Distillate vs. Live Resin: What's Better for Vaping?
It used to be that smoking cannabis flower was your only option when it came to ingesting the herb. However, thanks to technology and a burgeoning legalized cannabis industry, there are now more options than ever for cannabis enthusiasts.
Two popular methods of consumption are smoking distillate and dabbing live resin, both effective modes of delivering cannabis to your body. But what’s the difference and which method is better? Let’s break down cannabis distillate vs. live resin.
What is Distillate?
Distillate is defined as a “viscous, golden liquid created by refining cannabis resin,” per Leafly. You’ll find distillate in weed vapes, as well as topicals, gummies, and edibles. The distillation process is what allows manufacturers to isolate THC and/or CBD into a super pure form, upwards of 99 percent purity.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin is a yellowish, almost taffy-like substance derived from refining fresh cannabis flower that’s been frozen. Like distillate, live resin contains pure forms of THC and/or CBD. Dabbing is the most popular way to use live resin.
How is Distillate Made?
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Flavor, odor, and potency are all considerations as you choose between distillate and live resin concentrates.[/caption]
Prior to distillation, Cannabis Tech explains that crude cannabis oil is first extracted from the flower. Chemists then put this through a refining process called winterization, which is how they remove the fatty and waxy substances. Finally, the oil may go through decarboxylation.
After that, the oil is ready for distillation with the goal of attaining a higher cannabis purity. Essentially, the process heats the cannabis oil to the boiling point, and then condenses the cannabinoids. This removes the terpenes and only the finest cannabinoids remain.
How is Live Resin Made?
Similar to the rendering of distillate, live resin is created using a solvent such as propane or butane. However, live resin is made from cannabis flower that’s frozen at the time of harvest. This allows the terpenes to remain in the final product after separation and condensation.
Distillate vs. Live Resin: Choosing the Right Concentrate
Now you know the difference between distillate and live resin, as well as how producers make both substances. But, are you wondering which one is better for you. That depends on your taste preferences, your living situation, and how you like to ingest your cannabis.
Regarding your taste preferences, distillate has very little taste or odor. This makes it suitable for vapes, but you will also find it in other products like edibles.
However, if you enjoy the flavor of cannabis flower and don’t want to lose that in a concentrated form, live resin is for you. Consider yourself a cannabis connoisseur if you know you need terpenes in your smoke for maximum enjoyment.
The next thing to consider when pondering distillate vs. live resin is your living situation. For starters, if you live in a condo or share a home with people who don’t enjoy cannabis (or shouldn’t, like children), opt for odorless distillate.
If you live on your own and no one minds, on the other hand, you are free to enjoy live resin and the potent smells the smoke produces. It’s similar to appreciating the taste of wine.
Finally, if you’re a fan of vaping, it’s pretty clear by now that distillate is for you. But if you are known for being a master of dabbing, live resin is your best bet.
Maybe you’re now wondering, “Hmm, where can I find distillate near me?” Or maybe you have a live resin itch to scratch? Either way, Mountain Remedy has you covered. We have both in stock, ready for you to pick up.
Distillate vs. Live Resin: What Will You Choose?
Distillate and live resin are both excellent concentrates to deliver cannabis into your body. They both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences. You might also find that you prefer ingesting one or the other on different days or in different situations.