Live Rosin vs Distillate vs Live Resin

Whether you are shopping for cannabis concentrates or vape carts, there are three specific types of extracts you’ll come across more often than not: live rosin, live resin, and THC distillate. All of these concentrates are potent, and each can have advantages. But it is also a good idea to know the differences so you can make the best decisions for your personal preferences.

What’s the difference between live rosin vs resin? What about distillate? Take a closer look at these three similar but very different cannabis extracts, how they are made, and what effects to expect below.

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What is live resin?

• Pros: Flavorful and highly potent
• Cons: Not a solventless extract, which is not ideal for everyone
• Potency: ~90% THC

Live resin is a highly potent cannabis extract made by using solvents to extract the THC and other compounds from the plant. The potency of live resin can push as high as 90%, depending on the precise extraction process used and the strain the extract was taken from.

“Live” used to tag rosin or resin means the extract was taken from live plants before the plants had undergone the curing process. This means the extraction occurs when terpenes and cannabinoids are at their peak concentration levels. Live resin is extracted in a way to maintain as many terpenes as possible, but some more delicate ones may be lost in the process. Nevertheless, live rosin tends to be highly flavorful.

What is live rosin?

• Pros: Contains full-spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids from the strain
• Cons: Can be pricier than distillate or live rosin
• Potency: ~85 – 90% THC

Live rosin is similar to live resin, except for one crucial detail. The primary difference between live resin vs live rosin vs distillate is the fact that live rosin is the only one of the three that is made without solvents. Instead, the extract is taken from the flower using heat and pressure. The extract is then purified further to remove plant matter. Therefore, the end result is a highly terpene-rich, and highly potent extract that maintains the natural characteristics of the plant.

Live rosin can also have THC percentages near 90%. However, it will also contain the full-spectrum of other cannabinoids and terpenes, which often leads to a more flavorful concentrate. Live rosin is often considered to be a “premium” cannabis concentrate because it does stay so true to the strain.

What is distillate?

• Pros: Highly potent and versatile extract
• Cons: Contains almost no terpenes or minor cannabinoids
• Potency: As high as 99% THC

Cannabis distillate is one of the purest forms of THC concentrate available. The extract is taken from the plant using a distillation process, which eliminates almost all the other cannabinoids and plant compounds. This leads to one of the most potent THC concentrates available, with some products nearing almost 99%. Therefore, the difference between a live resin or live rosin vs distillate cart products is the cart will likely be more potent.

The distillate cart will also often contain added ingredients for flavor, as terpenes are usually broken down during distillation. This lack of terpenes is also one reason THC distillate is commonly used in the production of cannabis edibles because the manufacturer has greater control over creating a targeted flavor without terpenes interfering.

Distillate vs Live Rosin vs Live Resin Effects

While live resin, live rosin, and distillate all contain high levels of THC, each can have unique effects due to the differences in extraction processes and compound makeup. In general, THC distillate will be the most extreme when it comes to potency and effects. The effects are usually immediate, and the high is more intense. Similarly, live resin, which can be somewhat higher on the THC scale, can have more profound effects.

Live rosin generally contains a more robust terpene collection and slightly lower THC percentage, as well as minor cannabinoids. Therefore, the effects can be a little less intense and more balanced.

Shop for the Best Cannabis Concentrates and Extracts at Green Choice Cannabis

Whether you are looking to explore various cannabis concentrates in raw form or in a vape, we have one of the most extensive collections at Green Choice Cannabis. Take some time to explore our menu online, and if you have questions, we’re always happy to offer guidance along the way. Feel free to stop in for a visit at our Blackstone, MA dispensary for advice.

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