Live Resin Vape Vs Regular: Here’s the Ultimate Differences in 2024!

Both live resin and regular vapes are favorites among vapers.

Both of the types have different features. They taste different; even the smoke hits are different.

Want to know more about their differences and how they have evolved as favorites? Binge on till the end, then!

What is a Live Resin Vape?

Live resin refers to cannabis concentrates made from freshly harvested cannabis plants that are flash-frozen immediately after harvesting.

This process preserves the plant's natural terpenes and cannabinoids, giving a flavorful product that tastes just like the plant was alive.

Live Resin: Extraction Process

Solvents, such as butane or propane, are used to extract live resin from frozen cannabis.

[Image: Live Resin Extraction Process]

Unlike traditional extraction methods that require drying and curing the plant, live resin extraction preserves most of the compounds.

Resin Vape: Key Characteristics

Live resin vapes feature great flavor, high potency, and excellent robust terpene content.  The preservation of terpenes creates a complex and aromatic vaping experience compared with regular vape products.  Live resin is a go-to product for the connoisseur in search of an authentic cannabis experience.

What is a Regular Vape?

Regular vapes typically refer to the conventional THC or CBD vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil.

These vapes are meant for vape pens that heat the oil to create vapor, which a user inhales.

Regular Vape: Extraction Process

[Image: Cannabis Extraction Process]

The oil in regular vape cartridges is usually extracted through CO2 or ethanol. This means that the cannabis would have to be cured and dried. This might indicate the loss of a few terpenes and flavor compounds within the process.

Regular Vape: Key Characteristics

A regular vape would hold an overwhelmingly simple flavor profile, although with possibly changing potency levels.  They have become very accessible and, at times, more affordable compared to live resin vapes for a wider audience.

Flavor and Aroma Comparison

Feature	Live Resin	Regular Vapes
Terpene Content	High terpene content preserved through flash-freezing	Lower terpene content due to drying and curing processes
Flavor Profile	Full-bodied, complex, and true-to-strain flavors	Less pronounced, often altered with synthetic terpenes
Aroma	Pungent and reminiscent of just-harvested cannabis	More subdued, less authentic aroma
Processing Method	Flash-freezing plants right after harvesting	Drying and curing before extraction
Added Flavors	No synthetic flavors were added, and natural terpenes were preserved	Often includes synthetic flavors, less natural taste
Overall Experience	Immersive, close to the original cannabis strain	Less immersive, with altered or subdued flavors

Live Resin

• The high content of terpenes in live resin sets it apart, allowing the flavor and aroma to differ from all other concentrates. 

• Terpenes naturally occur in plants, combining to give off unique scents and tastes. 

• Flash-freezing plants preserve a highly elevated percentage of these terpenes compared to other extraction methods.
• This preservation of terpenes results in a flavor profile that is much closer to the original cannabis strain. 

So, popular strains like: 

• Gorilla Glue
• Blue Dream
• Sour Diesel

They still have their signature flavors of diesel, berry, and earthy notes when processed as live resin. 

Regular Vapes

• Regular vape carts have a flavor profile that is less pronounced or distinctly different from live resin. 
• The extraction methods usually involve drying and curing the cannabis before extracting. This is why regular vapes have less aroma.
• Conventional vape oils are flavored with synthetic terpenes or other flavors, which may give them a rather unnatural taste compared to the original strain. 
• The flavors are more subdued or altered, and the whole experience may not be as immersive as what live resin gives.

Potency and Effects

Effects	Live Resin Carts	Regular Vape Carts
THC/CBD Content	Usually between 45%--50%	Often above 80%
Extraction Process	Unique process preserving more cannabinoids and terpenes	Standard distillation process
Potency	Higher due to the entourage effect	High THC/CBD content but less complex experience
Flavor	Richer, closer to fresh cannabis	Some terpenes were lost, resulting in a simpler profile
User Experience	More balanced and powerful high	Milder, shorter high

Live Resin

Live resin carts are generally filled with higher levels of THC and CBD, generally between 45% and 50%.  The unique extraction process preserves many cannabinoids, making the cartridge far more potent.  Moreover, the flavor is richer, which enables users to enjoy better and more balanced vaping.

Regular Vapes

Regular vapes made from THC distillate can come in even higher percentage levels, often above 80%. The taste is far more straightforward, lacking the deep complexity of the live resin because some terpenes are lost through the extraction process.

