THCA Diamonds vs. Live Resin: What's The Difference?
20th Jun 2023
The world of cannabis concentrates is growing rapidly, and enthusiasts and newcomers are discovering exciting new products that offer unique experiences. Two of these increasingly popular products are THCA diamonds and live resin.
Understanding the origins, properties, and differences of these similar concentrates is important to make an informed choice. This article compares THCA diamonds vs. live resin to help you select the best concentrate according to your preferences.
THCA Diamonds: Defining their Features
THCA diamonds are a popular concentrated cannabis known for being very strong and pure. They usually contain 90% to 99% THC. The term 'diamond' comes from how these crystal structures look like precious gems.
THCA diamonds are made by extracting THCA from the cannabis plant. THCA is the non-psychoactive form of THC. It's then subjected to a meticulous series of extraction methods that trigger isolation and crystallization, forming the diamonds themselves.
THCA diamonds are highly sought after due to their incredibly strong potency. When people consume and heat them, cannabis with high levels of THCA can strongly impact users. THCA diamonds are favored by experienced cannabis consumers seeking a high-intensity experience.
Live Resin: Origins and Characteristics
Live resin is another cannabis concentrate gaining popularity for its unique attributes. Live resin is different from THCA diamonds. It keeps more terpenes from the cannabis plant, making it a concentrate with lots of flavor and aroma. It gives a full spectrum experience.
To create live resin, fresh cannabis plants are flash-frozen immediately after harvest, effectively preserving the plant's natural terpenes and cannabinoids. This freezing process keeps the plant's chemicals, producing a concentrated extract with a richer flavor than other concentrates from dried and cured cannabis.
The process of extracting live resin uses butane or CO2 solvents. These solvents separate the plant's essential oils, preserving the terpenes and cannabinoids. The final product is a thick liquid with lower strength than THCA diamonds. It usually contains about 60-90% THC concentration.
Live resin concentrates are highly valued by cannabis enthusiasts who care more about flavor, aroma, and the entourage effect than just potency. These concentrates have a complex flavor and contain a variety of terpenes.
Contrasting THCA Diamonds and Live Resin
THCA diamonds and live resin are cannabis concentrates. However, they have many differences. They vary in how they form, look, their THC potency, and their focus on preserving the plant's chemical profile.
- THCA diamonds focus on isolating and crystallizing THCA. On the other hand, live resin preserves terpenes through a quick freeze and solvent extraction process, resulting in a well-rounded experience.
- THCA diamonds look like clear crystals, while live resin is a sticky, golden substance.
- THCA diamonds are very potent, with a THC concentration between 90% and 99%. They are designed for experienced users seeking a strong effect. Live resin, on the other hand, is less potent, typically containing THC levels of 60-90%. However, it provides a more balanced entourage effect.
- THCA diamonds prioritize cannabinoid potency but may have fewer terpenes. In contrast, live resin highlights a wide range of terpenes and cannabinoids, resulting in a flavorful profile.
Picking the Right Concentrate for Your Preferences
If you prefer one, it's all about personal taste. THCA diamonds or live resin, the choice is yours. If you're an experienced cannabis user and want a very strong experience that focuses on intense effects, THCA diamonds are the best option for you.
Choose live resin concentrates if you prefer a tastier and more intricate experience.