CBG vs CBD: Understanding the Differences

Cannabis concentrates are very popular for their potency, flavor, and versatility, and live resin and distillate are among the most common types of concentrates. But which one should you choose? It’s important to understand their unique characteristics and how they’re made when choosing the right product for you.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between live resin vs distillate, from their extraction methods to how they impact your cannabis experience.

What Is Live Resin?

Live resin is a cannabis concentrate known for preserving the plant’s full range of cannabinoids and terpenes. This concentrate is made by using cannabis that is freshly-frozen immediately after harvest, which helps the concentrate keep all the plant’s natural flavors and aromas. With a complex terpene profile, you get a more authentic and flavorful cannabis experience compared to traditional methods.¹

What Is Distillate?

Distillate is a purified cannabis concentrate that isolates specific cannabinoids, typically THC or CBD. Since the distillation process removes terpenes and other compounds, the result is almost flavorless and odorless. Its purity and versatility make it ideal for use in vape cartridges, edibles, and other cannabis products, allowing for precise dosing without affecting the flavor.²

Key Differences Between Live Resin and Distillate

Distillate and live resin are sought-after cannabis concentrates, but they are different. Here’s how: 

Extraction Process

The primary difference between live resin and distillate is in their extraction methods:

• Live resin is made using solvent-based extraction to preserve the natural terpene, flavonoid, and cannabinoid profile of the cannabis plant. 
  
  
• Distillate is made using a multistep refinement process to keep the desired cannabinoids while removing all others. This process involves heating the cannabis material to separate the cannabinoids, resulting in a high-purity product.³
  
  

Cannabinoid and Terpene Profiles

Live resin is a full-spectrum extract, preserving all the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, which boosts the entourage effect—a synergy of compounds that enhances the effects you may potentially feel. Distillate, by contrast, isolates specific cannabinoids like THC or CBD, creating a highly potent but simpler product that lacks the nuanced effects of live resin's full-spectrum profile.⁴

Flavor and Aroma

Live resin retains terpenes and flavonoids, delivering a rich flavor that mirrors the plant’s natural essence. This makes it ideal for those seeking an authentic taste. THC distillate, by contrast, is nearly flavorless, offering a neutral experience even when terpenes are reintroduced.⁵

Potency and Effects

Distillate is highly potent, often exceeding 90% THC or CBD purity, allowing for precise dosing.⁶ In contrast, live resin offers a more balanced, full-spectrum experience, combining cannabinoids and terpenes to enhance the entourage effect.⁷ While live resin may have lower THC content, its effects are often more nuanced than those of distillate.

Cost Comparison

Live resin is pricier due to its complex extraction process involving fresh-frozen cannabis. Distillate, by contrast, costs less to produce as it isolates cannabinoids, making it more versatile and cost-effective.

Product Versatility

Live resin is typically consumed via dabbing or vaporizing to preserve its terpene-rich profile. It’s less commonly used in edibles or tinctures because its potent flavor may overpower the dish. However, distillate is highly versatile and can be found in various products, including edibles, tinctures, and vape cartridges. Because it lacks flavor and aroma, you can easily add distillate to desserts, savory foods, and beverages without altering the taste.⁸

Storage and Shelf Life

Carefully store your live resin in a cool, dark place to preserve its delicate terpenes and prevent degradation. Distillate is more stable with a longer shelf life, as its purity and lack of plant compounds make it less prone to deterioration. You can store distillate for extended periods without worrying about it losing potency.

Distillate vs Live Resin Carts & Edibles: Popular Consumption Methods

Both live resin and distillate carts are popular, but there are other ways that they’re used:

Live Resin vs. Distillate Edibles

Distillate is more commonly used in edibles because its lack of flavor makes it easier to incorporate into a wide range of products. Live resin, with its strong terpene profile, can be overpowering in edibles but is still used in some high-end products for a more natural cannabis experience.

Distillate vs. Live Resin Cartridges

When it comes to vape cartridges, both distillate and live resin carts are popular. Live resin cartridges offer a more flavorful experience thanks to the preserved terpenes, while distillate cartridges provide a more neutral option with higher THC content.

Distillate vs. Live Resin Infusions

Distillate can be used to infuse a variety of products, from edibles to flower. Live resin is often used in dabs but can also be added to joints or blunts for an enhanced experience.

