Best Live Resin Carts: Cannabis & Hemp-Derived Vape Carts (Reviewed)

Live resin extracts take the term “full-spectrum” to a whole new level… unfortunately, most products on the open market are NOT true live resins.

By Connor McElroy Last Updated: May 31, 2024
Last Updated: May 31, 2024

Live resin are made using flash-frozen plant matter rather than dried and cured buds. The goal of this extraction method is to retain a rich terpene profile found only in the living plant. 

These extracts are hard to make and expensive — but the final product has an aromatic experience unlike any other.

Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, the vast majority of “live resin carts” are not true live resin extracts. They’re merely processed cannabinoid distillates mixed with a blend of terpenes. When you buy live resin carts, you’re getting a more aromatic and terpene-rich product, but calling it live resin is misleading.

Regardless, here’s a roundup of our favorite live resin carts on the market right now — starting with the best brands you can buy online, followed by 7 brands we’ve found selling authentic live resin carts (these are harder to get your hands on).

Related Guides: Difference Between Hemp & Marijuana | Cannabis 101 | How to Grow Weed

Top-Rated Live Resin Cannabis Vape Carts (2024)

The best cannabis-derived live resin carts are made using supercritical CO2 extraction from quality marijuana with a high THC content.

Here are five of the best live resin vape carts on the market:

1. TRE House Live Resin Cart

Verdict: Not a true live resin cart, but terpene-rich. Available online in the USA.

Tre House is one of our favorite suppliers for psychoactive products — they’re relatively low-cost, decent quality, and come in a massive array of variations to choose from.

These live resin carts aren’t true live resin (fresh frozen and cold extracted full-spectrum hemp extract), but they taste pretty close and are about ¼ the price.

These carts come in 4 different versions — delta-8 live resin, HHC live resin, THCA live resin, and a blend containing all 3 plus THCP. 

These carts are easy to use and fit any standardized 510 threaded batteries.

Tre House Live Resin Cart Specs:

ScoreNotes
Tripsitter Ranking8/10Excellent flavor and potency, but not a true live resin extract.
Trust Score6/10Reputable brand with lots of great products, but this particular product is slightly misleading.
Actives Per Cart (%)Varies depending on the additional  cannabinoid blend selectedAvailable in delta-8, HHC, THCA, and THCP.
Taste10/10Excellent terpy flavor that matches the strain profiles they’re modeled after.
Cost$40Reasonably priced for a live resin cartridge.

2. Mellow Fellow Euphoria Live Resin Carts

Verdict: Not a true live resin cart, but terpene-rich. Available online in the USA.

The Euphoria live resin carts from Mellow Fellow are made using live resin from federally compliant hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC). You’ll find pure live resin carts (non-psychoactive) as well as infused live resin carts (psychoactive). 

Mellow Fellow infuses some of their live resin with hemp-derived cannabinoid isolates such as delta-8 THC, THCA, and THCP. By doing this, they’ve managed to create a vape with the full flavor of a hemp-derived live resin extract and the psychoactive properties of legal THC isolates. 

Mellow Fellow sells a variety of different strains and cannabinoid combinations. All of their products are Farm Bill compliant, formulated by professional pharmacists, and are third-party lab tested. 

Mellow Fellow Euphoria Live Resin Cart Specs:

ScoreNotes
Tripsitter Ranking8/10Excellent flavor and decent quality overall, but we’re unable to confirm if these are authentic live resin or not.
Trust Score8/10Reputable brand with a loyal following of happy customers
Actives Per Cart (%)Varies by product. Both psychoactive & non-psychoactive options are available
Taste10/10Variety of different strains & cannabinoid blends are available
Cost$19.99–$44.99Reasonably priced for such high-quality vape carts

3. Exhale Wellness Live Resin + Delta-8 Vape Carts

Verdict: Not a true live resin cart, but terpene-rich. Available online in the USA.

The Delta-8 + Live Resin vape carts from Exhale Wellness contain two ingredients — a hemp-derived live resin extract and a delta-8 THC extract. They are Farm Bill-compliant, third-party lab-tested, and contain no additives or preservatives. 

These aren’t the most potent live resin carts on the market, but they’re more than capable of inducing a high similar to a mild cannabis experience. Exhale Wellness is a reputable brand but a little overpriced, in our opinion. With that said, these federally legal vape carts are worth the money, and if you don’t enjoy them, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Six different strains/flavors are offered. You’ll find “Pineapple Express, Fruity Cereal, Blackberry Kush, Louis XIII, Strawberry Gelato, and Wedding Cake.” 

