If you’re shopping for cannabis vapes or concentrates, you’ve likely seen both distillate and live resin on the menu. But what’s the difference?
In this overview, we’ll cover:
- How each extract is made
- How they feel
- Why someone who uses distillate might want to give live resin a try
What is Distillate?
Cannabis distillate is a highly refined extract designed to isolate specific cannabinoids (most commonly THC).
During the distillation process, cannabis oil is heated and purified until nearly everything except the target cannabinoid is removed. The result is a clear, potent oil that often tests very high in THC content.
Because most natural terpenes are removed during refinement, we typically add all natural terpenes back in to shape flavor and effect.
The short version:
- Very high THC potency
- Minimal plant compounds remaining (primarily THC)
- Consistent, predictable effects
- Common in vape cartridges and edibles
What Is Live Resin?
Live resin is a cannabis extract made from fresh, flash-frozen plants rather than dried and cured flower.
By freezing the plant right after harvest, we keep more of the plant’s original terpene profile.
Because live resin retains more of the plant’s natural chemical profile, it’s often described as more flavorful and strain-specific in terms of effects.
What that means for you:
- High strain-specific terpene content
- Stronger aroma and flavor
- More “true-to-strain” experience
- Common in premium live vape carts and concentrates (sugars and badders)
Consumers often report that live resin feels more dynamic or layered compared to distillate.
Why Someone Who Uses Distillate Might Like Live Resin
If you already use distillate, live resin can feel like an upgrade in flavor and experience, not necessarily potency.
You might prefer live resin if you:
- Want more noticeable flavor and aroma
- Are exploring strain-specific effects
- Want an experience closer to consuming flower
Live resin preserves more of the plant’s original chemistry, which can appeal to consumers who want a product that reflects the full expression of the strain.
Which One Is Better?
They’re both good options, but they meet different preferences.
Choose distillate if you want:
- High potency
- Simplicity
- Consistency
- Budget-friendly options
Choose live resin if you want:
- Flavor depth
- Strain expression
- Terpene-forward effects
- A more plant-authentic experience
Both extracts can deliver strong effects. The big difference is in terpene preservation, flavor complexity, and how closely the product reflects the original plant.
If you’re exploring cannabis vapes or concentrates, consider what matters most to you: potency, flavor, price, or strain expression.
When in doubt, ask your budtender about terpene profiles and product types to find the best fit for your goals.
