Not all cannabis edibles are created equal. Sure, they all deliver a potent, long-lasting high—but how they’re made plays a big role in the flavor, effects, and overall experience.
If you’ve ever noticed edibles labeled “made with distillate,” “infused with live resin,” “RSO edibles,” or “hash oil-infused,” you might be wondering: what’s the difference? And more importantly—which one is right for you?
Let’s break it down.
Distillate Edibles: The Clean, Flavorless Option
Best for: Potency, neutral taste, and versatility
Distillate is one of the most common cannabis extracts used in edibles. It’s a highly refined oil that isolates THC (or CBD) while stripping away almost everything else—flavor, terpenes, and minor cannabinoids. The result? A clean, nearly flavorless extract that packs a strong punch.
Why Choose Distillate Edibles?
✅ Consistently potent—perfect for those who want a strong high without extra plant compounds
✅ No cannabis flavor—great for edibles where taste matters, like chocolates and gummies
✅ Versatile and widely available—you’ll find distillate in everything from gummies to drinks to capsules
⚠️ Things to Consider:
- Lacks the full-spectrum experience—since terpenes and minor cannabinoids are removed, the effects may feel more one-dimensional compared to live resin, hash oil, or RSO.
Popular Distillate Edibles:
Live Resin Edibles: The Terpene-Rich Experience
Best for: A flavorful, strain-specific high with more nuanced effects
If you love the complexity of cannabis strains, live resin edibles are for you. Live resin is made by freezing fresh cannabis flower before extracting its oils. This method preserves the strain’s natural terpenes and minor cannabinoids, giving edibles a more authentic cannabis experience.
Why Choose Live Resin Edibles?
✅ Fuller, more complex high—the entourage effect enhances the experience
✅ Strain-specific effects—you’ll actually notice differences between indica, sativa, and hybrid edibles
✅ Better flavor & aroma—a hint of cannabis essence complements the edible
⚠️ Things to Consider:
- Mild cannabis taste—not overpowering, but noticeable in some edibles
- Can be more expensive due to the specialized extraction process
Popular Live Resin Edibles:
RSO Edibles: The Full-Spectrum Powerhouse
Best for: Medical users and those seeking a deeply therapeutic experience
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) is the most unprocessed and full-spectrum cannabis extract used in edibles. Unlike distillate or live resin, RSO retains all cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and even plant fats—making it a true whole-plant extract.
Because RSO contains all cannabis compounds, the effects can feel stronger, heavier, and longer-lasting compared to other edibles. Many medical cannabis patients prefer RSO because of its potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and sleep support.
Why Choose RSO Edibles?
✅ Full-spectrum entourage effect—all plant compounds work together for a powerful experience
✅ Potential therapeutic benefits—popular among medical users
✅ Long-lasting effects—a heavier, more sedative high compared to distillate or live resin
⚠️ Things to Consider:
- Strong herbal taste—RSO is unrefined, so its flavor is very noticeable
- Can be overwhelming for new users—start low and go slow!
Popular RSO Edibles:
Hash Oil Edibles: The Balanced, Old-School Option
Best for: A full-spectrum experience that’s potent but not overpowering
Hash oil (also called full-spectrum oil or FECO – Full Extract Cannabis Oil) falls somewhere between live resin and RSO in terms of potency, taste, and experience. It’s made using solvent-based or solventless extraction methods that preserve more plant compounds than distillate but don’t include the heavy, tar-like plant material found in RSO.
Hash oil edibles retain a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, offering an effect that feels more “natural” and closer to smoking flower, just in edible form.
Why Choose Hash Oil Edibles?
✅ Balanced full-spectrum effects—stronger than distillate but not as heavy as RSO
✅ Retains terpenes & minor cannabinoids—enhances the entourage effect
✅ Milder cannabis taste than RSO—great for people who want full-spectrum benefits without overwhelming flavor
⚠️ Things to Consider:
- Some cannabis taste—but much lighter than RSO
- Strain-specific effects may vary depending on how the hash oil was extracted
Popular Hash Oil Edibles:
- Aeriz Full Spectrum Hash Drops
- Good Tide Solventless Hash Rosin Gummies
- Aeriz Full Spectrum Chocolate Truffles
Which Edible Type is Right for You?
Feature | Distillate | Live Resin | RSO | Hash Oil |
---|---|---|---|---|
Flavor | Neutral | Light cannabis | Strong cannabis | Mild cannabis |
Potency | High | High | Very high | Moderate to high |
Effects | Straight THC high | Strain-specific high | Deep, full-spectrum high | Balanced full-spectrum high |
Medical Benefits | Moderate | Strong | Strongest | Strong |
Best For | Everyday users who want a pure THC effect | Cannabis lovers who want strain-specific effects | Medical users & those seeking a heavy-hitting high | Those who want full-spectrum effects without RSO’s heaviness |
Still unsure? Ask our team at Hatch! Whether you’re looking for a mild, tasty treat or a powerful full-spectrum experience, we’ve got the right edible for you.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the difference between distillate, live resin, RSO, and hash oil edibles, you can choose the best option based on flavor, potency, and effects. Whether you’re a first-time user or an experienced consumer, Hatch has a variety of high-quality infused edibles to match your vibe.
Ready to explore? Stop by Hatch or shop online to find your next favorite edible!