Gone are the days of rolling up a joint or filling a pipe with green. Today, there are more ways to enjoy cannabis than ever before, and concentrates are undoubtedly some of the most popular.
But even in the realm of concentrates, there are countless options at your disposal. This can be a blessing and a curse as it leaves you scratching your head as to which style is right for you.
Two of the most highly coveted are liquid diamonds vs live resin. So, what’s the difference between live resin and liquid diamonds - and is one really better than the other? We’ll break it all down for you in this guide.
Ultimately, these are just two different ways to extract the good stuff from cannabis - cannabinoids, terpenes, and more. But, the variations in extraction lead to differences in potency, appearance, taste, aroma, and of course, cost.
We here at Evn feel that live resin is the pinnacle of cannabis products. It’s why we use this form of extraction for our gummies. So, taste and feel the difference firsthand with our live resin gummies today - or learn more about the differences between live resin vs diamonds below.
Is Liquid Diamond the Same as Live Resin?
In general, cannabis concentrates are a way to enjoy the good stuff from the plant - cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and more, terpenes, flavonoids, the works - without any of the plant matter. It’s as pure as it gets.
But before we get into the differences between liquid diamonds vs live resin, be clear - there ARE differences. No, they’re not two ways to describe the same type of extract. You can actually see the distinction when looking at these two concentrates side-by-side.
Sure, they share some similarities. They’re both full-spectrum concentrates that preserve cannabinoids and terpenes. You can dab each of them, and more or less have the same type of experience.
But, there are dramatic differences in how they taste, look, and what you’ll pay for the privilege of enjoying them. That being said, what’s the difference between live resin and liquid diamonds?
What’s the Difference Between Live Resin and Liquid Diamonds?
The simplest way to describe how/why live resin vs liquid diamonds are different comes down to how they’re extracted.
One is extracted from fresh-frozen cannabis plants to capture the plant’s full essence. - that’s live resin. The other, liquid diamonds, is essentially pure THCA crystals suspended in terpene-rich sauce.
Let’s take a closer look at each process below so you can better understand the advantages and disadvantages of liquid diamonds vs live resin.
Overview of Live Resin
So, what are live resin gummies? This is one of the most popular forms of cannabis concentrate, and for good reason. The reason it’s called “live” resin has to do with the extraction process itself.
While most cannabis is left to dry and cure before being consumed, this approach uses fresh, frozen cannabis plants immediately after harvest - meaning the drying/curing phase is eliminated.
The theory behind live resin is that it does a better job of preserving the delicate terpenes and cannabinoids that often degrade during curing. The end result is a product that’s more flavorful and more in line with what the actual cannabis plant would offer.
Overview of Liquid Diamonds
On the other end of the liquid diamonds vs live resin debate, this form has its place as well. Sometimes referred to simply as diamonds for short, this method prioritizes potency and clarity over flavor.
The term refers to THCA diamonds - highly purified crystalline THCA - that are suspended in terpene sauce. The THCA converts into THC when heated to deliver a powerful high. The surrounding sauce is where the terpenes live, which is where you’ll find the flavor and aroma.
This is to say that someone seeking the most potent cannabis experience would probably be better suited to diamonds. But, is it really better than live resin? Let’s compare and contrast the two below to leave you with complete clarity.
Liquid Diamonds vs Live Resin: Which is the Better Extract?
Ultimately choosing between live resin vs diamonds is just a matter of preference and availability. They’re both relatively new ways to enjoy cannabis, and your local dispensary may offer one or the other.
But if you’re lucky enough to have access to both liquid diamonds and live resin, you’ll need to try them both to figure out which you prefer. In the meantime, here are some of the nuances between liquid diamonds vs live resin.
Differences in Extraction
The differences all begin with the extraction process for each concentrate. Live resin is extracted from fresh-frozen cannabis plants using solvents like butane or propane.
This begs the question, is live resin dangerous? Not at all! At least, not if it’s extracted by an expert in a controlled environment using the right process.
Live resin’s signature flavor and aroma can be attributed to the plant’s terpenes and cannabinoids being preserved by avoiding the typical drying and curing phase. The “freeze first” approach captures the essence of the plant in its most vibrant form as Mother Nature intended.
On the other hand, liquid diamonds are made by first isolating the THCA crystals from a plant and then suspending them in a terpene-rich sauce.
The THCA is typically extracted from cannabis biomass and refined into its crystalline form through processes like crystallization and filtration. The surrounding sauce is made separately and later reintroduced to create the final product.
This raises a few concerns - most notably, are the companies you’re buying live diamonds from actually infusing the real terpenes and flavonoids from the original strain? Or, are they cutting corners and using synthetic terpenes to save money?
You never have to wonder what you’re getting with live resin. You’re getting the most well-rounded cannabis experience with all of the good parts of a plant pulled out at the same time, so you can experience the “entourage effect.”
Strength and Effects
These nuances in extraction lead to dramatic differences in strength and effects between live resin vs diamonds. As you might imagine, the potency of liquid diamonds is as high as you’ll find.
They’re truly the heavyweight of cannabis concentrate, with effects settling in almost immediately - and often surpassing what you’d get from live resin, let alone raw flower or other types of extract, such as distillate.
