Jump to a section:
- What is Full-Spectrum CBD?
- Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extracts
- What Is Live Resin?
- Conclusion: Full-spectrum Vs Live Resin Extracts
- What is the Best Live Resin Brand?
- FAQs: Full-Spectrum vs Live Resin
You may have heard about CBD and its many therapeutic benefits. This potent compound from cannabis plants became legal back in 2018 when the Farm Bill, which legalized hemp products, came into effect. Following its legalization, CBD has become popular all over the country as a non-psychoactive therapeutic cannabinoid. You may also have heard about full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products. However, what is live resin? And what is the difference between live resin and full spectrum?
Many new cannabis consumers turn to CBD out of all the other cannabis compounds because it produces many beneficial effects in the body without the high of THC. Many types of CBD products and consumption methods have emerged as well as different extraction methods as technology continues to advance.
Today, you can find different forms of CBD on the market. Many of these products contain CBD isolate, the purest form of the compound. However, you also find products containing full-spectrum CBD, which contains all of the cannabinoids and terpenes present in the hemp plant. This provides synergistic benefits thanks to the entourage effect. Therefore, many people turn to full-spectrum products to enjoy a better cannabinoid experience.
Now that live resin cannabis extracts are widely available, many people are wondering: What is live resin, and how does it compare with full-spectrum CBD? And what is better: live resin or full spectrum? Let us dive deeper into full-spectrum vs live resin, and explore the difference between these two types of cannabis extracts.
What is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Before we discuss full-spectrum vs live resin, we need to determine what exactly full-spectrum means. Full-spectrum (aka whole-plant) extracts preserve all of the active compounds in the plant. Today, most CBD consumers prefer to use full-spectrum CBD because of the entourage effect. Full-spectrum CBD is extracted from dried hemp plants. To be classified by law as hemp, the plant must contain less than 0.3% THC.
A full-spectrum hemp extract retains all the cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBN, CBC, trace amounts of THC, and more. It also retains terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds present in dried cannabis. Hence, the product offers a more holistic effect than CBD isolate.
Full-spectrum CBD products preserve the hemp plant’s full cannabinoid and terpene contents while getting rid of the excess plant material. When all these components are consumed together, they work synergistically to enhance the potential benefits of hemp’s prominent cannabinoid, which is CBD.
Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extracts
If full-spectrum CBD is not giving you the results you want, you may want to opt for a full-spectrum vs live resin extract from whole cannabis (rather than hemp). Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates are extracted in the same way as full-spectrum CBD, but they are taken from dried cannabis plants, which usually contain 15-30% THC, as opposed to the 0.3% THC in hemp. So when concentrates are extracted from full-spectrum cannabis plants (not hemp plants), the most prominent cannabinoid is THC.
Every full-spectrum vs live resin extract contains a distinct mix of compounds. The resulting extract depends on the specific strain of cannabis. However, most full-spectrum concentrates are extracted from dried cannabis plants, which have experienced some cannabinoid degradation and terpene loss. This is where live resin comes in. Live resin is extracted from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis plants, which contain a higher concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.
What Is Live Resin?
Live resin is a type of full-spectrum product which is extracted from fresh, rather than dried, plants. Many people buy live resin because they appreciate its higher terpene content. Terpenes give different cannabis strains with their unique flavor and aroma– but these aromatic compounds not only provide smell, but benefits of their own.
Live resin is extracted from freshly cut, flash-frozen hemp or cannabis buds. Before they dry out, the harvesters have to freeze them at supercritical temperature to preserve the freshness.
The frozen plant material is then extracted without undergoing drying and curing, because high temperatures and degradation can destroy the terpenes. Flash freezing preserves the complete terpene profile and allows you to enjoy full-spectrum products with a high terpene concentration, unlike cured cannabis.
Full-Spectrum vs Live Resin Production
The main difference between full-spectrum vs live resin production is age of the plant material. While most full-spectrum products come from dried plants, live resin is produced by first flash freezing the cannabis buds at around -40 degrees Fahrenheit, right after harvesting them. The harvesters use liquid nitrogen or dry ice for this step.
The buds then undergo CO2 or hydrocarbon extraction. Although it is more expensive, many prefer the CO2 method to produce high-quality full spectrum vs live resin. The sugar leaves are usually part of the extraction process as well. These tiny leaves contain high concentrations of trichomes compared to the fan leaves. Fan leaves are often not used during extraction because they contain chlorophyll, which will make the extract bitter.
The resulting extract looks gold in color. It has a texture somewhere in between sauce and wax. Live resin can be consumed using a dab rig or a vaporizer. It also comes pre-packaged in the form of vape pens or vape cartridges.
Is Live Resin Actually Stronger?
Yes, limited studies and anecdotal evidence do show that live resin may help manage chronic pain symptoms, alleviate nausea, and more. The higher terpene concentration may help provide other added health benefits as well. Remember that terpenes not only give flavor and aroma, but provide medicinal value.
