If you’re perusing the edibles display case at your local cannabis dispensary, you may notice some packages labeled “live resin.” This designation is an important one — it means the edibles are infused with live resin instead of distillate, which is what most edibles are made of. Does the distinction matter? For many fans of the plant, it does.
Why live resin edibles shine
Live resin edibles are infused cannabis products made with the extract known as live resin. Cannabis consumers love this extract because it retains the complex flavors of the strain from which it came. That’s because the terpenes don’t get stripped away or boil off during the extraction process, like it does with other extracts. The result is a more nuanced cannabis experience that’s specific to the strain from which the extract came.
What are regular edibles? What’s in them?
Regular edibles are any food or drink product infused with cannabinoids. They’re typically made with distillate rather than live resin. Distillate contains a single cannabinoid, typically THC, but it can be made with CBD, CBN, and other cannabinoids. It’s typically devoid of terpene content altogether.
Some manufacturers may add terpenes back into the edible after production, but these are often not the same as the ones found in the original strain. In fact, some terpenes may not even come from cannabis at all.
Regular edibles are a great choice for consumers who don’t especially care about terpene content and want to prioritize potency and cost-effectiveness. They’re generally inexpensive compared to live resin edibles and still do a good job when it comes to the typical effects most consumers expect of cannabis.
If you’re not especially precious about your experience or looking for specific terpene profiles, regular edibles may be a suitable choice for you.
Live resin edibles vs. regular: Key differences
The primary difference between live resin edibles and regular edibles is, you guessed it, live resin. This extract is made using fresh-frozen cannabis flower, or flower that has been frozen right after harvest to maximize its cannabinoid and terpene content.
This fresh-frozen flower is then put through an extraction process to pull a cannabinoid- and terpene-rich oil from the plant material. That live resin extract is what’s used to create the edibles, bringing along with it all those cannabinoids and terpenes from the fresh-frozen flower.
The result impacts the following:
- Flavors: Live resin edibles may contain hints of a taste that’s similar to the strain from which the extract was produced. This will naturally be more notable in an edible like a gummy, for example, than something like a brownie. Regular edibles often taste more like the edible itself or whichever terpenes were added to the product.
- Potency: Live resin edibles aren’t necessarily more potent in terms of THC content than regular edibles, but they do have a broader spectrum of minor cannabinoids and terpenes in them. That can make for a more intense or notable experience compared to edibles produced using THC distillate. This is thanks to the “entourage effect”, which is the theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work together to augment one another’s effects.
- Price: Live resin edibles tend to be more expensive than regular edibles because the fresh-frozen flower used in their production is of higher quality.
For some consumers, the additional cost is well worth the experience, whether they appreciate the strain-specific flavors or enjoy the effects of certain terpenes. For other consumers, regular gummies will do just fine; it’s all a matter of what you want.
Live resin edibles available at The Plant dispensary
Chew and Chill Mango Tango Gummies
Mango Tango gummies from Chew and Chill offer an uplifting sativa experience in a 100 mg THC pack of 10 gummies (meaning each gummy contains 10 mg THC). These fast-acting edibles are vegan, gluten free, and keto-friendly, providing an energizing and creative high that will have you feeling like you’re in paradise.
Flav Pink Lemonade Live Resin Sour Belts
Are you a big fan of sour flavors? Look no further than these Pink Lemonade Sour Belts from Flav. This 10 pack contains gummies with 10 mg THC each, offering a mouthwatering kick of sour, tart, fruity flavors that will make you pucker up as they kick in.
FAQs about live resin edibles
Are live resin edibles stronger?
Live resin edibles may feel stronger than regular edibles even when they contain similar levels of THC. This is because live resin generally contains a broader spectrum of minor cannabinoids and terpenes, which can combine to create a deeper level of effects than THC alone.
Are live resin edibles more expensive?
Live resin edibles tend to be more expensive because the process of making live resin is more costly than that used to make distillate. This is generally due to the need to start with higher-quality cannabis flower.
Can beginners try live resin edibles?
Beginners can try live resin edibles like any other cannabis product, but we recommend starting with a low amount of THC. Beginning with 5 mg THC or less gives you a baseline understanding of how edibles affect you. You can determine the more appropriate serving size for you from there.
Are live resin gummies better?
Live resin gummies are considered higher quality than regular gummies because they contain live resin instead of distillate. Live resin provides a broader spectrum of the compounds found in cannabis and is considered a high quality extract.
What does live resin do in edibles?
Live resin infuses edibles with a broad spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. It’s what makes live resin edibles “work.”
Find edibles of all kinds at The Plant
Whether you prefer live resin edibles or just want to pick up some regular gummies, we’ve got you covered at The Plant. Check out our online menu or stop by our dispensary in Yonkers, NY to see what we have to offer. Our talented staff is standing by to help you find the best possible choice for your needs, so pay us a visit today.