Types of Vapes: Live Resin Vs. Distillate Vs. CO2 Vs. Disposable

For those who enjoy cannabis, there are many ways to consume it, including through vapes. If you are unfamiliar with vapes, you may mistakenly believe that they are all the same, but there are four main categories: live resin, distillate, CO2, and disposable. None of these is necessarily better than the others, but learning more about each vape type can give you the knowledge you need to choose the one that is right for you. 

Live Resin Vapes

Live resin vapes feature the terpenes of the cannabis strains. Remember that terpenes provide the aroma and flavor of each strain, as well as some of its unique effects. Terpenes are one of the main reasons for the distinction of each strain, but terpenes are typically removed from cutting and processing the cannabis plant. 

Live resin is a wax-like substance in appearance that is the result of extracting the cannabinoids from the plant while it is frozen. This process involves cutting the plant then immediately freezing it at super-low temperatures. It stays frozen during extraction, which not only helps the terpenes remain but also increases cannabinoid concentration. 

If you are interested in vaping live resin, you could either buy an empty cartridge and add live resin to it or buy a pre-filled cartridge with live resin. 

Pros and Cons

Many people prefer to vape live resin because the terpenes increase the flavor of the vapor. Natural terpenes are a stronger alternative to synthetic terpenes that some manufacturers add to cartridges. 

Additionally, live resin cartridges can be convenient because live resin is versatile. If you buy it intending to place it in an empty cartridge, you could also smoke or dab it, if you prefer. You could even use it to make edibles. In other words, a single cannabis product can be multi-purpose. 

Keep in mind that making live resin requires more technology and is more delicate than other extractions. This leads to a higher price compared to other methods. For many, however, the extra flavor makes up for the higher cost. 

Distillate Vapes

Distillates are known for being very concentrated. This super-potent concentrate is also called “the clear” because of its color. Via distillation, chemical compounds and cannabinoids are isolated, with methods like cooling and heating the organic material. The extracted THC is then isolated. This method allows distillate products to have concentrations of 70% to 90% THC with ease. 

Pros and Cons

Distillate is another highly versatile form of cannabis that lets you buy a single product and use it in multiple ways. You can use distillates in edibles, place them in your empty vape cartridge, or dab them. 

Those who prefer distillate vapes typically feel this way because of the high potency and concentration. This means that a small hit can still deliver a very potent high. 

Keep in mind that most of the chemical compounds in cannabis get removed during distillation, including terpenes. If you prefer flavor in your vape, this is a negative, but if you want a more discreet vape with no smell, this is an option for you. 

You should also remember that distillation will not remove any pesticides in the plant. As such, you should only purchase distillate vapes from trusted growers or manufacturers. 

CO2 Vapes

CO2 vapes use cannabis extracted using carbon dioxide. CO2 extracts are popular for the method’s ability to preserve the terpenes while also creating a powerful and highly concentrated isolate. The process uses a liquid form of CO2 at extremely low temperatures. This liquid still has gaseous properties. When you pass CO2 through cannabis, you get THC, trichomes, terpenes, and other desired materials. After the extraction process, the CO2 is removed, and it can even be recycled. A similar process can be done with dry ice, which is solid CO2. 

Pros and Cons

Many people appreciate the trichomes left in CO2 vapes as well as the high concentration. Others like that CO2 is natural and recyclable. Additionally, CO2 is clean, making its concentrates clean. 

Many people also appreciate that you can make CO2 concentrates at home, as long as you buy a home extractor, which is admittedly expensive. 

Manufacturers also find it easier to try different methods with CO2, as it becomes easier to extract just specific compounds and not destroy the others. 

Additionally, CO2 concentrates are versatile because they can come in various forms, such as bud, shatter, and oil. 

Unfortunately, CO2 extraction is still growing in popularity, which means that it may be a bit harder to find than the other products on this list. Even so, you should be able to find the concentrate by itself or in pre-filled cartridges, with the latter being more common. 

Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes belong to a completely different category of vapes. The previous types all focus on a different concentrate, but disposable ones have a different vape form. Disposable vapes are an alternative to reusable ones. Reusable vapes can make use of refillable cartridges or cartridges that can be replaced when they get empty, in which case you would replace the cartridge with a pre-filled one. 

Pros and Cons

Disposable vapes are more affordable since they are not meant to be reused. They are also a good option if you want to take a vape somewhere but cannot bring it back or want to be more discreet. They are also a good choice if you are unsure if you’ll like vaping due to the lower initial investment. 

It should be no surprise that disposable vape pens are not the best choice for the planet due to the waste that they produce. Additionally, if you vape regularly, you may find that they cost more in the long run than getting a reusable vape and one of the above types of vape cartridges. 

Conclusion

Live resins, distillates, and CO2 extracts are all different forms of cannabis extracts that you can vape, whether you put them in an empty cartridge or get a pre-filled cartridge. You can also opt for disposable vape pens if you prefer. There is no best choice as the ideal vape will depend on your needs and preferences.