All About Live Resin Carts: Benefits, Properties, & More

When it comes to cannabis, live resin is considered a relatively new kid on the block by many. But that hasn’t stopped it from making a decade-long splash in the scene. Whether you’re new to cartridges or well-accustomed to a puff, live resin carts are poised to be the perfect new addition to your vape cart rotation. We’ll break down the what, why, and how of enjoying live resin, including what exactly sets them apart from your standard carts. Read on for everything you need to know so you can appreciate them like a pro. 

First Things First: What is “Live Resin?”

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Live resin is a thick, sticky concentrate from flash-frozen, freshly-harvested cannabis. It’s made using the whole plant, including the stem, seeds, and leaves, as well as the flower. It’s because of this non-exclusive extraction process that live resin has a more robust, complex terpene profile than other extracts. 

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Terpenes are responsible for many of the health benefits that have made cannabis so popular in the wellness world. You can thank terpenes for their antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties—and the list goes on. 

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By incorporating terpenes–as well as flavonoids and other plant compounds–into the final product, live resin carts help users enjoy a more authentic and well-rounded cannabis experience.

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Live resin comes in many forms, including vape cartridges, edibles, wax, and more. The full-spectrum, true-to-strain nature of live resin has made it a popular choice for cannabis connoisseurs from all walks of life. 

What Are Live Resin Carts?

Live resin carts are vape cartridges that contain pure live resin. Because of the way they are processed, they preserve more of the natural cannabis aromas and flavors and have a more robust terpene profile compared to standard carts. This makes them a great choice for those who enjoy the taste, smell, and experience of fresh cannabis, all in the convenience of a cartridge.

4 Key Benefits of Live Resin Carts

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We can make plenty of arguments in favor of live resin, and cannabis enjoyers of all kinds are apt to prefer it over other cartridge types. Below are just a few of the reasons medical, therapeutic, and recreational cannabis users enjoy live resin.

1. More Potent & Effective

The unadulterated nature of live resin enhances the “entourage effect” of different strains. This refers to the ways in which the various cannabis compounds work in tandem to enhance the effectiveness of one another. This means a more balanced, well-rounded experience as opposed to THC or CBD alone.

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The unique combination of compounds makes for a more authentic cannabis experience, as the resin maintains key characteristics of the strain it’s made from.

2. Enhanced Therapeutic Potential

The full-spectrum effects of live resin make it an ideal choice for medicinal cannabis users. For those using cannabis for its antimicrobial benefits, THC and CBD alone likely aren’t the answer. Studies show that the complex terpene profiles of various strains are responsible for the antibacterial and antifungal properties.

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Thanks to the entourage effect of live resin, it can also be more effective at managing pain, anxiety, and insomnia.

3. Less Processed

Because live resin carts aren’t subjected to distillation the way other carts are, there’s no need to add additional compounds for flavor and aroma. Other cartridges include carrier oils and no cutting agents, like MCT or artificial terpenes.

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The pure cannabis extract makes for a richer flavor experience and preserves the unique properties and effects of each strain.

4. Portable & Convenient

While they may not be as discreet as standard carts due to the aroma, live resin carts offer an easy, convenient way to enjoy your favorite strains. They can also be easily swapped out, stored, and saved for later with no messy wax to clean up.  

What’s the Difference Between Live Resin Carts and Normal Carts?

As you’ve probably figured out by now, live resin carts offer a distinct cannabis experience compared to your standard cartridges. Aside from the richer, more robust flavor, the terpene profiles mean a more potent, less processed vaping experience.

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We can trace the key differences back to the extraction process. 

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Standard carts (or “normal” carts) are made with distillate or CO2-extracted cannabis elements. They contain oil or liquid infused with these cannabis extracts, which come from dried, cured cannabis as opposed to freshly harvested plant material. The elements are then isolated using CO2 or ethanol extraction, which strips away terpenes. They generally have less intense flavors and aromas, making for a more muted profile overall.  

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For your average cart, cannabinoids and terpenes are lacking—lost during the extraction process. Producers may add terpenes and other elements back into the mix to enhance the flavor, but this can make them taste more processed than the real deal. 

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Standard carts might have higher, more consistent THC levels, but they can lack the elements necessary to produce the “entourage effect” of live resin.

Tips & Best Practices for Enjoying Live Resin Vape Carts

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Live resin can make for a great vaping experience, but there are some things to know before you dive in. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your live resin vape:

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• Start low and go slow. Take slow, gentle puffs, not forceful pulls. Start with small puffs to gauge your experience, and take breaks between puffs to avoid overheating the battery or overwhelming your body. Live resin carts may hit a little harder than you’re used to, so strap in for a full-body experience!
• Consult a doctor before using any cannabis product. Cannabis can interact with some prescription medications and isn’t safe for everyone. As with any substance or supplement, it’s best to check with your doctor before introducing something new to your routine, particularly if you have chronic health conditions. Better safe than sorry!
• Choose the right battery. Find the best voltage for live resin carts by picking an adjustable battery. 2.5V–3.3V is the perfect range for preserving terpenes, but high voltage settings can burn the oil and soil the flavor.
• Prime the cartridge. Take a few pulls without heating to loosen the resin if it seems thick. Preheating the battery on a low setting will also help get the oil moving.
• Store and clean properly. Clean the connection points regularly and store the cartridge upright in a cool, dry place to preserve potency. Extreme heat and cold can affect the resin’s consistency. 

Shop Live Resin Carts & Other Cannabis Goodies at Green Dragon

If you want a vape experience that’s as close to smoking a joint as possible, live resin will probably be right up your alley. It’s packed with terpenoids, cannabinoids, and other plant compounds to produce intense effects that last for hours. Live resin carts also carry that authentic cannabis smell and taste that many of us love so dearly!

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Ready to discover your new go-to live resin cart? Green Dragon is your source for all things cannabis, and that includes high-quality live resin. You can shop our full array of live resin products for your ol’ reliable favorites or be adventurous with something new. 

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Having trouble deciding? Our team can help find the best live resin for your needs. Get in touch with our team today for a free consultation.