It’s no secret that the cannabis world is evolving fast, and with that evolution comes a swirl of terms that can leave even seasoned consumers scratching their heads. One of the most talked-about comparisons? Cured resin vs. live resin. The differences might seem subtle, but they pack a punch when it comes to flavor, experience, and effect.
Today, we’re diving deeper into both concentrates: what they are, how they’re made, and the different ways people love to enjoy them. Curious which one might become your new go-to? Let’s break it down and explore the flavorful world of cured and live resin.
What Is Live Resin?
Even if you’re familiar with dabbing and the wide world of cannabis concentrates, live resin really is something new. Instead of being made with dried and cured flower, as all other concentrates are, live resin skips the drying stage altogether.
It’s made from cannabis that’s been flash-frozen right after harvest, locking in a vibrant, terpene-rich profile that captures the plant’s essence at its peak freshness. The result? An experience that’s truly off the charts in terms of flavors and aromas.
Popular Ways to Enjoy Live Resin
Thanks to its potent and unusual flavor profile, live resin is finding its way into an increasing number of cannabis products. Here are a few of the most popular ones:
- Bulk Concentrate: As the basic cannabis concentrate format, bulk concentrate—typically available in 0.5 and 1.0 gram units—is the original way to access these potent products. Perfect for dabbing or adding to a joint, bowl, or purpose-made concentrate vaporizer.
- Gummies: The edible world continues to expand, and unique products such as live resin gummies are regularly appearing on dispensary shelves.
- Carts: As the standard partner to a pen-style vape, the iconic 510-style may be the most versatile cannabis delivery system of all. When packaged with potent, incredibly flavorful live resin, cartridges allow you to take the fun of this premier concentrate experience on the road.
- Disposables: If you already love the live resin experience, it’s tough to beat a purpose-made, all-in-one disposable vaporizer. Pre-filled with the perfect amount of live resin concentrate, it’s the ultimate in portability, reliability, and convenience.
What Is Cured Resin?
Resin—whether it’s live or not—is made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis flower with the help of solvents like butane, CO2, or ethanol. After those compounds have been separated from the flower, the solvent is gently purged away, leaving the concentrate known as resin.
The “cured” part comes into the equation when the resin is aged for anywhere from several days to a few weeks in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment, improving the finished product in terms of consistency, potency, and flavor. Of course, not all resins end up being cured, and there’s certainly a place for those that don’t. But for those who seek a truly special experience, cured resin is worth seeking out.
Popular Ways to Enjoy Cured Resin
Like live resin, cured resin is finding its way into new and exciting types of cannabis products. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Bulk Concentrate: Often appearing as the concentrates sugar, badder (or budder), and wax, cured resin is typically sold in 0.5 and 1.0 gram increments. Whether you’re into dabbing or adding a crumble to a joint, bowl, nectar collector, or the chamber of a purpose-made vaporizer, they’re all simple and intuitive ways to enjoy this premium cannabis concentrate.
- Carts: Cured resin is often used in 510-style vape cartridges, just like live resin is. If you’re vaping on the go, resin cartridges are a great way to enjoy the complexity and depth of cured resin in a portable, easy-to-use format.
- Disposables: For many consumers, disposable vapes are the best solution for enjoying cured resin concentrates. Simple, easy to use, and disposable once they’ve been enjoyed, these all-in-one units are ready to roll whenever you are.
Live Resin vs Cured Resin: How Do They Stack Up?
First things first: This isn’t a competition, and trust us, no one will lose. But when two types of products are so similar, it’s helpful to see a side-by-side comparison. Here are the major differences between cured resin and live resin:
How They Are Made
Both styles of resin are made by extracting the active cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flower using solvents like butane. The major difference is that cured resin begins as dried and cured cannabis flower—which is itself then cured a second time—and live resin is made by flash-freezing just-picked cannabis before the extraction process. As a result, the terpene profile of the final product is unusually flavorful and loud.
Texture & Consistency
Any style of cannabis resin is typically somewhat sticky and gooey in consistency, though the specifics depend on variables such as ambient temperature and humidity, as well as the techniques used in the resin production process. That said, many cured resins take on a shinier, slightly more brittle texture, thanks to the curing process, which drives out moisture and concentrates the final product.
Flavors & Aromas
While we happen to feel that both cured and live resins are delicious, this is where you’ll find the greatest disparity in styles. High-quality cured resin has a rich and beguiling sensory profile, with the terpenes taking on darker and more concentrated notes. But live resin seems to erupt with just-picked cannabis aromas, making some consumers feel as though they’re actually in the grow room, inhaling the spicy and distinctive aromas of live cannabis plants.
Which is Stronger?
Immediately after cannabis flower is dried and cured, its terpenes and cannabinoids naturally begin to degrade. But since live resin is made with fresh, uncured flower, it tends to be slightly more potent than cured resin. That said, we’re not talking about a huge difference here. Cured resin is still extremely potent, with THC levels typically hitting the 80 – 90% range. Compared with bulk flower, which tends to top out in the mid-30% THC range, it’s still plenty strong.
Versatility
Honestly, there’s not a great deal of difference in the versatility of either product. Besides the comparisons in flavor and aroma, it’s possible to enjoy both cured resin and live resin in various and similar ways, ranging from dab rigs to gummies, resin carts to nectar collectors and beyond.
Price
Given that it’s a highly specialized product, live resin is generally a little bit spendier than cured resin. Due to the expense and special handling involved in flash-freezing cannabis flower, live resin tends to be considered a premium product, with a correspondingly higher price tag.
Shop Quality Cured & Live Resin at Mission
When it comes to understanding the difference between cured resin and live resin, it’s easy to get a little turned around. After all, both are highly potent, aromatic cannabis concentrates, and both offer a rich, flavorful experience—but they’re made differently and can deliver slightly different effects. Some people love the bold, consistent flavor of cured resin, while others swear by the fresh, terpene-packed punch of live resin. But here’s the truth: one isn’t better than the other. It all comes down to your personal preferences and how you like to enjoy your cannabis.
If you’re curious to explore the unique characteristics of each, there’s no better place to start than at your local Mission dispensary in Illinois or Massachusetts. Our expert budtenders can help guide you through the options, answer your questions, and help you find the perfect product—whether it’s cured resin, live resin, or something else entirely.
And if you’re the kind of person who loves to geek out on cannabis knowledge (we see you), we’ve got you covered. Head over to our cannabis blog for deep dives into everything from concentrates like crumble wax to detailed strain spotlights, including must-try favorites like Candy Cake, Planet of the Grapes, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your cannabis journey, there’s always more to discover—and we’re here to help you explore every step of the way.