Answering FAQs About Live Resin vs. Distillate

It can be overwhelming to choose between live resin and distillate. While you can ask your favorite budtender for help, why wait? Here are the most frequently asked questions about these two popular cannabis concentrates: 

Which is more potent, live resin or distillate?
Distillate typically has a higher THC percentage, but live resin offers the entourage effect, which can enhance the overall experience.

Why does live resin often cost more than distillate?
Live resin is more expensive because of the complexity of its extraction process and the use of the whole cannabis plant. 

Can live resin and distillate be used in the same ways?
Distillate vs live resin can be used in vapes, edibles, and infusions. Live resin is better for dabbing, while distillate is more versatile. 

How is the entourage effect different between live resin and distillate?
Live resin preserves all cannabinoids and terpenes, and this maximizes the entourage effect. THC distillate isolates individual cannabinoids and offers a more limited experience.

Live Resin vs Distillate: Which is Right for You?

So, is live resin better than distillate? Ultimately, your preferences will dictate whether live resin or distillate is best. Live resin might be the better option if you’re after a full-spectrum experience with rich flavor and enhanced effects. If potency and versatility are your priority, distillate’s high purity and flexibility make it an excellent choice for many uses. And remember to consult with your local budtender for personalized recommendations. 

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Sources:

1. “What Is Live Resin? Benefits, How to Use It, and More,” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/what-is-live-resin

2. “THC distillate 101: What is it and how do you consume it?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/distillate

3. “THC distillate: What Is It and How to Dose It” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/thc-distillate

4. “Distillate,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/distillate

5. “What is live resin?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/live-resin

6. “THC Distillate: What Is It and How to Use It,” Veriheal, May 14, 2024, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/what-is-thc-distillate/

7. “Mechanisms of Action and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabis,” National Library of Medicine, November 30, 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8803256/

8. “What’s the Difference Between Live Resin and Distillate?” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/live-resin-vs-distillate

Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.

Our budtenders get this question all the time: how long does it take for edibles to kick in? For most people, edibles can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to start working. Unlike smoking, where the effects are almost immediate, edibles take longer because the THC has to be digested and processed by your body.

If you’re new to consuming cannabis edibles, this delay can sometimes be confusing or frustrating. However, understanding how edibles work can help you manage your expectations and get the most out of the experience. In this guide, you’ll learn all about edibles, how they work, what’s the onset time, and more.

How Do Edibles Work?

The way cannabis edibles work is quite different from smoking. When you consume an edible, it passes through the gastrointestinal tract and is absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, it travels to the liver, where it’s metabolized into 11-hydroxytetrahydrocannabinol (11-hydroxy-THC or 11-OH-THC), which interacts with the endocannabinoid system and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. This form of THC is not only more potent but also appears in higher concentrations in the bloodstream compared to smoking, which explains why edibles can feel stronger and last longer.¹

When you smoke or vape cannabis, it enters the lungs and is absorbed directly into your bloodstream, leading to near-immediate effects. This difference in how the body processes edibles vs smoking explains why edibles take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping cannabis.²

Why Do Edibles Take Longer to Feel Than Smoking?

The delay in feeling the effects of edibles compared to smoking cannabis comes down to the digestion process. When you smoke or vape THC products, it quickly enters your bloodstream through the lungs, leading to almost immediate effects. On the other hand, edibles require THC to pass through the digestive system and be metabolized by the liver, resulting in a slower onset.³ This is why some people feel the effects of edibles 30 to 90 minutes after consumption.⁴ So it’s important to be patient, especially if you’re new to edibles, as it’s easy to take too much if the effects haven’t kicked in right away.

How Long Does It Take for Edibles to Work?

In general, edibles take between 30 to 90 minutes to work, but several factors can influence how quickly you feel the effects. The maximum effect usually hits around two to three hours after consumption, and the overall duration of the high can last several hours.⁵ Your experience depends on a variety of factors, including the dosage, your stomach contents, and your cannabis tolerance.⁶

Dosage

The dosage of an edible plays a significant role in how quickly it takes effect. A higher dose may kick in faster, but if you’re a beginner when it comes to consuming cannabis, it’s best to start with a microdose (2.5-5 milligrams or less) and work your way up. This helps you gauge how your body reacts without overdoing it and ensures you have a positive experience.⁷ 

Stomach Contents

What you’ve eaten before consuming edibles can also impact how quickly the cannabis takes effect.⁸ Eating a meal before having an edible can delay the onset, while high-fat foods can enhance the effects by helping your body absorb the THC more efficiently.⁹ If you’re aiming for a fast-acting experience, it’s best to avoid large meals right before your edible.

