This webinar provided insights into Australia’s first recyclable, disposable Live Resin All-in-One Vaporisers, developed for ease of use, patient compliance, and full-spectrum efficacy.

Live Resin is emerging globally as a clinically relevant format due to its enhanced preservation of volatile compounds and phytocannabinoids. We explored the science behind flash-frozen cannabis, its therapeutic potential, and how to integrate this innovative format into your prescribing toolkit.

Watch below

Cultiva All-In-One Live Resin Vaporiser
Webinar Q&A

1. How does the battery life/amount hold up after time in storage?

Cultiva’s All-In-One Live Resin Vaporisers are pre-charged and designed to remain viable through standard product shelf life (6–12 months). The lithium-ion cell used is minimal and removable, reducing battery degradation concerns.

While storage over several months may reduce charge slightly, the device is USB-C rechargeable, allowing patients to top up power as needed. Recommend storing devices in cool, dry conditions to optimise performance.

2. Why did you choose butane over propane or CO₂?

Butane is preferred in this formulation for its ability to extract a broader and more intact terpene and cannabinoid profile at lower temperatures. Compared to CO₂ (which may miss volatile compounds) or propane (which has lower selectivity), butane delivers richer full-spectrum extracts, aligning with the therapeutic intent of Cultiva’s AIOs Live Resin Vaporiser

3. How does the patient know when the medication is finished/all used up?

Each Cultiva AIO Live Resin Vaporiser has a transparent window in the hemp casing allowing patients to visually track remaining oil. Vapour production will also taper off as the cartridge nears depletion. Inhalation may feel increasingly dry or flavourless, signalling the end of use.

4. Does the device have a safety mechanism to stop vapour production when drawn for too long?

Yes, the device deactivates after a 10-second draw activation, the LED light will blink two times to indicate this, the device will reset after the draw is finished. The device features draw-activated technology with natural airflow and no PCB (Printed Circuit Board). This passive regulation helps prevent overheating and automatically ceases vapour production once inhalation stops or is drawn too long, protecting the atomizer and upholding patient safety.

5. Is there a sticker on the device that states it is an S8 medication or contains THC?

While individual stickers on the device itself may vary depending on pharmacy protocol, products dispensed in Australia under Schedule 8 must include external S8 warnings and THC content indicators on the pharmacy label and packaging. Healthcare Professionals are encouraged to advise patients not to remove the product from labelled packaging to ensure legal compliance and avoid confusion.

6. I live in Far North Queensland and have found that distillate vapes leak with the warm temperature here. Is this likely to occur with this Live Resin vape?

Live resin formulations are less viscous than distillates, which can reduce clogging and pressure-related leaks. However, extreme heat may still thin the resin, increasing the risk of leakage. It is recommended that patients store vaporisers in cool environments, avoiding direct sun.

7. Would a patient be able to take apart this vape and remove the live resin?

No. The Cultiva AIO Live Resin Vaporiser is tamper-resistant by design. It uses a sealed, disposable format with a removable battery to reduce misuse, promote dose accuracy, and limit access to extract contents. While no system is fully tamper-proof, the design prioritises harm minimisation and is not conducive to modification.

8. What type of battery does it use? Is it a fire risk if the vape reaches hot temps e.g. in a car or if compromised?

The device contains a small removable lithium-ion cell with no PCB (Printed Circuit Board)  . However, as with any lithium battery, extreme temperatures (e.g. in a hot car) may increase risk of swelling or failure. Advise patients to avoid prolonged exposure to heat or physical damage.

9. The vape design is nice but they both look similar – will my patient be able to tell which is which if they are prescribed both and have removed them from the box?

Yes, each device will have an individual label on the primary packaging, specifically on the hemp casing of the AIO, clearly distinguishing between the two vape devices.It is also recommended that patients keep the device in its original box when not in use.

10. Could you please share the evidence that pinene helps with concentration in patients?

There is emerging evidence from preclinical studies suggesting that α-pinene and β-pinene may enhance concentration and cognitive function. However, it's important to note that these findings are primarily based on animal models, and further research, including human clinical trials, is necessary to confirm their efficacy in patients.

α-Pinene and Cognitive Function:

  • Neuroprotective Effects: A recent study demonstrated that α-pinene improved memory deficits in a rat model of Huntington’s disease by enhancing neurotrophin signaling pathways, including BDNF, TrkB, and CREB, which are critical for learning and memory processes.

