taste and the more enjoyable, rounded-out high experience. Some of the best brands in this area include Cresco's Liquid Live Resin and Element.
Conclusion
There is no definitive "winner" in the distillate vs. live resin debate. Rather, there is a philosophical dispute.
Distillate represents a pinnacle of human ingenuity, providing unmatched potency and customization of flavors at a reasonable price. Live Resin represents a pinnacle of preservation, preserving the essence of the cannabis plant in a cartridge for a holistic and authentic experience.
For me, there is no contest. While I do keep a distillate cartridge handy for occasions when I require a strong, discreet high, my everyday cartridge is always a live resin cartridge. The rich flavor and depth of effects of the live resin cartridge makes it a more medicinal and enjoyable experience overall. It is the difference between a sugar-laden energy drink and a finely brewed cup of coffee - both will give you a rush, but one is a much more fulfilling experience.