The Ultimate Guide To Live Rosin, Resin, Full Spectrum, and Distillate Cartridges
Over the last year, anyone who’s been in a cannabis dispensary has seen the cartridge menu slowly expand.
The booming demand for concentrates and cartridges has pushed for innovation and improvement of products. Also, with the accessible cost of carts, people are looking for strong and quality highs, which is great when your options are continually improving!
Though you may have been wondering about some of the terms you’re hearing and asking yourself things like “what does full-spectrum mean?” or “what are live resin carts?” and how they differ from a typical cart. While we can certainly answer these questions in-store, these can be pretty in-depth answers and may include a lot of information to digest on the spot.
So we’re here to save the day and give you a handy breakdown that you can take in at your own pace! This blog is an extension of our introduction to carts blog, and we recommend everyone interested in this type of product to check them both out!
The Basics of Distillate Vape Cartridges
The key point to remember is that most cartridges contain THC distillate. This distillate is obtained by separating THC from the cannabis plant using various methods such as CO2 extraction or fractal distillation. This process results in an oil containing cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. The oil is then purified to remove any extraction residues and plant matter before undergoing further distillation to isolate THC or sometimes CBD exclusively. This creates a THC distillate, where botanically-derived terpenes are added to enhance the effects and flavor of the cartridge.
These terpenes are obtained similarly to cannabinoids. For example, there are many products like the Boxhot Cherry Kush Cartridge, which contains THC distillate with added botanical terpenes to closely resemble the plant’s flavor and effect profile.
The chemists who develop these carts can work some real magic while doing so, even going so far as Sticky Greens creating their Carnival Clouds Cartridge, making it taste like cotton candy!
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That being said, though, while these carts are still fantastic products, they’re hardly true to the type of experience you get from the smoking flower.
This is where full-spectrum carts come in.
The Full Spectrum Vape Cartridge
A full-spectrum cart is processed so that instead of only extracting the THC during the plant’s distillation process, all they do is clean the oil and prepare it for packaging. Then, instead of distilling the components of the resulting oil into parts they believe are most desirable, producers give consumers a product that is almost identical to the strain or group they advertise it as.
While some cannabinoids and terpenes are going to be lost in the process of creating this full-spectrum oil, generally speaking, what you receive in a full-spectrum cart is the naturally occurring cannabinoid and terpene composition of whatever bud they used.
These carts leave you with a more complex and twisty high that is more similar to smoking the whole bud in a bowl, dry-herb vape, or a pre-roll! These products are becoming increasingly popular in the legal market and are priced very competitively with the THC-distillate carts. While our Budtenders still enjoy distillate carts, many of us will recommend a full-spectrum cart off the bat if you ask us which ones we prefer.
The Live Resin Vape Cartridge
A live resin cart is very similar to a full-spectrum cart but not identical. What is important to know is that all live resin carts are full-spectrum, but not all full-spectrum carts are live resin.
The difference comes down to if the bud was cured/dried or not. Some may recognize this term as being a dabable product…because it is!
For newbies, what’s important to know is what live resin means. It is a very specific type of cannabis product. When producers describe a cannabis product as “live”, they mean that the bud was not dried or cured before being processed. Live resin is made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from fresh cannabis plants that have been flash-frozen immediately after harvest. This freezing process helps preserve the plant’s natural terpene profile. The extraction process involves using a solvent, like butane or propane, to strip the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material.
This means that the subsequent product has the essence of the live flower! Live products are incredibly tasty and nuanced in their flavour profiles, as some of the more sensitive terpenes that deteriorate quickly in the curing process are more prominent in whatever you’re enjoying.
In contrast, in cured bud, they often have only a very faint profile. The difference in flavour between live products and cured products is pretty massive, and they’re an excellent addition to anyone’s enjoyable collection.
Because live resin carts feel and taste a lot more like doing a dab than THC distillates, they’re just a bit more complex and expressive in their highs than a cured bud full-spectrum cart.
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Tribal | Cuban Linx Live Resin 510 Cart | 1g
$45.99The Live Rosin Vape Cartridge
The Live Rosin cartridge is very similar to the Live Resin cartridge, with the main difference being the extraction method. As we learned above, Live Resin requires a solvent to be extracted. Whereas, Live Rosin is made using a solventless extraction method, typically involving heat and pressure applied to fresh cannabis flowers or hash to extract cannabinoids and terpenes.
Live rosin tends to preserve a higher percentage of terpenes compared to other extraction methods due to the solventless extraction.
Live rosin offers a potent and flavorful cannabis experience that closely resembles the effects of consuming flower, making it a great option for those looking for the true cannabis experience.
While Live Rosin and Live Resin vape cartridges tend to be a little more expensive than your standard distillate cartridge, this is because of the premium product you are receiving. These cartridges are produced through more complex and labor-intensive processes compared to distillation. These methods require more time, effort, and expertise, which contributes to their higher cost.
