If you’ve browsed cannabis vapes or concentrates lately, you’ve probably seen terms like live resin, rosin, and distillate. These extraction methods all offer different experiences—and knowing the difference can help you choose the product that’s right for your body, your budget, and your high.

At California Street Cannabis, we’re committed to making education part of the experience. Whether you’re shopping for vape cartridges, dabs, or infused pre-rolls, here’s what you need to know about the key differences between live resin, rosin, and distillate—and how to find them on our menu.

What Is Live Resin?

Live resin is a cannabis concentrate made using fresh-frozen flower, which helps preserve the plant’s natural terpenes and cannabinoids. The result is a potent, flavorful extract that closely mirrors the aroma and effects of the living plant.

Best for:

• Flavor chasers

• Full-spectrum effects

• Fans of “true-to-strain” highs

Want to try it yourself? View our vape cartridges featuring live resin strains—or place an order for quick pickup or delivery.

What Is Distillate?

Distillate is one of the most refined cannabis extracts. It’s created by stripping away everything except for THC or CBD, which gives you a clean, high-potency oil. It’s often used in vape pens, edibles, and tinctures.

Best for:

• High THC content

• Clean, consistent dosing

• Budget-friendly options

However, because distillate is stripped of most terpenes, the flavor and entourage effects may be muted compared to live resin or rosin.

Ready to shop? View our menu or order today to explore our curated selection of distillate and full-spectrum options.

What Is Rosin? (Explained Simply)

Rosin is a solventless extract made using only heat and pressure—no chemicals or hydrocarbons. Unlike live resin and distillate, rosin keeps the process natural and is often considered the cleanest concentrate available.

There are two types:

• Flower rosin – made from dried buds

• Live rosin – made from fresh-frozen flower, like live resin but solventless

Best for:

• Health-conscious consumers

• Purists who want a clean, chemical-free experience

• Dabbers and connoisseurs

Looking for rosin vape cartridges or dabs? You can order delivery right to your door or swing by our store to ask a budtender for recommendations.

Want more context? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Extracts to dive deeper into rosin and solventless options.

⚖️ Live Resin vs Distillate vs Rosin: Quick Comparison

Where to Find These Extracts in SF

At California Street Cannabis, we carry a rotating menu of top-quality vape cartridges, dabs, and infused products made from live resin, rosin, and distillate. We stock trusted brands that emphasize clean sourcing, potency, and flavor—including options for every type of consumer.

🔗 Place an order now or view our extracts to see what’s in stock.

Don’t want to leave the house? Get it delivered to you with fast local delivery across San Francisco.

Final Thoughts: Choose What Works for You

Whether you’re chasing flavor with live resin, aiming for high potency with distillate, or going all-natural with rosin, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all comes down to your goals, preferences, and budget.

Need help choosing? Stop by our San Francisco dispensary and talk to our team—or explore our latest blog posts for more product breakdowns and cannabis education.

Ready to shop? Order today or place an order to try your next favorite extract.