There’s a key caveat here, though. Because you’re mostly just consuming THC - and not hundreds of other cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant - liquid diamonds can feel a bit one-dimensional.
In contrast, live resin delivers a far more balanced and nuanced experience since all the parts of the plant work in synergy to deliver a true-to-strain experience. The high is far more complex and full-bodied, and this is cannabis as it was intended.
Make no mistake, either. Live resin can be incredibly potent, but in the best way possible.
The Taste Test
There are obvious differences between liquid diamonds vs live resin in terms of taste and aroma, too. Again - this goes back to how each is extracted.
Live resin puts all the terpenes in their right place for unparalleled flavor - far exceeding what you’d get from the flower itself. There are a few reasons for this. First and foremost, you’re only consuming flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids - no raw plant material.
But, it also has to do with how you consume live resin (and liquid diamonds, for that matter). You won’t combust the material as you would with raw flower using a lighter. Instead, you’ll vaporize it - either using a dab rig or a vape pen. This is a one-way trip to Flavor Town.
That’s not to say that liquid diamonds don’t taste great in their own right. However, this form does pale in comparison to live resin. The focus on THCA purity means flavor comes second, so purists who want to taste the plant as it was intended may be underwhelmed.
Appearance
You can easily spot the live resin vs diamonds based on appearance alone. The former has a viscous, saucy texture with a golden or amber hue.
It’s attractive but not as visually striking as liquid diamonds - which, as the name suggests look like hunks of diamond. The clear, crystalline THCA diamonds suspended in shimmering terpene sauce give it a polished, high-end look. It’s eye-catching and often seen as a luxury option.
But the truth is, aesthetics isn’t really the goal here. You’re after a more tangible experience - effects, flavor, and aroma will take precedence over appearance for most users. So far, live resin takes the cake on all fronts.
Longevity
Both forms of concentrate need to be kept in optimal storage conditions to prevent degradation of the good stuff - cannabinoids, terps, etc. But, one is a bit more fickle than the other, and that’s live resin.
It’s sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. You need to keep it in a cool, dark, and airtight container to enjoy it to the fullest from the first dab to the last.
Liquid diamonds are more stable due to their crystallized THCA. They tend to have a longer shelf life, as the crystalline structure protects the THC content better than the terpene-rich components of live resin.
Even still, follow the same guidelines for storing liquid diamonds. A drawer in a bedroom is a safe bet where light and heat can’t take a toll on the potency and flavor.
Consumption Methods
This is where you’ll see almost no distinction between liquid diamonds vs live resin. They are both dabbed in most cases, which is sort of similar to consuming raw flower in a bong.
The only difference is you put the concentrate into a nail/banger instead of a bowl and use a torch (or e-nail) instead of a lighter. The actual process of dabbing is quite a bit more complex than smoking flower.
That being said, live resin is a bit more versatile. It can be infused into edibles, something you can’t do with liquid diamonds. It also tends to work better in vape pens than liquid diamonds do. Save the diamonds for dabbing.
The Cost Comparison
There’s one more thing we need to discuss in comparing live resin vs diamonds: the price tag. The truth is, both concentrates are going to offer more bang for your buck since a little goes a long way. However, the upfront cost will be much higher than a typical ⅛ of weed.
In putting liquid diamonds vs live resin side by side, though, there are differences in price. Live resin tends to be more affordable, although it’s still considered a premium product.
Since liquid diamonds are almost pure THC, you’re going to pay a bit more. This can be attributed to the more complex extraction and refinement process. But, you certainly get what you pay for!
So, Which is Right For You: Live Resin vs Diamonds?
Hopefully, you have a better understanding of which is better for you between liquid diamonds vs live resin. They’re ultimately both great choices.
But if we had to recommend one, it would be live resin. The reasons are clear. It provides a more balanced, true-to-strain experience both in terms of effects, flavor, and aroma.
Sure, those who just want to consume as much THC as possible might be better suited to diamonds. For those seeking an authentic cannabis experience, though, the choice is obvious. Stick with live resin. It’s more affordable and versatile, too!
The best part? Our hybrid gummies, indica gummies, and sativa gummies are all sourced from live resin - so you don’t have to look far to try it out yourself! We also have live rosin gummies if you want to try another unique cannabis concentrate.
We work closely with our farm partners to maintain strict quality standards. These operations uphold the same values we do and are passionate about the plant - not just here for a profit.
All our products are lab-tested to ensure potency and purity. We never use animal-based ingredients or GMO - everything is traceable. With hundreds of five-star reviews, you don’t just have to take our word for it when we say this is the pinnacle of cannabis, either. Shop today!
Wrapping Up Our Comparison of Live Resin vs Liquid Diamonds
That does it for our detailed comparison of liquid diamonds vs life resin. Each offers a unique take on cannabis, one more centered on THC concentration and the other providing a more balanced experience true-to-strain.
Ultimately, though, we lean towards live resin as the better of the two. Hopefully, you understand why - you can’t beat its taste, effects, versatility, and cost.
Our blog has more resources on topics like the top Runtz strains, ashwagandha and weed, indica vs sativa vs hybrid, cannabis for sex, indica gummies effects, and many more.
But with the best live resin gummies just a few clicks away, what are you waiting for? Experience the best of cannabis concentrates at Evn today. You’ll be back for more!