Exhale Wellness Live Resin Cart Specs:

ScoreNotes
Tripsitter Ranking7/10Decent terpene flavor, but not a true live resin extract. 
Trust Score8/10Legitimate brand that’s Farm Bill-compliant. A little overpriced
Actives per Cart (%)80%Milder experience compared to THCA but produces a noticeable high
Taste9/10A range of strains are offered. Flavor tends to fade as the cart gets low on resin
Cost$44.95Quite expensive for a 1-gram cart

4. Sherbinskis Live Resin Carts 

Verdict: Not a true live resin cart. Made with real cannabis terpenes. Available in dispensaries across both Canada & the USA. 

The live resin carts from Sherbinskis contain up to 88% THC. They’re reasonably priced ($30 to $50 per 1-gram cart) and can be purchased from a variety of dispensaries across Canada and the United States. These are highly potent vape carts that are available in a couple of different strain options: “Pink Sherbs and Orange Sherbs.”

Both strains include Sherbinskis’ famous Gelato genetics and are made through a hydrocarbon extraction process. 

The Pink Sherbs cart packs a strong strawberry flavor profile with hints of sweet cream. The Orange Sherbs cart has a citrus flavor profile with notes of pine and sweet cream. These carts taste fantastic, but like many others on the market, the rich flavor fades after a short period of use. 

Sherbinkskis Live Resin Cart Specs:

ScoreNotes
Tripsitter Ranking9/10High-quality live resin cart. Great flavor but fades quickly
Trust Score10/10Legitimate brand out of California. Products are available in the United States & Canada
Actives Per Cart (%)65–88%Variable THC levels depending on strain
Taste8/10Excellent flavonoid and terpene profiles. However, the flavor tends to fade quickly
Cost$22–$50Middle of the range

5. Tribal Cuban Linx Live Resin Carts

Verdict: True live resin cart, only available in Canadian dispensaries.

The Cuban Linx 1-gram live resin carts from Tribal contain 78% THC. This cart contains live resin made from Tribal’s fresh frozen Cuban Linx flower (a hybrid of TK Skunk x Trigerian). 

These carts have a traditional Haze flavor packed with tangy, citrusy notes and hints of pine. Tribal uses a “cryogenic extraction process that preserves the profile of the flower and offers one of the highest levels of purity.” 

Whatever Tribal are doing in their extraction process is working. These carts pack a punch in flavor and effects. They’re on par with other brands in terms of cost and can be purchased from a variety of different Canada-based dispensaries. 

Unfortunately, we haven’t found a reputable online vendor in the US that sells these carts. 

Tribal Cuban Linx Live Resin Cart Specs:

ScoreNotes
Tripsitter Ranking9/10Quality vape carts that contain potent live resin
Trust Score9/10Legitimate brand based out of Canada
Actives Per Cart (%)78%Potent euphoric effects
Taste8/10Great flavor profile. Like many live resin carts, taste fades relatively quickly
Cost$40–$55Average for carts of this type

6. Port North Cherry Boat Live Resin Syrup Carts

Verdict: True live resin cart, available only in Canadian dispensaries.

The Cherry live resin carts from Port North are available to buy from a variety of dispensaries across Canada. Each 0.5-gram vape cart contains 67.43% THC and 10.35% total terpenes (caryophyllene, farnesene, and humulene are the most dominant). 

The Port North carriages are specifically designed to vaporize live resin and live rosin extracts. They have glass casing and low-temperature ceramic cores that ensure long-lasting flavor. 

These are some of the best-tasting live resin vape carts on the market. However, they’re expensive — almost double the price of other high-end brands. 

Port North Cherry Boat Live Resin Syrup Cart Specs:

ScoreNotes
Tripsitter Ranking10/10High-quality live resin & live rosin vape carts in a variety of strains
Trust Score10/10Legitimate Canada-based brand
Actives Per Cart (%)67.43%Potent Indica-dominant extract
Taste10/10Excellent terpene profiles (over 10%). Long-lasting flavor
Cost$29.99Quite expensive for a 0.5 gram cart

7. Purple Hills Live Resin Vape Carts

Verdict: True live resin extract, only available in Canadian dispensaries.