When you compare full-spectrum vs live resin products, live resin is more potent because it contains higher cannabinoid and terpene concentrations. Many people who buy live resin products report that they help address conditions like depression, anxiety, and lack of appetite.
Conclusion: Full-spectrum Vs Live Resin Extracts
Full-spectrum extracts are pretty popular among medical cannabis users. While CBD isolate can provide some benefits, maintaining the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes improves its effects. And full-spectrum concentrates from cannabis (rather than hemp) plants provide even more benefits, thanks to the higher percentage of THC. But whether from cannabis or hemp, most full-spectrum extracts come from dried plant material, which contain considerably less terpenes due to the drying and curing process.
Live resin provides a better alternative. It contains a higher concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes because it is extracted from flash-frozen cannabis plants. The freezing process captures the hemp or cannabis plant’s complete phytochemical profile. Therefore, lots of folks buy live resin due to its superior taste, aroma, and a more potent blend of beneficial compounds.
When deciding between full-spectrum vs live resin products, the high terpene and cannabinoid content of live resin has attracted the attention of many cannabis enthusiasts.
Where to Buy Live Resin Products
Live resin products can be used for medical or recreational purposes. If you have chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and stress, you may want to buy live resin products to maximize your relief. Fortunately, both live resin vs full spectrum carts are available for vaping. Vaping allows you to enjoy the benefits of full-spectrum cannabis or in a matter of minutes. Dabbing live resin concentrates is another favorite way to consume.
What is the Best Live Resin Brand?
If you are seeking premium quality full-spectrum vs live resin products, visit a From The Earth dispensary near you and check out the Illicit brand. Illicit makes Missouri’s best concentrates, all cleanly extracted from their award-winning strains.
Whether you’re looking for full-spectrum vs live resin cannabis or hemp extracts, you’ll find what you need at From The Earth. Our Missouri dispensaries stock a wide selection, so shop now:
Visit From The Earth to browse our full-spectrum vs live resin options, or shop online for pickup!
FAQs: Full-Spectrum vs Live Resin
What is full-spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD refers to extracts that preserve all the active compounds of the hemp plant, including cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, CBC, trace amounts of THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. This type of CBD is extracted from dried hemp plants and is favored for its entourage effect, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of CBD.
What is live resin?
Live resin is a type of cannabis extract made from fresh, not dried, cannabis plants. The plants are flash-frozen immediately after harvesting to preserve a higher concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. This process maintains the plant’s natural flavor and aroma, making live resin a popular choice for those seeking a potent and aromatic cannabis product.
How do full-spectrum and live resin differ?
The primary difference between full-spectrum and live resin extracts lies in the processing of the plant material. Full-spectrum products are derived from dried plants, whereas live resin is extracted from fresh, flash-frozen plants. This difference in processing results in live resin having a higher terpene and cannabinoid content, often leading to a more potent and flavorful experience.
Where can I buy live resin?
Live resin products can be purchased for both medical and recreational use in many dispensaries. For high-quality live resin, consider visiting From The Earth dispensaries, where you can find a variety of live resin vapes and dabs. These products are also available for online purchase with options for pickup.
Is live resin stronger than full-spectrum extracts?
Yes, live resin is generally considered stronger than full-spectrum extracts because it contains a higher concentration of terpenes and cannabinoids. This is due to the flash-freezing process that preserves these compounds effectively. Users often report that live resin provides a more intense effect, which may be beneficial for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
Why should I choose live resin over full-spectrum products?
If you’re seeking a product with a richer profile of terpenes and cannabinoids and more potent effects, live resin may be the better choice. Its method of extraction preserves the full phytochemical profile of the cannabis plant, offering superior taste, aroma, and potentially greater therapeutic benefits.
Can I vape full-spectrum and live resin products?
Yes, both full-spectrum and live resin products are available in cartridges suitable for vaping. Vaping these products allows for quick absorption and fast-acting effects, making it a popular consumption method among users looking for immediate relief.
Why Trust From The Earth Missouri Dispensaries
Discover the world of premium cannabis with From the Earth’s Missouri recreational dispensaries, where quality meets expertise. Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or new to the scene, our wide selection of weed products, from edibles to concentrates, and our team of dedicated budtenders ensure a tailored experience to enhance your lifestyle. Visit us at one of our five Missouri dispensary locations in Kansas City, Independence, or Raytown.
About From The Earth
From The Earth is a fully licensed cannabis dispensary built with our community in mind. Our team personalizes each customer experience based on your unique needs. We are here to help you learn about cannabis, live with the benefits, and grow as an individual.
About the Author
David Craig is the Chief Marketing Officer for Illicit and From The Earth. Born and raised in Kansas City, Craig has been on the ground floor of developing multiple lifestyle and retail brands in the cannabis, fitness, and entertainment industries from Las Vegas to New York City.
From The Earth’s Missouri Dispensary Services
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