While distillates can have high THC percentages, they lack the minor cannabinoids and terpenes that come from the plant. Live resin and live rosin products offer the full cannabinoid experience, potentially enhancing the entourage effect.
If you love cannabis and want the tastiest experience, we recommend any live product, especially the carts! They’re certainly more portable than a dab rig and give you an incredible high with far less hassle.
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Frootyhooty | Gargantuan Grape Live Rosin 510 Cart | 1g
$33.99Explore Our Selection: Ready to experience the full potential of vaping? Browse our selection of products to find the perfect option for you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does full spectrum mean?
Full spectrum means that the product still contains all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. You’re getting more than just the THC.
What is the difference between Live Resin and Live Rosin?
The main difference between Live Resin and Live Rosin is the way they are made. Live Resin is made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from freshly harvested cannabis plants using solvents. Live Rosin is made by applying heat and pressure to fresh cannabis flowers, without using any solvents.
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect suggests that the many different compounds of the cannabis plant work better when used together to contribute to a more complex effect.
What is the difference between full spectrum and distillate vape cartridges?
Full spectrum vape cartridges maintain the natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, leaving you with all the minor cannabinoids and terpenes intact. Whereas, distillate cartridges only contain the purified cannabis extract, like THC. Distillate carts will get you high, but you won’t receive the same effects as you do from a full spectrum cartridge.
Are full spectrum cartridges better than distillate cartridges?
Full spectrum cartridges contain more cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds compared to distillate cartridges. This range of compounds may contribute to the entourage effect, where the combined effects of these components work synergistically to enhance your high. Full spectrum vapes typically offer a taste that closely resembles the natural flavor profile of cannabis strains, providing a more authentic and true-to-cannabis experience. Don’t like your vape tasting like Watermelon? Full Spectrum is for you!
Do live resin/rosin vapes hit you harder?
With all of the cannabinoids and terpenes still intact, the terpene profile on the vape cartridge can definitely make it feel like it’s hitting you harder. Sometime’s live rosin/resin vapes will have a lower THC percentage than distillate vapes, but they’re high terpene percent counteracts for that. A high terpene percent will not only enhance the flavor and aroma, but also influences the overall high.
Why do live resin/rosin vapes cost more?
Live Rosin and Live Resin vape cartridges tend to be a little more expensive than your standard distillate cartridge, because of the premium product you are receiving. These cartridges are produced through more complex and labor-intensive processes compared to distillation. The superior quality and potency of live resin and live rosin vapes often justify their higher price point compared to other vape products.
What is the best way to store vapes?
Proper storage of vape cartridges is essential to maintain their quality and prevent leaking.
- Store Upright: To prevent leaks or spills, store your vape cartridges upright whenever possible. This helps ensure that the oil remains evenly distributed within the cartridge and reduces the risk of leakage.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect the consistency and performance of the vape cartridge. Avoid leaving your cartridges in environments where temperatures fluctuate significantly, such as in a car.
- Keep Away from Heat: Exposure to heat can cause the oil in vape cartridges to lose potency, or leak out of the end. Store your cartridges in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heaters, or other sources of heat. Room temperature or slightly cooler is ideal.
- Use a Case or Container: Consider storing your vape cartridges in a protective case or container designed specifically for this purpose. This can provide additional protection against damage and help keep your cartridges organized.
My vape is clogged/leaking, what do I do?
Check the Connections: Ensure that the cartridge is properly connected to the battery. Sometimes, a loose connection can cause leaking or airflow issues. Tighten the connections securely but gently.
Clean the Connections: If there’s any residue or buildup on the bottom of the cartridge or battery, gently wipe them with a clean, dry q-tip. This can help improve the connection and prevent leakage.
Clear the Airflow: If the airflow is restricted, it can cause clogging or leaking. Check the airflow vents on the cartridge and make sure they’re clear of any obstructions. You can use a small tool, like a toothpick or paperclip, to carefully clear away any debris.
Store Properly: Improper storage, such as leaving the vape cartridge in a hot or humid environment, can contribute to clogging or leaking. Store your cartridges upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Bud Bar is your trusted Calgary dispensary. We pride ourselves on creating an open and welcoming environment where you are comfortable and safe access to recreational cannabis. We set ourselves apart with personalized customer service with our budtenders providing one-on-one sessions so that you can learn about our cannabis products and accessories. We offer a selection of high quality yet affordable products, including flower buds, pre-rolls, oils, capsules, as well as accessories like vaporizers, bongs, and pipes. As your trusted Calgary marijuana dispensary, we can make it easy and safe for you to get recreational cannabis. Visit our marijuana stores in Calgary Northwest today, or place an order online!
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