The live resin vape carts from Purple Hills are some of the best around. Purple Hills is a reputable cannabis dispensary in Canada that sells a range of flower, pre-rolls, vaporizers, concentrates, edibles, and more. 

The Purple Hills live resin carts come in a variety of options. They range in potency from 60% up to 80% THC and 2% to 10% CBD. You’ll find “Creemore Valley Kush, Frozen Bananas, Lake Huron Haze, Lemon Pepper, Orangeade, and Purple Lemonade” live resin carts for sale on their online store. 

All of Purple Hills’ 1-gram live resin carts are made with Canada-grown hemp that’s been flash-frozen and extracted using a hydrocarbon extraction technique. 

These carts are some of the tastiest we’ve found. They pack a full taste with earthy, sour, piney notes. Unlike other live resin carts on the market, these taste great hit after hit. They’re easy on the throat, even when they start to run low on resin. 

Purple Hills Live Resin Cart Specs:

ScoreNotes
Tripsitter Ranking10/10Best quality live resin vape carts in Canada
Trust Score10/10Legitimate brand with a loyal following of happy customers
THC Per Cart (%)60–80%Variable THC & CBD levels depending on strain
Taste10/10Full spectrum of flavors that don’t fade, even when the cart is running low
Cost$40–$60Average price for a 1-gram live resin cart

Hemp-Derived vs. Marijuana-Derived vs. Modified Cannabinoid Live Resins

Live resin extracts can be made from both hemp plants and marijuana plants. Only the hemp-derived live resin are considered federally legal in the United States.

These extracts are much higher in non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD, CBC, and CBG.

Live resin extracts are typically used for their painkilling, relaxing, and general healing qualities.

Hemp-Derived Live Resin

Hemp-derived live resin is extracted from hemp plants — cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Hemp is federally legal in the United States. Hemp-derived products such as live resin vape carts are also legal, provided they contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight. 

Due to the federal restrictions on delta-9 content, hemp-derived live resin is far less potent than cannabis-derived concentrates. Many brands will infuse their live resin with legal cannabinoid distillates such as delta-8 THC, THCA, or HHC to improve the psychoactive effects of the vapor. 

Some brands may sell live resin carts that don’t contain any distillates. These are often marketed as “CBD carts” and are made using live resin from hemp plants that are high in the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol). Any legitimate hemp-derived live resin carts will contain a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes but may be altered to adjust the THC content so the product is federally compliant. 

Marijuana-Derived Live Resin

Marijuana-derived live resins are much richer in delta-9 THC and are primarily used for their sleep-supportive and psychoactive qualities. These products are only legal in states with recreational or medical cannabis laws and are typically very expensive.

The exact profile of a live resin cart depends on the cannabis cultivar used for extraction. Indica or Sativa-dominant strains of varying varieties can be used to make live resin. Some strains produce high-THC resin, while others produce CBD-rich resin. 

Different strains have different terpene profiles — a live resin extract from a Haze strain will taste vastly different from a live resin extract made from Kush.

Modified Cannabinoid Live Resin

Live resin extracts made using delta-8, HHC, or other modified cannabinoids may technically be considered legal, but are not a true live resin extract. You cannot extract useable quantities of these cannabinoids from the fresh-frozen cannabis buds. These extracts are created in a lab through a process called isomerization and mixed with a blend of terpenes. Higher-quality pseudo-live resin extracts use a full-spectrum, cannabis-derived terpene extract, while lower-quality ones use synthetic or botanical-derived terpene blends to simulate the experience.

What True Live Resin Looks Like (Liquidy & Buttery Texture)

What, Exactly, is Live Resin?

Live resin is a cannabis or hemp concentrate that’s extracted from freshly harvested flower. The process of making live resin involves flash-freezing freshly harvested plants before CO2, ethanol, or butane is used to extract the resin. 

The extraction process retains various compounds from cannabis or hemp that would otherwise be lost when the plants are dried first. Live resin is known for its high terpene content and aromatic profile, which can vary depending on the strain of hemp or cannabis used for extraction. They have more robust flavor profiles and “aromatic bouquets” compared to typical concentrates, THC distillates, and cannabinoid isolates. 

It’s the unique extraction process that makes live resin attractive to cannabis enthusiasts. Not only does live resin boast a fuller flavor profile, but it also boasts a fuller range of cannabinoids that could enhance the effects of the THC through a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

The “entourage effect” is the term used to describe the synergistic interaction between various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals found in cannabis. It’s believed that a full-spectrum extract (resin that contains all compounds found in cannabis) results in a more profound effect on the body and mind compared to cannabinoid isolates and broad-spectrum concentrates.