    Hashemi, P., Moloudi, M.R., Rahmani, H. et al. Alpha-Pinene Ameliorates Memory Deficits in 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Rat Model of Huntington’s Disease. Neurochem Res 50, 144 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-025-04393-z

    Additionally, α-pinene demonstrated to be an antioxidant and a promising therapeutic option for ameliorating ketamine-induced impairments, including anxiety and depressive tendencies, cognitive deficiencies, and oxidative stress.
    ‍
    Moghaddam AH, Heidari Z, Hajizadeh MR, et al. Neuroprotective effects of alpha-pinene against behavioural deficits in ketamine-induced mice model of schizophrenia: focusing on oxidative stress status. IBRO Neurosci Rep. 2024;16:182-189. doi:10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.03.004
    ‍
  • Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition: α-Pinene has been identified as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which may help maintain higher levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for attention and memory.

    Allenspach M, Steuer C. α-Pinene: A never-ending story. Phytochemistry. 2021 Oct;190:112857. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112857. Epub 2021 Aug 5. PMID: 34365295.
    ‍
    Gajendra K, Pratap GK, Poornima DV, Shantaram M, Ranjita G. Natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: A multi-targeted therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem Rep. 2024;11:100154. doi:10.1016/j.ejmcr.2024.100154

β-Pinene and Cognitive Function:

  • Cognitive Enhancement in Alzheimer's Model: In a study involving rats with induced Alzheimer's-like pathology, β-pinene administration improved cognitive performance, suggesting potential benefits in enhancing concentration and memory.

    Dahiya M, Kumar A, Yadav M, Chauhan S. β-pinene ameliorates ICV-STZ induced Alzheimer's pathology via antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and mitochondrial protective effects: In-silico and in-vivo studies. Eur J Pharmacol. 2025 Mar 15;991:177307. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177307. Epub 2025 Jan 25. PMID: 39870228.

  • Neuroprotective Properties: β-Pinene has shown neuroprotective effects against amyloid-beta-induced toxicity, which is associated with cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases.

    Laws JS 3rd, Smid SD. Characterizing cannabis-prevalent terpenes for neuroprotection reveal a role for α and β-pinenes in mitigating amyloid β-evoked neurotoxicity and aggregation in vitro. Neurotoxicology. 2024 Jan;100:16-24. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.12.004. Epub 2023 Dec 7. PMID: 38070653.

While these findings are promising, it's important that we note the majority of studies have been conducted on animal models, and human clinical trials are limited. Therefore, while α-pinene and β-pinene may have potential cognitive benefits, more research is needed to fully understand their effects in humans.

11. What do you think the TGA's response will be to this delivery method after not approving other vape cart devices?

The TGA has taken a cautious stance on vaporised medicinal cannabis products — particularly open-system 510-thread cartridges. Some industry reports confirm that TGA representatives have raised concerns about the lack of clinical justification for unapproved devices, such as standard vape batteries.

As a result, many applications under the Special Access Scheme (SAS) involving 510-thread hardware have been rejected — not necessarily because of the medicine itself, but because of the delivery system. In practice, this has created a situation where prescribers can access cartridges, but patients may struggle to find TGA-approved hardware to administer them.

Cultiva’s All-In-One Live Resin Vaporiser was developed in response to these challenges. While we acknowledge the broader questions around clinical justification for inhaled cannabis remain under discussion, our device has been carefully designed to align with the safety and regulatory expectations that the TGA has highlighted:

  • Closed, tamper-proof design: The AIO is a sealed, pre-filled device — not refillable, not interchangeable, and not reliant on aftermarket components.

  • Fixed battery and coil: Eliminates risk from variable heat settings, mismatched devices, or degrading components.

  • Dosing consistency: Precision-filled and calibrated for consistent vapour production and predictable delivery.

  • Simplified prescribing: A single product with no need for separate hardware listings — reducing administrative complexity and prescription errors.

While this delivery method does not resolve the TGA’s concerns around clinical justification, it addresses many of the practical and safety-related reasons previous devices have been rejected. Cultiva’s AIO format offers a more compliant, closed-system alternative for clinicians who believe inhaled cannabis has a place in patient care.

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Cannabiz. Prescribers urged to justify use of unapproved devices as pharmacists warned of breaching TGA rules. Cannabiz Australia. Published March 18, 2024. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://www.cannabiz.com.au/prescribers-urged-to-justify-use-of-unapproved-devices-as-pharmacists-warned-of-breaching-tga-rules/

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Medicinal Cannabis Information for Health Professionals. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/medicinal-cannabis-hub/medicinal-cannabis-information-health-professionals

12. High-THC live resin can lead to rapid and intense intoxication. Any tips for patients to avoid this?

Yes. Recommend:

  • Start low, go slow: one inhalation for one second, then wait 15–30 mins
  • Use in safe settings, possibly with a support person present, especially for first-time use
    Educate patients about early signs of over-intoxication: dizziness, anxiety, disorientation
  • Avoid concurrent alcohol or CNS depressants
  • Encourage tolerance breaks or alternate day use to reduce overuse

13. Regular use of high-THC concentrates can lead to increased tolerance and a higher risk of cannabis use disorder. Any tips on how to avoid this?

