Vapes continue to be one of the most browsed categories at Bud City in Newton. With different oil types, device formats and size options available, it’s normal to have a few questions before deciding what to try.
For many customers, it starts with two basics:
- What’s the difference between a cartridge and a disposable?
- What’s the difference between distillate and live resin?
Cartridge vs. Disposable: What’s the Difference?
No matter which oil type you choose, you’ll typically see two main format options.
Cartridge (510-thread)
A cartridge contains cannabis oil and requires a compatible rechargeable battery. The cartridge screws onto the device and can be swapped out when finished. Many customers prefer this option if they already own a battery and like switching between strains or flavor profiles.
Disposable (All-in-One)
A disposable is a self-contained device that includes both the oil and the battery. There’s no additional hardware required which is why they are often chosen for convenience and simplicity. Once it’s finished, the entire unit is discarded.
Both cartridges and disposables are commonly available in 1g and 2g options, depending on the brand and product line.
Distillate vs. Live Resin: What’s the Difference?
Once you’ve chosen a format, the next decision usually comes down to the type of oil inside: distillate or live resin.
What Is Distillate?
Distillate is a refined cannabis oil that goes through a multi-step extraction and purification process. The result is a clean, concentrated oil that is often paired with added terpenes to create specific strain-inspired flavor profiles.
Because distillate is highly refined, many flavor-forward vape options fall into this category. These products are typically available in both 1g and 2g options, depending on the brand and format.
At Bud City, DIME Industries’ Signature Line vapes such as Berry White, Cantaloupe Dream and Strawberry Cough and (the) Essence’s Pineapple Express, Durban Poison and Granddaddy Purple are examples of new distillate-based options to land on the menu. These vapes are often chosen by customers who shop by flavor and prefer a consistent, recognizable taste profile.
What Is Live Resin?
Live resin is made using cannabis that is flash frozen shortly after harvest rather than dried and cured first. This extraction process is designed to preserve more of the plant’s original terpene profile. Because of this, live resin products often reflect the natural aroma and flavor characteristics of the original strain. The texture and appearance of the oil can also differ from distillate, depending on the specific extraction method used. For customers who are interested in strain expression and terpene-forward profiles, live resin is often the category they explore first.
Live resin is available in both cartridge (requires a compatible battery) and disposable all-in-one formats, with many brands offering 1g and 2g options.
At Bud City, Grape Limeade by Dime Industries, Apple Jack by Rove, Mimosa by Heavy Hitters are examples of new live-resin vapes on the menu.
How to Choose Between Distillate and Live Resin
When browsing the vape section, the choice often comes down to personal preference.
You may prefer distillate if:
- You shop primarily by flavor
- You like fruit-forward or dessert-inspired profiles
- You prefer a straightforward, refined oil format
You may lean toward live resin if:
- You are interested in strain-specific terpene profiles
- You prefer a flavor experience closer to the original plant
- You like exploring different extraction styles
It’s important to note that there is no single “right” option. Both formats have a place on the menu and many customers rotate between the two depending on what they are looking for.
Exploring Vape Options at Bud City Newton
At Bud City, we aim to keep the vape category easy to navigate. If you are unsure which format fits your preferences, our team is always happy to walk you through the differences and provide recommendations based on what is currently in stock. You can also browse the vape section of our online menu before stopping in to see the latest additions.
