Live Resin vs. Distillate: Which Weed Cart Is Better?

What Is Live Resin?

Live resin is a form of cannabis concentrate made by flash-freezing fresh marijuana plants. This process helps to ensure that live resin concentrate retains a lot of the natural flavor and aroma of the plants.

The process of creating live resin begins by quickly freezing cannabis, often referred to as “fresh freezing” or “flash freezing,” using super-low temperatures achieved with dry ice or cryogenic freezing systems. Once frozen, the plant material is treated with a solvent, such as butane or propane, and then further processed to purge residual solvents and extract its compounds.

This method is different from traditional cannabis extraction processes because it bypasses the typical curing and drying steps. Curing and drying expose the plant’s trichomes to heat, light, and oxygen, potentially reducing the natural terpene content by as much as 55%.

Live resin is therefore considered to be a “full-spectrum” product. It retains much of the plant’s natural cannabinoids (like THC and CBD), terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds.

Pros of Live Resin Carts

Because the terpenes and flavonoids are not removed during the processing, live resin tastes more like the different strains of raw cannabis it is made from. This makes it a favorite among those who value the intricate terpene profiles of cannabis.

Unlike something like a distillate, which generally only includes a specific cannabinoid like THC or CBD, live resin has the potential to deliver the therapeutic benefits of all the minor cannabinoids present in the plant.

Experts often highlight that terpenes, cannabinoids, and other cannabis compounds work synergistically to enhance the plant’s effects, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. Maintaining higher levels of these compounds may strengthen this distinctive interaction.

Cons of Live Resin Carts

If you have never used a live resin cart before, the cost can be a bit of a shock. Live resin carts are generally considerably more expensive to buy than “normal” weed carts and even distillate.

If you prefer specific cannabinoids, such as only THC or only CBD, the full-spectrum nature of live resin won’t be very suitable. Because the whole plant is used, the carts will contain traces of all cannabinoids the plant contains.

The THC potency of live resin products is lower than that of carts containing distillate, usually between 50 and 80%. However, it is generally at the lower end and the retention of other cannabinoids often smooths out the effects.

A downside for some users will be the smell. Live resin smells like weed when vaped, so it isn’t very discreet and might not be suitable for users who don’t want others to know they are using cannabinoids.

What Is Distillate?

Distillate is a highly refined cannabis concentrate known for its purity and potency. It undergoes a complex extraction and distillation process that isolates a specific cannabinoid, usually THC or CBD, while removing most other compounds, including terpenes, waxes, and lipids. The result is a clear, viscous oil, often containing cannabinoid levels exceeding 90%.

The distillation process begins with cannabis plant material, which is subjected to an extraction process using solvents like ethanol or CO₂. The initial extract then undergoes a series of advanced filtration and distillation steps that refine the product, removing impurities and leaving behind a nearly pure cannabinoid concentrate.

This multi-step process strips away terpenes and other minor cannabinoids, creating a product focused on potency over flavor.

Distillate is popular for its versatility and high THC content. Because it is odorless and flavorless in its pure form, manufacturers often reintroduce terpenes (sometimes from cannabis, but also other plants) to create specific flavor profiles and effects.

Pros of Distillate Carts

The concentration of the target cannabinoid (THC, CBD, etc) in distillate carts is commonly more than 90%. That means that the effects can be particularly potent.

If you use THC for pain relief, a cart with a high concentration of that cannabinoid and none of the other compounds could be particularly beneficial.

For users who do not like the flavor and smell of cannabis, distillate carts can be an almost perfect option. The distillation process removes almost all of the compounds that make weed taste and smell like weed.

Distillate carts are generally less expensive than live resin carts, and the high concentration could mean they need to be used less intensely. Some users might find distillate carts much more cost-effective in the long term.

Cons of Distillate Carts

The distillation process is intensive and complex, making it a more expensive option than some other concentrates. Distillate carts are, however, almost always cheaper than live resin carts.

Because the distillation process removes almost all of the terpenes and other compounds that give cannabis its flavor, distillate carts often have artificial flavors or terpenes added after processing. That isn’t ideal if you prefer a more natural experience.

The lack of any cannabinoids (other than the target cannabinoid), terpenes, flavonoids, and other natural compounds in distillate may provide a less-rounded therapeutic experience compared to concentrates such as live resin.

Live Resin and Distillate Cart Safety

Both live resin and distillate weed carts are generally safe if used responsibly and if they are made by reputable manufacturers who adhere to quality standards.

Live resin typically retains more of the plant’s natural compounds, including terpenes and minor cannabinoids. While this can enhance flavor and effects, it also means live resin carts may include small amounts of residual solvents if the extraction process isn’t done properly. Choosing products from brands that conduct third-party lab testing is crucial to ensure they are free of harmful contaminants.

Distillate is less likely to contain residual plant material or other impurities. However, as the terpenes are stripped out, some manufacturers reintroduce synthetic terpenes or terpenes not derived from cannabis to enhance flavor. These additives may not always be as safe as users might like. Consumers should look for brands that openly disclose their terpene sources and conduct thorough safety testing.

Live Resin Vs. Distillate: Which Should You Choose?

As you can see from the information above, both live resin and distillate carts have pros and cons. As with so much in life, a particular choice is never going to perfectly suit the needs and requirements of everyone. Before you choose between live resin and distillate carts, consider the following:

Choose Live Resin Cart If:

1. You value natural flavor and aroma.
2. You want a balanced, full-spectrum high.
3. You don’t mind paying slightly more for carts.
4. You want the effects of THC with added depth.
5. You are willing to check lab results carefully.

Choose Distillate Carts If:

1. You are looking for maximum THC/CBD potency.
2. You prefer a discreet weed vaping experience.
3. You want a simple, uncomplex flavor profile.
4. You don’t want to pay the premium for live resin.
5. You want a cart that is less likely to contain impurities.

The Bottom Line

Live resin and distillates are just two of the cannabis concentrates available, but might reasonably be considered the two that are most different in terms of the vaping experience they deliver.

Choosing the one that is best for you will very much be about the effects you desire and the taste and odor experience you want. Hopefully, the comparison above will make that choice easier.