  • Select patient population to maximise benefit and reduce risk 
  • Use first principles applying to any short acting, high dose medication 
  • Consider periodic reviews for patients on higher doses or concentrations, as part of routine best practice for ongoing monitoring and support
  • Rotate formats (oral + inhaled) to reduce reliance on short-acting routes
  • Monitor dose escalation
  • Encourage scheduled use, but can be used reactively when unscheduled/breakthrough symptoms occur
  • Discuss treatment goals regularly to prevent dependence
  • Use live resin vaporisers as adjuncts, not daily maintenance, wherever possible

14. To confirm, this doesn’t require a SAS-B application? Where can information be found on this?

Yes — as with all unregistered medicinal cannabis products, a SAS-B or Authorised Prescriber (AP) application is required to prescribe the Cultiva AIO Live Resin Vaporiser, specifically under Category 5 – Inhalation.

However, no additional application is needed for the device or battery itself, which is where many 510-thread cartridges face issues. Because Cultiva’s AIO is a closed, pre-filled, single-unit device, it avoids the need to nominate or justify a separate battery — streamlining the approval process and reducing the risk of TGA rejection related to hardware.

For TGA guidance, see: TGA medicinal cannabis hub

15. Are doctors expected to know all the terpenes? How should they discuss them with patients?

Doctors aren’t expected to memorise every terpene but understanding dominant terpenes (like myrcene, limonene, pinene, caryophyllene) can guide strain selection based on therapeutic goals (e.g., sleep, anxiety, focus).

Use resources like product terpene charts or training modules — we have free resources available on our Cultiva Healthcare Professional Portal or you can access CPD-Approved courses via education providers, such as Medihuanna.

When discussing terpenes with patients, keep it simple: link dominant terpenes to likely effects, clarify that evidence is still emerging, and focus on the broader therapeutic potential of full-spectrum products through the entourage effect.

16. Could high concentrations of terpenes be irritating or even harmful when inhaled? 8% sounds quite high.

While there is no official toxicity threshold for terpenes in cannabis vaporisers, emerging evidence suggests that concentrations above 9–10% may increase the risk of producing respiratory irritants — particularly when terpenes are exposed to high temperatures, such as in dabbing or poorly regulated devices.

The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) recommends that total terpene concentrations in inhaled products should not exceed 10%, based on current understanding of inhalation safety.

Importantly, thermal degradation of terpenes into potentially harmful compounds tends to occur at much higher temperatures — often nearing 400°C.³ In contrast, regulated vaporisers such as Cultiva’s AIO device operate at controlled temperatures between 180°C and 260°C, helping to preserve terpene integrity and minimise harmful byproducts.

Cultiva’s AIO Live Resin Vaporiser contains no more than 8.3% total terpenes, below the NCIA’s recommended threshold. All terpenes used are natural and cannabis-derived, with no synthetic flavouring agents or additives — reducing the risk of conditions such as EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury).

The product is generally well-tolerated, though prescribers should exercise caution in patients with asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis.

Meehan-Atrash J, Luo W, McWhirter KJ, et al. The influence of terpenes on the release of volatile organic compounds and active ingredients to cannabis vaping aerosols. RSC Adv. 2021;11(19):11714-11723. Published 2021 Mar 23. doi:10.1039/d1ra00934f

National Cannabis Industry Association. Safety & terpene limits in cannabis manufacturing. TheCannabisIndustry.org. Published July 13, 2020. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://thecannabisindustry.org/committee-blog-safety-terpene-limits-in-cannabis-manufacturing/

17. Should these be used as monotherapy or only when other treatments fail?

Medicinal cannabis is not a first-line therapy under Australian prescribing guidance. Use as monotherapy only if clinically justified and where other treatments have failed or are contraindicated.

18. Any advice around using the device itself? Any air intake holes to avoid covering with fingers?

Yes — there is a small intake hole near the charging port. Patients should be instructed not to cover it during use, as this may reduce airflow and vapour production. Include usage instructions with each script to ensure proper handling.

19. How much THC is in one inhalation and what bioavailability would we expect from this formulation?

Each device contains 800 mg/g of THC, though dose per inhalation will vary depending on inhalation depth and frequency. Estimated per inhalation:

  • ~2.5–5 mg THC

  • Bioavailability via vaporisation is approx. 10–35%, meaning 0.25–1.75 mg THC absorbed per inhalation . This supports precise, titratable dosing for breakthrough relief.

Grotenhermen F. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. Clin Pharmacokinet 2003; 42: 327–60.

References