Price and Availability

Category	Live Resin Vapes	Regular Vapes
Price Range	$25 - $70	$15 - $40
Strain Rarity	Often uses rare or unusual cannabis strains, increasing cost and limited availability.	Standard extraction methods with less complex processes.
Market Demand	High demand	Attracts more casual users due to lower cost.
Availability	It is less common, depending on local cannabis laws and market conditions.	Widely available in most legal and medical dispensaries.
Target Audience	Users seeking high-quality, full-spectrum cannabis experiences.	Casual users and beginners looking for affordable options.

Live Resin Vapes

These vapes are more expensive, usually from $25 to $70 for disposables and cartridges.

The increased price is due to the complex extraction process using high-end materials, which gives users a more aesthetic vaping experience.

Moreover, most live resin vapes are enhanced by certain rare or unusual cannabis strains. This is also one of the significant reasons many smokers prefer live resin. 

Regular Vapes

Regular vapes are comparatively cheap; at $15 to $40 for cartridges or disposable vapes, they attract more users.

Although the regular vapes might sound pretty cheap, they can be seriously devoid of flavor and experience compared to the live resin vapes.

Regular vapes are more commonly available and easily found in most legal and medical dispensaries.

Due to their affordability and popularity, there is a wide range of flavors available.

Usage and Convenience

Live Resin Vapes

Live resin vapes are compatible with most 510-thread vape pens, but their thicker viscosity may require more powerful devices, like dab rigs or custom pens.

Using live resin vapes requires attaching the cartridge to a compatible battery, sometimes with preheating, and then inhaling the vapors.

Live resin is thicker, and users may occasionally experience some clogging or raise the temperature for effective vaporization. 

Regular Vapes 

The standard vape cartridges also fit standard 510-thread batteries, making it very compatible and easy to use with many other devices.

Regular vapes are mostly enjoyed by new vapers and casual smokers because it's super simple.

The process is pretty easy: 

• Attach the cartridge
• Turn on the battery
• Inhale

Their simplistic design, in addition to the lowered cost, makes them even more popular.

Check out the Hidden Hills Vape Review.

Health Considerations

Category	Live Resin Vapes	Regular Vapes
Purity and Additives	Usually free of harmful additives.	It may have THC distillates with additives like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.
Research and Studies	Studies suggest that vaping live resin is safer than smoking, with fewer harmful byproducts. Research from Hebrew University shows it may support neurogenesis and help with conditions like ADHD and anxiety.	Research highlights health concerns, especially about cutting agents that can cause lung irritation and breathing problems. CDC reports also emphasize risks with unknown additives.

Live Resin Vapes

Live resin vapes have the advantage of purity, as flash-frozen cannabis retains its terpenes and cannabinoids.

You may also get the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, which might help with pain relief and better sleep.

Most live resin products do not contain additives or diluents. However, you should choose products with clear indications of purity for potential health risks.

Regular Vapes

Standard vapes use THC distillates, which sometimes contain cutting agents or other additives for improving the flavor or juice viscosity.

Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are common additives that cause most lung issues. So, you should be aware of the contents of your regular vape.

User Reviews and Testimonials

Here are some of the reviews and testimonials of live resin and regular vapes. 

Live Resin

[Source: Dabconnection]

[Source: Dabconnection]

[Source: Reddit]

Regular Vapes

[Source: casaa.org]

[Source: casaa.org]

[Source: casaa.org]

Live Resin or Regular Vapes: Which One to Go for?

Regular and live resin both have unique hits and vaping factors. If you are looking for deep hits and more aroma, live resin is for you.

Even if you are a heavy smoker, you can also go for live resin.

However, if you are more into casual smoking or want to quit smoking any time soon, then 

Frequently Asked Questions on Resin Vape vs Regular

Is live resin worth the extra cost?

Yes, live resin is quite worth the price, especially if you want to get the best flavor and hits. 

Which vape type is better for flavor?

If you are a mouth-to-lung vaper, then e-juice with a higher PG is best. 

Are there any health risks associated with live resin vapes?

No! It helps to fight cancerous cells in your body. Moreover, it also hasn’t shown signs of lung damage so far.

Is live resin better in vapes?

If you plan to enjoy the ultimate flavorful and aromatic concentrated cannabis, live resin is what you need to go for. The hits are “simply perfect” for heavy smokers. 

Is live resin better than regular carts?

Live resin may give you a unique vaping experience compared to any other normal carts. So, you can always grab a live raisin vape if you want!

Does live resin give you a stronger high?

Despite being slightly lower in THC, live resin offers a more well-rounded and complex experience because of its terpene.