Distillate, Live Resin, and Rosin: What’s the Difference?
Whether you’re shopping for a vape cart or dabbing concentrate, you’ve likely noticed some big differences in product types, and price tags. At Tropicanna, we carry distillate, live resin, and rosin products in both vapes and concentrates, but each one serves a different kind of customer experience.
Let’s break down the differences, what makes each type unique, and why pricing can vary so much from one option to the next.
Distillate: The Budget-Friendly THC Boost
What it is:
Distillate is a purified cannabis oil that contains mostly THC and very little else. It’s made by stripping away everything except the cannabinoids during the extraction process, meaning terpenes (which give cannabis its flavor and aroma) are usually removed, then sometimes re-added.
Why people like it:
- High THC percentage
- Affordable price point
- Neutral flavor (or strain-specific flavor added later)
- Great for consistent, reliable effects
Best for:
Those who want a straightforward, potent high without paying premium prices.
Our pick:
Tropicanna Originals 510 Vape Carts
Live Resin: Full-Spectrum Flavor and Aroma
What it is:
Live resin is made from fresh-frozen cannabis plants, which helps preserve the full terpene and cannabinoid profile. The result? A rich, aromatic experience that reflects the strain’s true essence, not just THC.
Why people like it:
- Bold, flavorful hits
- True-to-strain effects
- High terpene content
- More complex high
Best for:
Cannabis fans who care about taste, smell, and an entourage-effect experience.
Our pick:
Tropicanna Originals All-In-One Vapes
Want dabs instead?
If you prefer traditional dabbing, live resin concentrates offer robust flavor and strong effects. These are great for experienced users who enjoy full-spectrum highs and a rich terpene profile.
Some of the top live resin brands we carry include:
- Locals Only – Known for bold flavors and consistent quality
- Raw Garden – A crowd favorite for affordable, reliable live resin concentrates
Rosin: The Connoisseur’s Choice
What it is:
Rosin is a solventless extract — meaning it’s made using only heat and pressure, no chemicals or solvents. This makes it one of the cleanest and most premium options on the market. It’s usually extracted from bubble hash or flower, and it maintains a rich terpene profile along with cannabinoids.
Why people love it:
- Solventless and clean
- Extremely flavorful and potent
- Premium-quality product
- Great for dabbing or top-shelf vapes
Best for:
Experienced users, flavor chasers, and people who want the cleanest extract possible.
Top rosin brands at Tropicanna:
Why the Price Difference?
You might be wondering: why does one vape cart cost $20 and another $50? Here’s the breakdown:
| Product Type | Extraction Method | Terpenes Preserved? | Typical Price |
| Distillate | Solvent-based | No (often re-added) | $ |
| Live Resin | Solvent-based | Yes | $$ |
| Rosin | Solventless | Yes (premium quality) | $$$ |
In short: the more care that goes into preserving the plant’s natural profile, the more expensive the end product tends to be.
Explore California’s Best Vapes and Concentrates
At Tropicanna, we carry one of the largest menus in California — and we’re proud to stock both affordable options and premium products you won’t find at your average shop. Whether you want a quick, budget-friendly vape or a high-end rosin experience, we’ve got something for every shopper.
Browse our full vape collection and all-in-one vapes
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