Shatter vs. Live Resin: Which Is Better?

The world of cannabis concentrates is evolving, and we’re seeing loads of companies releasing new and exciting ways to get more cannabinoid and terpene action out of each puff that we take.  And today, we’ll be comparing two unique types of concentrated cannabis products: shatter and live resin, both of which are gaining more momentum as users are clearly seeking out higher-potency products with which to enjoy their favorite strains.

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Contender #1: Shatter

Shatter is a type of full-spectrum cannabis concentrate that comes in an abundance of strains, and is named for its sheet-like, brittle appearance and texture.  Translucent, with a darker amber hue, it’s one of the most concentrated cannabis products there is, which is why it’s usually reserved for experienced cannabis users who have a very high tolerance.  Shatter is broken up into shards, which are applied to your dabbing equipment to be vaporized at high temps.  Shatter is not found in other products, like gummies, vapes, or tinctures, as live resin can be.

Shatter Creation Process

The process of making shatter begins with creating a full-spectrum hemp extract, by applying a solvent (usually butane) to the raw plant material, which separates the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant.  Then, this extract is concentrated using low, even heat until it’s reduced.  Butane is used rather than propane, as propane would turn the concentrate into a sugar-like consistency, while butane better preserves the terpenes in the plant, offering a homogenized texture due to the higher liquid content in the extract. 

Once the hot oil concentrate is done, it’s poured out into a tray in a thin layer, to produce what will become a sheet once it cools.  During this time, it’s vacuum-purged of any butane remnants, which produces the signature bubbles on the surface of the shatter that you can see when you use it.  What remains is a slab that’s ready to be portioned out.

Shatter Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Shatter is stronger than other types of concentrates, including live resin, in terms of the cannabinoid and terpene concentration, so the effects will be the strongest out of the three.
• Shatter is great for fans of concentrates who want a product that’s easy to transfer and portion out, as the glass-like consistency makes it easy to break into pieces.
• Shatter is ideal for dabbing, compared to live resin, which is not friendly to the high temperatures of dabbing devices.

Cons:

• Shatter’s flavor is weaker than that of live resin, since the advanced concentration process breaks down some of the terpenes’ flavor molecules.
• Shatter is not really compatible with other hemp products, like vapes, as live resin is.

Contender #2: Live Resin

Live resin is a hemp extract made with fresh, flash-frozen plant material as opposed to plant material that’s been dry-cured, which is the more traditional method.  Dry-curing is a standard part of processing flower buds, so that they don’t develop mold, but it subdues the impact of the buds’ sticky resinous trichome glands that contain the beautiful terpenes and flavonoids that give each strain its distinctive flavor profile and effects. 

Live resin produces a fresher-tasting, more potent type of extract that is darker in color and thicker in consistency, showing off how concentrated it is.  Live resin is most commonly used in vape oils since its powerfully flavorful and syrupy nature is very vape-friendly.

Live Resin Creation Process

To produce live resin, freshly harvested hemp flower buds are quickly submerged in a flash-freezing agent like liquid nitrogen.  This maintains the integrity of the terpenes and other compounds in the trichomes perfectly, preserving them so that when you taste them, it’s like the plant was picked yesterday.  From there, the manufacturer can employ standard extraction processes, knowing that they’re going to yield a far more compound-rich extract.

Live Resin Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Live resin can be made without solvents butane, so many people believe that it’s a “cleaner” type of extract, even though shatter has the butane vacuumed out of it.
• Live resin is a liquid, so it’s less likely to cause clogging issues.
• Live resin can be found in many different hemp products, used interchangeably with standard liquid extract.
• Live resin offers superb flavor compared to shatter, due to a lesser concentration process. 

Cons:

• Live resin isn’t as potent as shatter, and so the effects aren’t as strong, puff for puff.  
• Live resin isn’t really dab-friendly, unless it’s mixed into a concentrate.

Shatter or Live Resin: Two Potent Hemp Products that are More Different Than You Thought 

We’re seeing a wider array of cannabis products on the market than ever before, many of which offer more concentrated types of extracts to satisfy those who want more bang for their buck, and just aren’t afraid of high-potency formulas.  Shatter and live resin both offer all that and more, but you can see that there are some distinct differences between the two, so it’s important not to confuse one for the other type.

Now, we can tell you all about what each one brings to the table, but your best bet is to give both a try here at Binoid, and then see for yourself what they can deliver in terms of cannabinoid and terpene satisfaction.  They each serve a distinct purpose, and both ultimately demonstrate incredible advancements in the world of cannabis technology.

There are two unique types of concentrated cannabis products: shatter and live resin, both of which are gaining more momentum as users are clearly seeking out higher-potency products with which to enjoy their favorite strains. Shatter and live resin both offer all that and more, but you can see that there are some distinct differences between the two, so it’s important not to confuse one for the other type. At Binoid, we offer the best cannabis concentrates that offer a unique experience. 

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