When shopping for a 510 cartridge, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options on the legal market. While most carts fit the universal 510 thread, what’s inside them can vary a lot, especially when it comes to the type of cannabis oil.
From high-THC distillate to terpene-rich full-spectrum extracts, each oil has a unique effect, taste, and price point. In this guide, we’ll break down the main types of oils you’ll find in 510 cartridges and help you figure out what’s right for you.
Distillate
Distillate is the most common and widely available oil found in legal vape cartridges in Canada. The term refers to the cannabis refinement process where THC (or another cannabinoid) is isolated and purified, while most other compounds (like terpenes and minor cannabinoids) are removed.
Distillate carts are usually high in THC, typically ranging from 80–95%, and often contain added flavouring agents, such as botanical terpenes, to give the oil a fruity or candy-like taste.
Pros:
- Often the most affordable option
- High THC content
- Fruity, appealing flavours
Cons:
- Lacks other cannabinoids and plant compounds
- May feel less balanced or nuanced than full-spectrum options
Liquid Diamonds
“Liquid diamonds” is a term used for carts made by combining THCA diamonds (crystallized THC) with live resin sauce, offering both potency and enhanced flavour. These are sometimes labelled “strain-specific,” meaning the oil comes from a specific cannabis strain, not just generic THC distillate.
Many brands still add botanical terpenes for flavour, so expect fruity notes along with a more complex high.
Pros:
- High potency
- Offers more cannabinoids than distillate
- Flavourful, often fruity
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than distillate
- Some strain-specific terpenes may still be lost in extraction
Live Resin
Live resin is one of the most popular full-spectrum options. It’s typically made by flash-freezing fresh cannabis and extracting the oil using solvents (usually butane). This method preserves the plant’s full range of cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a more well-rounded, “true-to-plant” experience, closer to what you’d get from smoking.
Pros:
- Full-spectrum effects from natural cannabinoids and terpenes
- Usually no added flavouring agents
- Great for people who want that "real weed" taste
Cons:
- More expensive than distillate
- THC content is often lower than distillate oils, usually ranging between 70–85%
Live Rosin
Live rosin is the cleanest and most natural cannabis extract available in cartridge form. It’s made by pressing bubble hash (created from fresh frozen flower) with heat and pressure — no solvents involved. This results in a pure, full-spectrum oil that’s considered top-tier by connoisseurs.
Pros:
- Solventless and ultra-pure
- Delivers a true full-spectrum high
- No artificial flavours or additives
Cons:
- Typically the most expensive option
- Often only available in 0.5g format
- THC content is usually lower (60–70%), but effects are often more balanced
Blends
Blended cartridges mix distillate with live resin (or rosin), aiming to strike a balance between price, potency, and plant-forward experience. You’ll still get high THC levels and added flavouring, but with some terpenes and cannabinoids preserved, the effect may feel closer to smoking than distillate alone.
Pros:
- Affordable middle-ground
- Offers better effects than distillate on its own
- Fruity flavours with a fuller entourage effect
Cons:
- Not as potent or flavourful as pure options
- May lack consistency across brands
- Less commonly made compared to straight distillate or resin
So, Which Cart is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; it really depends on your goals, preferences, and budget. Ask yourself:
- Do you prefer fruity flavour or a weed-like taste?
- Do you care more about THC percentage or the full plant experience?
- Are you shopping on a budget, or are you ready to splurge on top-tier oil?
Distillate might be your go-to for a cheap, strong hit. Live resin and live rosin are ideal if you’re looking for a more authentic, full-spectrum experience. And liquid diamonds or blends offer something in between — potent, flavourful, and strain-specific.
In Conclusion
Understanding the difference between distillate, live resin, live rosin, liquid diamonds, and blends helps you make a choice that fits your vibe, whether you're all about flavour, potency, or getting the most out of the plant itself.
At the end of the day, the best cartridge is the one that suits your preferences, budget, and lifestyle. Take your time, explore what’s out there, and enjoy the process, one puff at a time. No matter your vibe, there’s a 510 cart out there that matches it — and a Nova battery to go with it.
