Live Resin vs. Distillate: Key Differences & Choosing Between the Two

When it comes to live resin vs. distillate, you’d be hard-pressed to find two similar-looking products that are so fundamentally different. One is prized for its potency, while the other is prized as a connoisseur-level product worth its weight in gold. 

Understanding the difference between these two cannabis concentrates is key to confidently choosing the best product for your needs. So, what’s the difference? In this THC distillate vs. live resin guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know, including:

• What Is Live Resin?
• What Is Distillate?
• Key Differences Between Live Resin and Distillate
• Live Resin vs. Distillate: Popular Consumption Methods
• Tips for Choosing Between Live Resin and Distillate
  
  

What is Live Resin?

Live resin is a concentrated form of cannabis that captures the plant's essence in its freshest state. It is produced by flash-freezing marijuana flower immediately after harvest. This process preserves the cannabinoids and terpenes in the delicate trichomes, maintaining the original aroma, flavor, and overall potency of the strain. 

The finished product is typically sticky and viscous, with an amber-colored hue. The clearer the color, the fewer the impurities, indicating higher quality. You can find live resin with 65-95% THC content.¹ But it’s not just THC. Live resin also contains a host of terpenes and other valuable cannabinoids, making it perfect for experiencing the entourage effect.²  

Because of its full cannabinoid profile, many cannabis enthusiasts also call live resin the ‘whole plant extract’ or the ‘full-spectrum extract.’ Other names you can find it sold under are ‘fresh frozen extract’ and ‘live extract.’ Regardless of the name on the label, you can enjoy live resin’s full cannabinoid profile through dabbing, vaporizing, or topping a bowl.

THC distillate is a highly refined cannabis extract. It undergoes an extensive solvent-based purification process, resulting in a potent and nearly pure THC concentrate. Distillation separates the cannabinoids from the plant matter and other compounds, giving you a product that’s 90-99% pure THC.³ 

Some members of the cannabis community have taken to calling distillate by other names, such as:

• THC oil
• Pure THC
• Refined THC extract
• THC concentrate
• Distilled THC
  
  

You can enjoy this light-gold, viscous THC-rich liquid by itself or mix it with other cannabis products. For instance, you can vape distillate from a cartridge or mix it with flower in a joint or pipe. You can also find it in edibles and concentrates for dabbing.

However, don’t expect the entourage effect from consuming THC distillate by itself. Live resin’s full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes delivers the entourage effect by enhancing the effects of one another. Distillate, which is also scentless and tasteless, can’t do this because it contains only THC.

• Live Resin:  Solvent-based extraction from flash-frozen cannabis flower
• Distillate: Solvent-based extraction from flower, then distillation to isolate THC
  
  

While comparing live resin vs. distillate, you can’t overlook the differences in their extraction processes. After all, each concentrate's cannabinoid profile is wildly different because of how it is made.

• Live resin extraction involves freezing the cannabis plant immediately after harvest, which preserves the delicate compounds inside it. The frozen plant material is then carefully processed using solvents like butane or propane with the goal of preserving 100% of the terpenes and cannabinoids, resulting in a sticky and flavorful concentrate.
  
  
• Distillate extraction also utilizes solvents, but that process is followed by distillation to isolate the desired cannabinoids. This method removes most impurities and contaminants, resulting in a pure and potent final product that typically has little to no aroma or flavor unless terpenes are added back into the final product.4

While the extraction processes for distillate and live resin may sound straightforward, we strongly advise against attempting them at home. Even the slightest mistake when handling volatile solvents like butane or propane can result in explosions, burns, and exposure to toxic fumes. 

• Live Resin: Full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis plants
• Distillate: Only THC
  
  

In the live resin vs. distillate matchup, live resin wins if you want a product with a full cannabinoid and terpene profile. Live resin is considered a full-spectrum extract because it retains a wider range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds present in the original plant material.⁵ 

Many cannabis enthusiasts feel that by preserving all the compounds found in marijuana, you can have a more authentic experience when you consume it. This experience is called the entourage effect.

Distillate, on the other hand, typically contains only one cannabinoid (usually THC if you’re shopping at your local dispensary). This makes distillate the better choice if you want a purely THC product.

Also, since distillate contains zero or only trace amounts of terpenes, it’s typically neutral-tasting and smelling. If you don’t like marijuana’s smell or taste, distillate’s flavorlessness may make it the better choice, especially when comparing full-spectrum vs. distillate edibles.

