When you hit your vape pen, you must wonder about the potion you’re puffing on. And let it be known, the concentrates in vape pens vary more than the average consumer would think. To make it a bit more confusing, two of them sound almost the exact same. Understanding the different types of cannabis concentrates used in vapes can significantly enhance your experience. In this guide, we’ll explore rosin, resin, distillates, and the different extraction methods involved, helping you choose the right product for your needs.

What makes a vape “live” ?

"Live" refers to cannabis products made from plants that are flash-frozen immediately after harvest, preserving the plant's full range of cannabinoids and terpenes. This process locks in the freshness and potency of the cannabis, delivering a more flavorful and aromatic experience. By skipping the traditional drying and curing stages, "live" products capture the essence of the plant at its peak, offering a vibrant and robust profile. Think of it like enjoying a smoothie made from fresh fruit rather than dried—it's bursting with flavor and potency!

Rosin: A Solventless Choice

Why is live rosin gaining popularity among cannabis enthusiasts? Rosin is extracted without the use of solvents, using only heat, water and pressure. We like to say this is the “Puritan” form of vapes, as it is untouched by chemicals. This method preserves the natural cannabinoids and terpenes, making it a clean and potent option for vapes. Because no solvents are involved, many consumers appreciate it as a pure and flavorful concentrate that is smoother on the lungs and throat. It has more aromatic resemblance to flower than other vapes would, making it feel nice and authentic. Rosins typically test lower in THC, but that doesn’t counteract any of their positive attributes. At Starbird, we carry rosin vapes from Harbor House, Bountiful Farms and Treeworks, each brand with reputable and consistent products that satisfy those searching for something more high end.

Resin: The Terpene-Rich Favorite

What sets resin apart from other concentrates? Resin, especially live resin, is known for preserving the full spectrum of terpenes. This process helps maintain the plant’s original flavor profile, making live resin a top choice for those who want a rich, flavorful vaping experience. It is flash frozen like rosin is, but there is a solvent used. Most growers use butane to process resin. Because of this, live resins usually test very high in THC. This is an ideal option for those who value flavor and potency. Harbor House and Bountiful Farms also manufacture supreme resin vape cartridges.

Distillate: Purity and Potency

Most vapes on the market are distillate. Distillate is celebrated for its unmatched purity, but how exactly is it produced? Distillate is created through a multi-step refining process that begins by extracting cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, from the cannabis plant using methods like CO2 or ethanol extraction. Once the crude extract is obtained, it undergoes a process called winterization, where unwanted fats, waxes, and chlorophyll are removed by freezing and filtering. After this, the extract is heated to evaporate and separate specific cannabinoids using a process called distillation. The precision of this method is what gives distillate its versatility, allowing it to be flavorless or infused with added terpenes, making it ideal for use in vape products and other cannabis applications. Because distillate is highly refined, it eliminates impurities, making it a clean, nearly pure product. This ensures that those with weakened immune systems or heightened sensitivities aren’t exposed to contaminants, while still receiving potent relief from symptoms like pain and nausea.

Dry Herb Vaporizors : A Flower Lovers Choice

If you enjoy smoking but want a smoother option, a dry herb vaporizer is a fantastic choice. Unlike concentrate vapes that use pre-filled cartridges, dry herb vapes let you use whole cannabis flower, preserving its natural flavors and effects. By vaporizing the flower at a lower temperature, you avoid combustion, resulting in a cleaner, less harsh hit that’s easier on the throat and lungs. This method offers a full-spectrum experience, capturing the unique aromas, terpenes, and cannabinoids of each strain. Plus, dry herb vapes produce minimal odor, making them ideal for more discreet use while still letting you enjoy the pure essence of your favorite strains.

Extraction Methods

There are several methods for extracting distillate, each with its own pros and cons:

• CO2 Extraction: CO2 extraction is widely regarded as one of the cleanest and most eco-friendly methods for producing cannabis distillates. It uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperature to separate cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, resulting in a pure and potent product without the need for chemical solvents. This method is not only safer for consumers, as it leaves behind no harmful residues, but it also preserves the integrity of the cannabinoids and terpenes, ensuring a high-quality, flavorful final product. Additionally, CO2 extraction is sustainable and reusable, making it an environmentally responsible choice for high-end cannabis products. Ocean Breeze, a facility in Gloucester, makes fantastic vapes using this method.

• Butane extraction is known for producing highly potent cannabis concentrates, such as BHO (Butane Hash Oil), prized for their high THC content and robust flavors. However, the process uses butane, a highly flammable solvent, which poses significant safety risks if not handled properly. Although skilled professionals can safely purge the butane from the final product, improper techniques can leave harmful solvent residues behind. Despite these risks, butane extraction remains popular due to its ability to extract a broad range of cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in potent and flavorful concentrates like shatter, wax, and live resin.

• Ethanol extraction is a popular method for creating cannabis distillates, as it efficiently extracts cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. Ethanol acts as a powerful solvent, capable of pulling out a wide range of compounds, which makes it ideal for producing high-purity, full-spectrum oils. This process is not only efficient but also safer than methods using more volatile solvents, as ethanol is less flammable. Moreover, ethanol extraction preserves the integrity of valuable compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes, ensuring a potent and flavorful final product that's free of harmful residues. As a result, ethanol is often the solvent of choice for creating high-quality distillates.

• Solventless extraction is revered for creating cannabis concentrates, as it relies on mechanical processes rather than chemical solvents to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. Techniques like rosin pressing use heat and pressure to squeeze the resin from cannabis flower or hash, producing a clean, full-spectrum concentrate. This method is highly valued for its purity, as it avoids the risk of residual solvents entirely, making it ideal for health-conscious consumers. Additionally, solventless extraction preserves the natural profile of cannabinoids and terpenes, ensuring a potent, flavorful product that retains the plant’s full medicinal benefits.

Whether you’re after the solventless purity of rosin, the terpene-rich experience of live resin, or the concentrated strength of distillates, understanding the differences between these cannabis concentrates can transform your vaping experience. Each option offers unique benefits: rosin delivers clean potency without solvents, making it ideal for those who prioritize purity; live resin retains the natural terpenes and cannabinoids from the fresh plant, offering rich, full-spectrum flavor and aroma; and distillates provide highly refined THC or CBD, perfect for those who seek potency and versatility in consumption. By exploring these options at our Salem dispensary, you can tailor your sessions to suit your preferences and elevate your overall cannabis experience. Whether you’re a fan of flavorful hits or prefer clean, potent effects, Starbird has a range of high-quality products to help you find your perfect match​.

Fly high!