Live resin that has been extracted from cannabis (plants with more than 0.3% THC) is highly psychoactive. Live resin made from hemp (plants that contain less than 0.3% THC) isn’t as psychoactive. However, hemp-derived live resin should contain enough THCA (the precursor to delta-9 THC) to induce noticeable effects after decarboxylation through vaping. 

Live resin from hemp is often infused with a hemp-derived delta-8, HHC, or THCA extract to improve its psychoactive properties. Although infused resins aren’t “true” live resin extracts, they’re generally more potent.

Live Resin Vape Carts vs. Normal Vape Carts

Live resin carts and “normal” cannabinoid vape carts are similar. Ultimately, they both end up doing the same thing — inducing psychoactive effects. However, they’re both quite different.

Let’s take a look at what makes these vape carts unique:

Live Resin Vape Carts

Live resin is defined by the way it’s extracted. Live resin is made by using freshly harvested cannabis or hemp plants that have been immediately flash-frozen. This preserves the plant’s terpene profile. The extraction process usually involves supercritical CO2 or butane.

Live resin vape carts retain a higher concentration of the plant’s natural terpenes and cannabinoids. This results in a concentrate that produces a more robust and flavorful vaping experience. It may also contain a fuller spectrum of cannabinoids, making the extract more valuable medically and recreationally.  

Live resin carts can be prone to blockages and require more care during use. They’re also more expensive than carts made from standard extracts. 

Normal Vape Carts

“Normal” vape carts are typically made using dried and cured cannabis or hemp. The extraction process may involve CO2, butane, or ethanol. Cannabinoids such as THC are generally isolated and concentrated to make regular vape carts. The extracts are usually combined with propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). These components carry the cannabinoids, aiding in vapor production. 

Normal cannabinoid vape carts may also include flavorings (natural or synthetic) as well as a host of other ingredients. Many companies will also add additional cannabis or hemp-derived terpenes to enhance the flavor and aroma of the vapor. Normal vapes can taste great but they lack the complexity and richness that’s associated with a terpene-rich live resin cart. 

Contrary to what many people believe, normal vape carts can be just as potent as live resin carts. However, you may not benefit as much from “the entourage” effect because the extracts are generally not as “full” as those made from flash-frozen plant material. 

Normal vape carts are generally cheaper to purchase and are less prone to blockages compared to live resin carts.

Related Guides: Delta-9 THC Vape Carts | Delta-8 THC Vape Carts | Best Carts (All)

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vape Cart

Which type of live resin vape cart is best depends on individual preferences, legal considerations, desired effects, and intended use. 

You should consider these factors when choosing a live resin vape cart:

1. Local State Laws

The first thing to consider when choosing a live resin vape cart is the legality of cannabis in your region. Hemp-derived live resin carts are legal in most states across the US and several countries worldwide. On the other hand, cannabis-derived live resin is illegal in most countries. These carts are legally obtainable in green states and countries. 

If you live in a region where cannabis is illegal, purchasing cannabis-derived live resin carts could lead to legal repercussions. It may be safer to go with a hemp-derived cart instead. 

2. Psychoactive Potency

Cannabis-derived live resin vape carts are much more potent than hemp-derived vape carts. Hemp-derived carts must contain less than 0.3% to abide by the 2018 Farm Bill. Cannabis-derived carts can contain anywhere from 50% to 80% THC.

If you want to vape live resin recreationally, cannabis-derived carts are the way to go. If you want a less psychoactive experience, low-potency hemp-derived live resin may be a better option.

If cannabis-derived products are inaccessible or illegal in your region, hemp-derived carts that are high in THCA are the next best option. THCA is converted to delta-9 THC when heated through vaping, inducing the same effects as cannabis-derived Δ9. 

3. Desired Effects

What you wish to achieve from vaping live resin will alter your choice of vape carts. 

Individuals seeking psychoactive effects for recreational purposes may prefer cannabis-derived carts with a high THC content. These carts provide euphoria, relaxation, and heightened sensory perception. 

Individuals who wish to induce relaxation but don’t want to get face-meltingly stoned may prefer a cannabis-derived cart low in THC or a hemp-derived cart containing delta-8 THC. 

