Are you trying to decide between live resin and distillate carts and wondering which gives you a better high?
I get asked this question pretty frequently at SmokeKind, especially since vaping has become such a popular method for cannabis consumption. While both live resin and distillate carts have their fans, they each offer pretty distinct experiences. Let's explore what sets these two apart, so you can choose what's best for you.
What Exactly Are Live Resin Carts?
Live resin carts come from freshly harvested cannabis plants, immediately frozen to keep all the natural flavors and aromas. By flash-freezing the plant material right after harvesting, they capture what's called the full-spectrum experience—the terpenes, cannabinoids, and other natural compounds remain intact, providing a richer, more authentic flavor.
Think of live resin carts as the craft beer of vaping. You get the unique profile of the original cannabis flower in each hit. For example, our flower strains preserve all the natural terpenes, much like these carts.
[collection-carousel="flower-strains"]
So, What About Distillate Carts?
Distillate carts, on the other hand, focus mainly on potency. They're made by refining cannabis extracts through a distillation process. This method strips away most terpenes and other cannabinoids, leaving a highly concentrated THC product—often around 90% or higher.
If you're looking purely for strength and a straightforward high, distillate might be your choice. But this comes at the cost of losing the nuanced flavors and aromas that live resin carts deliver.
Flavor or Potency—Which Matters More?
When I chat with customers, most say flavor is a huge part of their vaping experience. Live resin delivers on that front. With every inhale, you're tasting cannabis exactly as nature intended. On the flip side, distillate carts typically have artificial terpenes reintroduced to mimic natural flavors, which never quite match up.
I find that people new to vaping tend to enjoy the intense high from distillate carts. However, more experienced cannabis enthusiasts often shift toward live resin for a more authentic experience. Here's another article that breaks down these differences in depth.
Which Gets You Higher?
This question comes up all the time. Technically, distillate carts usually have higher THC percentages, so you'd expect a more intense high. But honestly, the full-spectrum experience of live resin—thanks to its complete cannabinoid and terpene profile—often feels more satisfying and nuanced.
Distillate might hit you faster and harder, but live resin tends to produce a deeper, more rounded effect. Many users (myself included) find the high from live resin carts lasts longer and feels less jittery than distillate. This is probably because all those natural cannabinoids work together—a phenomenon cannabis enthusiasts refer to as the entourage effect.
Price and Value Considerations
Live resin carts generally cost more than distillate carts. The higher price is due to the more complex extraction process and the freshness of the plant material used. While distillates are usually more budget-friendly, you're trading off flavor and complexity for that cheaper price.
If cost is your top factor, distillate carts can be a solid choice. But if you're after quality, authenticity, and flavor, investing in live resin carts is likely worth it. You might also find some good deals on both types in our current specials section.
[collection-carousel="deals"]
Personal Preferences and Experiences
I personally prefer live resin carts. There's something about experiencing cannabis in its most natural, flavorful form that distillates simply can't replicate. I often compare it to eating fresh, homemade cookies versus store-bought ones. Both might satisfy your sweet tooth, but there's a clear difference in quality and enjoyment.
But there are definitely times when distillates come in handy. When I just want a quick, potent hit without worrying about flavor nuances, a distillate cart does the job. They're especially great when discretion matters more than savoring every puff.
Availability and Options
Here at SmokeKind, we offer an extensive collection of disposable vapes, including both live resin and distillate options. If you're new to vaping or just want to try out different experiences, disposable carts are a fantastic place to start.
[collection-carousel="disposable-vapes"]
Alternatives to Vaping
If vaping isn't quite your thing, or you just want to switch things up, we also offer options like HHC gummies and edibles and carefully crafted pre-rolls. Sometimes a good edible or pre-roll hits the spot differently and provides a fresh experience compared to vaping.
[collection-carousel="hhc-gummies-edibles"]
Final Thoughts on Choosing Between Live Resin and Distillate
The choice between live resin and distillate really comes down to your preferences—whether that's flavor, potency, or price. Live resin offers an authentic cannabis experience rich in taste and complexity, while distillates provide straightforward potency.
If you're still undecided or have questions, feel free to contact me directly. I'm always here to help you find the perfect fit for your cannabis journey.
