Distillate and live resin have been big names in the cannabis space for a while now - just take a look at the menu at any dispensary. Although cannabis-derived distillates are a tried and true staple, live resins have seen increased notoriety over the past few years.

Before deciding which type of weed cart is best for you, it's wise to weigh the pros and cons. Both types of trolleys have advantages and disadvantages that should be considered. Neither is a superior all-around option.

Here's our breakdown to help you make that decision based on your individual needs and preferences. Like many of us, you may fall somewhere in between and find both options enjoyable.

What is a distillate cart?

A weed distillate cart is, of course, created through the process of distillation.

The process of distillation allows a specific cannabinoid to be separated from the many compounds found in cannabis (either marijuana or hemp). Distillation removes all non-cannabinoid plant material, including terpenes and flavonoids. These can be added back into the oil after distillation to improve flavor and aroma.

Depending on the oil, processors can choose from a number of cannabinoids to concentrate on. Delta 9 THC (commonly referred to as just THC) is the most popular example. Still, distillates are an option even if you're not looking to get high. CBD cartridges containing distillate have become a go-to option for a wide variety of vape enthusiasts. Other options include delta-8 distillate, CBG distillate, and others.

How does cannabis distillation work?

The distillation process is similar whether you're focusing on marijuana (THC) or hemp (CBD and its derivatives like Delta 8). Temperatures vary depending on the cannabinoid being isolated.

Distillation begins with a process known as crude extraction. Both chemical and physical methods exist to complete this initial step, where resinous trichomes are separated from unwanted plant material. Common solvent extraction methods include butane and CO2.

Next comes winterization. The goal during this stage is to begin to purify the extract and further isolate the desired cannabinoid. Winterization removes unwanted plant products such as waxes, lipids (fats), and chlorophyll.

Refinement continues with decarboxylation, which uses heat to convert the extracted compounds into activated cannabinoids.

After all these steps, the extract can finally be distilled. Heat and vacuum pressure are used to produce the final, highly pure cannabis distillate.

Live Resin vs Distillate: What's in My Vape?

Now that you know what's in your live resin or distillate cart, we'll go over the differences. Some of these differences might seem insignificant, but they're bigger than they appear.

Extraction Process

The most obvious difference is the extraction process. Distillates are extracted at higher temperatures and live resins are extracted at low temps.

Not only that, but distillates need more refining and usually contain mainly one chemical compound. Live resins are less refined and contain many different compounds.

Terpenes (Taste and Smell)

Perhaps the most significant difference between each oil is the terpenes. Terpenes, or "terps", are natural molecules that are responsible for the tastes and flavors your oil provides.

If you've ever enjoyed the scent of a pine forest or an orange peel, what you're smelling is terpenes. Any natural oil from plants is just a combination of terpenes.

In distillate cartridges, terpenes are usually stripped away. However, as we mentioned previously, cartridge brands add terpenes back in to give their products a burst of flavor.

Live resin cartridges usually have the same flavor as the strain it was extracted from.