Tolerance

Your cannabis tolerance plays a role in how fast edibles kick in. Regular cannabis enthusiasts may have a higher tolerance, which can delay or reduce the intensity of the effects. This happens because the CB1 receptors in your brain become less sensitive to THC over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. Your personal biology and metabolism also affect how quickly edibles work and how long they last.¹⁰

How Long Do the Effects of Edibles Last?

Once edibles kick in, the effects can last anywhere from 4-12 hours, which is much longer than the effects of smoking cannabis. This longer duration is one of the main reasons many people prefer edibles over smoking. The exact length of time the effect lasts depends on your dose and tolerance. If you take a higher dose, you can expect the effects to last longer. For those with lower tolerances, even a small amount of THC can result in long-lasting effects.¹¹

Tips for Taking Edibles for the First Time

If you’re new to edibles, it’s crucial to approach them with care and patience. Here are a few tips to ensure you have a positive experience:

Start Low

If it’s your first time trying edibles, start with a microdose of roughly 2.5-5 milligrams of THC until you know how your body reacts. Low-dose edibles like mints or drops are a great starting point. The effects can take time to set in, but starting low helps prevent you from having an overwhelming experience.¹²

Be Patient

Edibles can take up to 90 minutes to start working. So resist the urge to take more if you don’t feel the effects right away. Patience is key to consuming edibles safely, especially for cannabis newbies.¹³

Pick the Right Setting

When consuming edibles for the first time, make sure you’re in a comfortable, familiar environment. The right setting can help ease any anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable.

FAQs About Edibles

Trying cannabis edibles for the first time or need a refresher on how they work? We’ve got you covered! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about edibles:

Can I eat raw marijuana?
While you can eat raw marijuana, it won’t produce any psychoactive effects unless it’s been decarboxylated (heated) to activate the THC.

How long do tinctures take to work?
Tinctures typically work faster than edibles if you consume them sublingually (place the drops under your tongue) as they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. You may feel the effects in 15-30 minutes, compared to 30-90 minutes for edibles.

Does it take two hours to feel edibles?
It can take up to 90 minutes for edibles to kick in, but the exact time depends on various factors like dosage and your metabolism. So wait at least 90 minutes before you take more.

Choosing Edibles for You

When it comes to choosing edibles, the key is to find products that match your preferences and tolerance level. Whether you prefer fast-acting edibles, low-dose products, or specific flavors, there’s something out there for every cannabis enthusiast. Remember to start low, be patient, and enjoy the experience. And chat with your favorite LivWell budtender if you have any edible questions. 

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Sources:

1. “Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles,” National Library of Medicine, January 24, 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5260817/

2. “Edibles 101: How to consume edibles, benefits, effects, & more,” Leafly, February 4, 2022, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/edibles

3. “How Long Does It Take to Feel the Effects of Cannabis?” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-high

4. “Why Do Edibles Give You A Different High Than Smoking?” Vice, February 9, 2018, https://www.vice.com/en/article/edible-high-vs-smoke-high/

5. “Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids,” National Library of Medicine, 2003, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12648025/

6. “How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?” Healthline, February 7, 2023, https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-edibles-take-to-kick-in#onset-time

7. “How long do edibles take to kick in?” Leafly, May 9, 2024, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/edibles/how-long-do-edibles-take-to-kick-in

8. “How Food Intake Impacts Cannabis Consumption and Effects,” Veriheal, November 24, 2020, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/how-food-intake-impacts-cannabis-consumption-and-effects/

9. “Human Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Orally Administered Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Capsules Are Altered by Fed Versus Fasted Conditions and Sex Differences,” National Library of Medicine, December 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6922062/

10. “THC tolerance: what is it and why does it happen?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/cannabis-and-your-body/thc-tolerance

11. “How long will a weed high last?” Leafly, September 23, 2022, https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/how-long-will-a-weed-high-last

12. “Edible dosing for beginners: with dosage chart by milligrams,” Leafly, May 9, 2024, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/edibles/edible-dosing

13. “What are cannabis edibles and how do you consume them?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/edibles

Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.

If you have ever taken a look at the label on the back of your cannabis products, you may have seen an unfamiliar acronym: TAC. TAC stands for ‘total active cannabinoids,’ and it refers to the combined percentage of all active cannabinoids present within that product. TAC accounts for cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and more, which can understandably lead to acronym overload!

In this article, we’ll break down TAC vs THC, the differences, and examine why the total active cannabinoids matter.