• Live Resin: 65-95%
• Distillate: 90-99%
  
  

Distillate has a THC content of 90-99%, while live resin can have 65-95% THC content. These high THC levels mean a small dose of either product is enough to experience psychoactive effects.

Now, you might be thinking distillate’s higher THC content will cause stronger psychoactive effects, but this isn’t necessarily true. It’s believed that marijuana’s effects are more pronounced when terpenes and other cannabinoids are present because of the entourage effect.⁶ Since THC distillate contains only trace amounts of other cannabinoids, there’s no guarantee that its psychoactive effects will be stronger than live resin’s.

• Live Resin: Smells and tastes like cannabis
• Distillate: Neutral taste and odorless
  
  

If you prefer a flavorful and aromatic cannabis experience, live resin’s marijuana-forward flavor wins the distillate vs. live resin contest. Its fresh cannabis taste and smell come from having a rich terpene content. 

But what are terpenes? 

They are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinct flavors and aromas. Since THC distillate loses almost all of its terpenes during extraction and purification, it has a barely noticeable taste and smell. Also, keep in mind that the exact smell or taste of a batch of live resin will depend on the cannabis strain from which it was made.

• Live Resin: Slightly more expensive 
• Distillate: Slightly less expensive 
  
  

If comparing live resin vs. distillate for affordability, distillate takes the win. Live resin often costs more because of its more complex and labor-intensive production process.

Many dispensaries sell pre-made live resin and distillate edibles. Live resin edibles offer a more flavorful and aromatic encounter, allowing you to enjoy the natural taste and scent of the cannabis strain.⁷ 

Distillate edibles, on the other hand, provide a more consistent and potent experience, as they are formulated with a highly concentrated extract but no terpenes or flavonoids. By eliminating these compounds, you’re going to taste the recipe of the edible, be it sweet or savory, far more than you will taste the marijuana product you’re consuming.

If you’re a fan of making your own edibles, THC distillate may be the better option than live resin. THC distillate is fully decarboxylated, making it ready to be mixed directly into foods and beverages. In contrast, live resin contains THCA, meaning you can’t simply add it to food and drinks without first heating it to activate (decarb) the THC. This activation process can risk compromising the delicate terpene profile that gives live resin its unique flavor and aroma. 

When it comes to vape cartridges, distillate and live resin offer distinct experiences. Distillate cartridges provide a consistent and potent dose of THC without the added flavors and aromas of the plant. 

Live resin cartridges, on the other hand, capture the essence of the strain.⁸ By ‘essence,’ we mean the original cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis used to make the live resin. So, if the source cannabis plant had high THC levels and citrusy terpenes, the final live resin cart would also be citrusy and high in THC. 

In summary, when considering distillate vs. live resin carts, your best choice will depend on your desired experience. If you want a flavorful, full-spectrum vaping experience, live resin cartridges are the better option. But if you prefer a high THC content—over 90%—without distinctive cannabis flavors, choose distillate carts.

We can’t talk about live resin vs. distillate without covering the two most popular ways to enjoy these concentrates: dabbing and smoking. 

Dabbing involves heating a concentrate on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor. Smoking, on the other hand, involves directly applying flames to a concentrate in a joint or pipe and inhaling the resulting smoke.

While you can dab live resin and distillate by themselves, you can’t smoke them alone. This is because live resin and distillate aren’t exactly combustible. To smoke these concentrates, you would need to mix them with flower in a joint or pipe before lighting up. As the flower gradually burns, so will the distillate or resin, resulting in a smooth, even burn.

Why are smoking and dabbing popular among distillate and live resin fans? The simple answer is high bioavailability. Smoking and dabbing’s high bioavailability lets you experience a cannabis concentrate’s effects faster and more potently.⁹ 

Live resin and distillate are both potent cannabis products but with different effects. Distillate’s high THC content leaves hardly any room for terpenes and other cannabinoids, making it ideal for a pure THC experience. Also, its flavorlessness lets you mix it into foods and drinks without changing their flavor. 

Live resin, on the other hand, contains all the compounds available in a cannabis plant, including THC, CBD, and terpenes. Its cannabinoid diversity provides a full-spectrum experience with a rich cannabis flavor. Another thing to consider when comparing live resin vs. distillate is that live resin typically costs a little more. 