People who are seeking therapeutic benefits through vaping but don’t want to induce a high may prefer hemp-derived live resin carts with a high CBD content. This non-psychoactive cannabinoid has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties, making it the perfect candidate for those who want to use cannabis/hemp medically. 

FAQs: Live Resin Carts

If you want to learn more about live resin carts and other hemp-derived cannabinoid products, read through the answers to the frequently asked questions below. 

Feel free to check out more cannabis-related articles or reach out to us at feedback@tripsitter.com

1. What is live resin?

Live resin is a type of cannabis or hemp concentrate extracted from freshly harvested and flash-frozen plants, preserving the plant’s terpene profile for a more aromatic and flavorful experience. These extracts typically contain around 70–80% cannabinoids, and 15–20% terpenes. Typical distillates contain closer to 90–97% cannabinoids and just 1–3% terpenes.

2. Are all live resin carts true live resin?

No, unfortunately, most products labeled as live resin are not true live resin extracts. They often contain cannabinoid distillates mixed with terpenes rather than being a full-spectrum extraction of the fresh-frozen plant matter.

3. What are the benefits of using live resin carts?

Live resin carts offer a more robust and flavorful vaping experience, thanks to the high terpene content and the preservation of a fuller spectrum of cannabinoids, which can enhance the entourage effect.

4. Are hemp-derived live resin carts legal?

Yes, hemp-derived live resin carts are legal in the United States as long as they contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight, in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill.

5. Can live resin carts get you high?

Definitely! Live resin extracts made with any form of THC, including HHC, THCV, and THCP, will get the user high. Only high-CBD live resins with very low concentrations of THC are considered non-psychoactive.

6. What is the entourage effect?

The entourage effect refers to a unique synergistic interaction between various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals in the cannabis plant. By working together, these elements produce a stronger effect than any one compound in isolation. The high terpene content and wide spectrum of cannabinoids included in a true live resin extract give it a notably stronger effect than pure distillates taken at the same dosage.

7. Which countries/states can I buy authentic live resin carts?

True live resin extracts made from marijuana can only be purchased from registered dispensaries in legal states or places like Canada that have legalized cannabis across the whole country.

Countries where marijuana is legal: Canada, Georgia, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Thailand, Uruguay, & The Netherlands.

States where marijuana is legal:  Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, & Washington.

8. What is THCA?

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) is the precursor to delta-9 THC — the cannabinoid responsible for the effects of cannabis. This compound is non-psychoactive in its raw form, but when it’s decarboxylated through heating, it’s converted into delta-9 THC. 

This cannabinoid is legal in the United States, provided it’s derived from federally legal hemp — cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.

Hemp-derived THCA is often used to make legal vape carts, pre-rolls, and flower. It provides the same effects as delta-9 THC when smoked or vaped, making for an experience similar to cannabis. 

9. How Can I Pass a Weed Drug Test Quickly?

THC stays in your system for 24 hours to 90 days after consumption. It stays detectable in follicle samples and blood samples longer than it does in urine and saliva samples. 

To improve your chances of passing a urine test the key is to flush your system. Drink as much water and urinate as much as possible during the lead-up to the test. It goes without saying you should stop using cannabis as well.

On the morning of the test, make sure to drink as much as possible and urinate several times beforehand. Take vitamin B supplements to add color back to your urine — most labs will refuse a clear sample. 

To improve your chances of passing a saliva test, you should use a toxin-removing mouthwash several times in the lead-up to the test. Brush your teeth thoroughly on the morning of the test and rinse your mouth several times with mouthwash before taking the test. Saliva tests are the easiest to fool. Just be sure to stop using cannabis as soon as you’re notified about the drug screening and improve your oral hygiene tenfold. 

Learn more: How To Pass A Drug Test For Weed (Quickly).

10. Where Does Cannabis Grow Naturally?

Cannabis isn’t native to the lofts, basements, and warehouses of urban ganja growers. This plant grows wild in several countries across the globe. 

It can be found growing by the acre in the mountains across India and Pakistan, the tropical rainforests of Jamaica, the cool climates of Central Asia, and even the Arctic wilderness of Northern Siberia. 

Cannabis plants are native in some countries and invasive in others. Despite what many people believe, this plant is extremely resilient and can thrive in a multitude of environments. These plants have been voluntarily and accidentally introduced to several countries across the globe. You can even find cannabis growing wild in the United States, Australia, and parts of Europe. 

Learn more: Where Does Weed Grow Naturally?


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