Total Active Cannabinoids (TAC): Everything You Need to Know

TAC–or total active cannabinoids–is a number you’ll often find on a cannabis product label that indicates the total number of active cannabinoids present in the product. The term “active” refers to the cannabinoids in the product that have already undergone decarboxylation, or exposure to heat or light. This is important because it determines the potency and overall effect of the cannabis products you consume.¹

Still confused? Here’s even more detail about TAC.

What is a Cannabinoid?

Cannabinoids, technically called phytocannabinoids since they are plant derived, are the chemical compounds in cannabis that give it its unique effects. This includes THC, CBD, and more than 150 others! These compounds interact with your endocannabinoid system, a biological system in your body that regulates various physiological processes, including mood, memory, and pain perception.²

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol–i.e. THC–is the most well-known cannabinoid, recognized for its psychoactive effects. It binds to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to produce the “high” associated with consuming cannabis. THC content is heavily regulated, with various laws determining the allowable limits in cannabis products and where it’s sold.³

What Cannabinoids Are Included In TAC?

TAC includes a variety of cannabinoids, each with its own properties and effects, that contribute to the overall experience of cannabis products.⁴ While there are hundreds that we know of, the most widely known include THC, CBD, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).

How Does TAC Measure Cannabis Potency?

TAC is a comprehensive measure of cannabis potency. By accounting for all the active cannabinoids, TAC provides a more accurate presentation of a product’s strength compared to focusing solely on THC. This can be particularly useful for consumers looking to understand the full potential effects of a product.⁵

Differences Between TAC and THC

Imagine that TAC is the whole symphony, while THC represents only one musician and their instrument. All the instruments playing together, or even in groups, produce different results than the solo musician.

TAC encompasses all active (decarboxylated) cannabinoids in a cannabis product, which provides a broader measure of its potency. In contrast, THC is only one cannabinoid and isn’t an accurate measure of a product’s strength–unless it’s a THC-only product and not a broad-spectrum one.⁶

Two products with the same THC percentage won’t yield the same effects because the other cannabinoids also contribute to the product’s potency and effects. It’s essential to look at a product’s TAC because it gives you a comprehensive understanding of what you consume.

Impact of TAC on the Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is the synergy or combined interaction between compounds, including cannabinoids and cannabis terpenes. TAC plays a significant role in this effect by providing a holistic look at the active cannabinoids, which can boost the overall experience and therapeutic benefits of cannabis products. Considering TAC when choosing products can help you manage and achieve the desired effects more effectively. 

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s always best to ask your budtender if you have questions about a product’s potency and its potential effects. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about TAC and THC.

How are TAC and THC related?
TAC includes THC as part of its total measurement. While THC is a single cannabinoid, TAC represents the sum of all the active cannabinoids in a marijuana product.

What is the entourage effect, and how does TAC influence it?
The entourage effect is the combined effect of different cannabis compounds working together. TAC influences this by measuring how the active cannabinoids contribute to the overall impact. 

In what parts of the cannabis plant are TAC and THC found?
Cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, are primarily found in the plant’s trichomes, which are small, crystal-like structures on the surface of cannabis flower and leaves. TAC measures all the active cannabinoids that are produced in the trichomes.⁷

Are some cannabis strains higher in TAC or THC?
Strains vary widely in their cannabinoid profiles. Some may have a higher THC content, while others may have a broader spectrum of cannabinoids that contribute to a higher TAC. The non-THC cannabinoid content is often less than the overall THC levels, but when you add all the compounds, they may comprise a high percentage of a product’s TAC profile. 

Understanding THC vs TAC

Understanding THC vs TAC is essential for making informed choices about the cannabis products you want to consume. Consider both to appreciate the full range of effects and benefits that cannabis may offer. Always check the cannabis product label for the THC and TAC percentages, and if you’re unsure, ask your favorite budtender for help.

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Sources

1. “What Are Total Active Cannabinoids (TAC) in Cannabis?” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/what-are-total-active-cannabinoids-tac-in-weed

2. “Cannabinoids,” National Library of Medicine, February 23, 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556062/

3. “What is THC?” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/what-is-thc-tetrahydrocannabinol

4. “What Exactly Is the Entourage Effect?” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/entourage-effect

5. “TAC vs THC,” Marijuana Packaging, September 11, 2023, https://marijuanapackaging.com/blogs/resources/tac-vs-thc

6. “Everything You Need to Know About THC Vs. TAC,” Veriheal, July 27, 2024, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-thc-vs-tac/

7. “What are trichomes?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/trichome

Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.