You can’t go wrong with either concentrate. If you have additional questions, a budtender at your local dispensary can help point you in the right direction. 

You should never feel weird about asking questions—it’s what we’re here for! Here are a few questions we’ve answered about live resin vs. distillate cannabis products:

Are live resin products more expensive than distillate products?
Yes, live resin products tend to be slightly more expensive due to the specialized extraction process and the preservation of the plant's original qualities.

Does live resin get you “higher”?
This is a complicated question as it depends on the psychoactive experience—or “high” —you’re seeking.¹⁰ Live resin’s diverse cannabinoid and terpene profile are more closely aligned with specific flower strains, which means the effects may be similar. However, because distillate is pure THC, it is generally more potent than live resin but without the flavorful and complex experience.

Is live resin better than distillate?
The choice between live resin and distillate depends entirely on your personal preference. If you enjoy a multi-sensory experience, you’re definitely going to want to try live resin.

Which is more potent, live resin or distillate?
If you’re referring to THC potency, distillate’s 90-99% THC content trumps live resin’s 65-95% THC content. However, this doesn’t guarantee that distillate will cause more powerful psychoactive effects than live resin, which has the advantage of the entourage effect.

What are the main differences in flavor between live resin and distillate?
Live resin has a noticeable marijuana taste and smell that reflects the flavor profile of the specific cannabis strain used to make it. Distillate, on the other hand, is highly purified to contain only trace terpenes, leading to no distinct taste or smell.

Can live resin and distillate be used in edibles?
Yes, they can. Live resin edibles will have a noticeable cannabis flavor and a full cannabinoid profile, while distillate edibles contain high THC content without a cannabis taste. If you’re going to make your own edibles, distillate may be the way to go since it’s already been decarboxylated.

Are there any differences in how live resin and distillate are consumed?
You can consume live resin and distillate in many of the same ways, including dabbing, vaping, and ingesting. However, unlike distillate, which is mostly tasteless, live resin will have a pronounced cannabis flavor, regardless of how you consume it.

Which extraction method is more environmentally friendly?
Distillate and live resin production both rely on solvents like butane to extract cannabinoids. However, distillate production may be less eco-friendly because it requires more energy to extract, isolate, and purify THC.

Now that you’ve reached the end of our live resin vs. distillate roundup, you’re probably eager to try these concentrates yourself. Just remember that both cannabis concentrates are potent with high THC levels. However, while distillate provides only THC, live resin retains the cannabis plant’s full cannabinoid and terpene profile. 

Whether you choose to try distillate or live resin, get it at a state-licensed dispensary. Shopping for concentrates at state-licensed dispensaries is your best choice because they stock only legally compliant, accurately labeled, and third-party-tested cannabis products. 

Find a dispensary near you today to buy live resin or distillate.

Sources:

1. “What Is Live Resin? Everything You Need to Know,” cannabisandglass.com, March 28, 2021, https://cannabisandglass.com/what-is-live-resin-everything-you-need-to-know/

2. “Marijuana And The Entourage Effect,” Cannabis Control Division Montana, May 13, 2024, https://mtrevenue.gov/cannabis/education/marijuana-and-the-entourage-effect

3. “THC Distillate: What It Is and How to Use It,” Veriheal, May 14, 2024, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/what-is-thc-distillate

4. “How to Make Cannabis Distillate,” precisionextraction.com, April 14, 2021, https://precisionextraction.com/2021/04/how-to-make-cannabis-distillate/

5. “What Is Live Resin - Benefits and Uses,” potcodispensary.com, August 1, 2023, https://potcodispensary.com/blog/what-is-live-resin

6. “Quality Not Quantity: Does THC Percentage Matter?” timbercannabisco.com, February 4, 2022, https://timbercannabisco.com/why-thc-percentage-doesnt-matter

7. “Live Resin Edibles vs Distillate Edibles: What’s the difference?” thehigherpath.com, October 25, 2022, https://thehigherpath.com/live-resin-edibles-vs-distillate-edibles-whats-the-difference/

8. “What is live resin?” weedmaps.com, December 29, 2017, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/live-resin

9. “Mechanisms of Action and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabis,” National Library of Medicine, November 30, 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8803256/

10. “What’s the Difference Between Live Resin and Distillate?” leafwell.com, February 21, 2023, https://leafwell.com/blog/live-resin-vs-distillate/