EN Beyond Distillation: Exploring the Richness of Live Resin Carts
You might have heard about live resin sauce or cured live resin, but have you tried live resin carts? Capturing the unique aromas and flavors of cannabis flowers in a product you can consume is challenging. After a cannabis plant is harvested, many steps are involved before you get the final product, often stripping away valuable aromas and flavors.
Different cannabis extraction methods used to remove these elements usually produce a concentrate that lacks the true “essence” of the flower. However, extraction processes have now perfected live resin and live resin carts.
Understanding Live Resin Carts
Similar to the distillate carts we just covered, live resin is a top-tier extract produced through a complex process. However, these carts offer a distinct experience and profile.
Live resin is a concentrate rich in terpenes and cannabinoids. Instead of isolating a single compound, it captures the entirety of the cannabis plant, resulting in a liquid containing various bioactive and inactive compounds along with plant material. Remarkably, the chemical makeup of live resin closely mirrors that of the original plant.
While live resin has been around since 2010, its popularity has surged alongside the increasing legalization of cannabis. This has spurred innovation and a shift towards more specialized extraction techniques.
Qu'est-ce que la résine vivante ?
Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate made by flash freezing freshly harvested cannabis. This process involves freezing the fresh flower to very low temperatures before and during extraction. Unlike rosin, live resin requires special equipment.
The main difference between live resin and other extraction methods is the resulting potency and preservation of the plant’s profile. Traditional drying and curing can damage the flavor molecules in the trichomes. In contrast, live resin is flash frozen right after harvest and kept frozen during extraction.
Why is this important? This method helps the plant retain its valuable terpene profile, original fragrance, and flavor, leading to a higher-quality product.
The Difference Between Live Resin Carts and Other Vape Products
The main difference between live resin cartridges and other vape products is the higher terpene content in live resin. Compared to traditionally cured BHO extracts, live resin generally has a richer terpene concentration.
This means you’ll experience a stronger aroma and potentially a more intense psychoactive effect. The complex terpene profiles interact with CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids, enhancing the overall experience. All these factors make live resin stand out compared to other concentrates.
ALL FLOWER
Understanding Live Resin Vapes
Live resin vapes offer a convenient way to consume cannabis. When inhaled, cannabis is swiftly absorbed into the bloodstream, delivering quick relief discreetly. Typically, prepackaged cartridges contain .5 to 1 gram of cannabis oil and are attached to a battery that heats the oil.
What sets live resin vapes apart is the use of live resin oil instead of the distillate oil found in regular vape cartridges. Users may notice that live resin carts have a lower THC percentage compared to distillate oil cartridges. This is because live resin undergoes less processing than distillate oil, resulting in a concentrate that maintains higher quality ratings and provides a high similar to that of using flower.
One key difference between live resin and distillate oil is flavor. Traditional vape cartridges often lose terpenes during the THC extraction process, leading to a bland taste. In contrast, live resin carts aim to preserve the unique flavors of cannabis, offering more enjoyable and distinguishable flavors and aromas.
Liquid Live Carts Resin (LLR) Pros and Cons
Live Resin Carts: Benefits
Live resin carts are perfect if you want a terpene profile true to the raw cannabis plant. Unlike distillation, live resin extraction keeps all the plant’s flavors and cannabinoids intact.
Live resin is famous for its high terpene content and strong flavor. Cannabis plants have over a hundred terpenes, like myrcene, limonene, and linalool, creating a rich aroma and flavor profile.
Live resin also has a high THC content, typically around 80-90%. While this is slightly lower than distillates, it’s still a very potent concentrate.
Cons of Live Resin Carts
Vaping live resin carts can come with a higher price tag compared to “normal carts”—and sometimes they’re even pricier than distillates. This cost difference might surprise newcomers to these carts. But are live resin carts worth it? The answer often depends on your priorities.
If you’re attracted to the benefits we’ve outlined earlier, you might be willing to pay double the price of a standard vape cart. However, if you’re mainly seeking high THC content and aren’t too concerned about flavor, live resin carts might not be worth the extra expense.
Additionally, if you’re aiming to target a specific cannabinoid, live resin carts might not be the best choice. Due to their production process, they contain a mix of everything, including various cannabinoids.
Lastly, vaping a live resin cart can emit a noticeable weed smell, which might not go unnoticed in public settings.
Choosing the Perfect Live Resin Cart
When selecting a live resin cart, it’s crucial to consider the balance between terpenes and cannabinoids present in the live resin. While products boasting 99% pure cannabinoids may seem tempting, they often lack the terpenes responsible for flavor and aroma. If taste matters to you, prioritize total cannabinoid and terpene content over potency.
Pay attention to the dominant terpenes in the live resin carts you’re eyeing. These will offer insights into the expected flavor and effects.
Steer clear of low-quality cartridges made from plastics that can leach chemicals into your concentrates and trap terpenes. These cartridges may also contain impurities like propylene glycol or glycerin, potentially diminishing potency and taste while triggering allergies in some users.
Opt for high-quality cartridges, typically crafted from glass, metal, or ceramic, and free from harmful chemicals. When purchasing live resin carts, ensure they come from reputable sources providing lab test results with each cart, prioritizing your health and peace of mind.
Beginner's Tips for Using Live Resin Carts
Using live resin carts is simpler than dabbing concentrates, but certain precautions are still essential. Inhalation of concentrates requires mindfulness due to their potency, surpassing that of flower.
Take gentle draws: Avoid excessive inhalation, as it can cause discomfort. Opt for moderate hits that can be inhaled smoothly without inducing coughing fits.
Control dab temperature: Choose a vape pen with temperature control features and start at the lowest setting. Gradually increase temperature as needed for a personalized experience.
Proper storage: When not in use, unscrew live resin carts and store them upright in a cool, dry place to prevent damage or leaks. Removing the cart from the vape pen after use also prevents potential leaks that could damage the pen.
Live resin carts offer an easy and discreet method of enjoying live resin, making them popular among users seeking convenience.
