Live Resin vs. Distillate: What’s the difference?
Choosing a cartridge can be tricky when presented with a variety of strains, terpenes, potencies, and extraction methods. You may find that certain processes coupled with a specific strain can give you more relief than others, but how do you go about choosing? This blog will identify the differences between live resin and distillate and the benefits you may find in both.
What is “Live Resin?”
Live resin simply means the oil was extracted from a living plant, or one that was flash frozen upon cutting, which preserves the aroma, flavor, and naturally occurring medicinal compounds present within the strain. This process captures the terpene profile of the plant allowing for the full spectrum of cannabinoids to fully express in the bloodstream and provide more comprehensive medicinal support.
Our Pharmers Live Resin cartridges are extracted with Verdes’ own freshly harvested plants with a butane solvent. The butane is then removed by distillation to preserve the purity and flavor of the plant. The goal of this process is to preserve all the terpenes that are normally lost in the decarboxylation process used to create distillates.
What is Distillate?
Distillate prioritizes the THC potency as the end product with focus on creating an oil which is as close to pure THC as possible. This process uses heat to extract oil from cannabis that has already been harvested, dried, and cured. While it produces highly potent THC, it lacks the natural terpenes and other cannabinoids that were present in the original plant material. No natural aromas or terpenes are retained from the extracted material and are often reintroduced after extraction to create a more flavorful product.
Which is best for you?
Depending on the results you are looking for, you may find either of these products effective for alleviating your symptoms. If you find high potency to be your route to comfort, a distillate may provide the highest available percentage of pure THC content for you. However, some people benefit more from the full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids found in live resin. The naturally occurring properties present in the plant work together to provide comprehensive symptom relief.
