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What is Live Resin?

Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate made from freshly harvested cannabis plants that are frozen immediately after harvesting. This process helps preserve the plant's terpene content and flavor.

How is Live Resin Made?

Live resin is typically made using a process called "hydrocarbon extraction”, where butane or propane is used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from frozen cannabis flowers. Here's how live resin is typically made using the proper equipment:

  1. Harvesting and Freezing: The process begins with the harvesting of cannabis plants, which are immediately flash-frozen to extremely low temperatures. This step is crucial as it preserves the full spectrum of the plant's compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The goal is to capture the plant's profile at the peak of its freshness, which contributes to the final product's potent aroma and flavor.
  2. Extraction: The extraction process for live resin differs slightly from other methods due to the material being frozen. Butane or propane is commonly used as the solvent, though there are other methods available. In a process known as Butane Hash Oil (BHO) extraction, butane is passed through the frozen plant material, dissolving the desired plant compounds. This creates a liquid solution containing cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant substances.
  3. Purging the Solvent: The next step involves purging the butane from the mixture using heat and vacuum. The solution is gently heated in a vacuum oven to evaporate the butane while preserving the delicate terpenes and other compounds. It's crucial to remove all residual solvent to ensure the final product is safe for consumption.
  4. Collection and Curing: After the solvent has been completely purged, the concentrate is collected. At this stage, it might have a consistency ranging from a thick liquid to a more solid form, depending on various factors such as the particular strain used and the specifics of the extraction process. Some producers may cure the resin to achieve the desired consistency and character, though this isn't always necessary.
  5. Storage: Like other cannabis concentrates, live resin should be stored in a cool, dark place. Light, heat, and air can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, diminishing the quality of the concentrate.

What Sets Live Resin Apart from Other Concentrates?

Live resin stands out for its high terpene content, which gives it a more pronounced and fresh flavor profile compared to other concentrates like shatter or wax.

What are Terpenes and Why are They Important in Live Resin?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. They contribute to the flavor and aroma of live resin and can also have potential therapeutic effects.

Is Live Resin More Potent Than Other Concentrates?

Live resin can be quite potent, but potency varies depending on the strain and extraction process. Some live resins can have THC concentrations exceeding 80%.

How is Live Resin Different from Live Rosin?

Live resin and live rosin are both forms of cannabis concentrates, renowned for their enhanced flavor profiles and potency. However, they differ significantly in terms of their production processes, purity, and the quality of the experience they provide. Here's how:

Production Method:

Live Resin: This concentrate is made using fresh cannabis plants that are flash-frozen immediately after harvest, preserving all of the terpenes that are usually lost during the drying and curing processes. The extraction involves using a solvent, typically butane or propane, which strips the desirable compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) from the plant material. The solvent is then purged using heat and vacuum, resulting in a product rich in flavor and aroma.

Live Rosin: The term "rosin" refers to a solventless extraction process that uses a combination of heat and pressure to squeeze resinous sap from the plant. "Live" rosin uses fresh, frozen material, similar to live resin. However, the process starts with making ice water hash from this material, then drying the hash to a precise moisture content before it's pressed into rosin, ensuring the preservation of terpenes and cannabinoids without the need for solvents.

Purity and Quality:

Live Resin: Since it's an extract that uses solvents, the purity of the end product can be influenced by how well these solvents are purged. It's essential to purchase live resin from reputable sources to avoid residual solvents in your concentrate. The presence of solvents means that live resin can sometimes retain a broader range of cannabinoids and terpenes from the original plant.

Live Rosin: Being a solventless extract, live rosin is often considered cleaner, containing no residual solvents. It tends to be a more artisanal product, often commanding higher prices due to the extensive labor and attention to detail required in its production process. The purity is typically high, and enthusiasts often consider it a connoisseur-grade product.

Flavor and Experience:

Both live resin and live rosin are known for their enhanced flavor profiles compared to other forms of concentrates, due to the high terpene content that is preserved by using fresh, frozen plant material. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference, with some users opting for the clean, solvent-free experience of live rosin, while others prefer the wide-ranging nuances of live resin.

Cost:

Generally, the cost for live rosin is higher compared to live resin, reflecting the more labor-intensive process and often smaller batch sizes associated with its artisanal production method.

Availability:

Live rosin might be less commonly available due to the complexities of its production process.

How Should I Consume Live Resin?

Live resin can be consumed in various ways, including dabbing, vaping, or smoking it when it’s added to flower. Dabbing is the most common method and involves heating a small amount of live resin on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor.

Can I Use Live Resin in Edibles?

While it's possible to use live resin in edibles, it's not as common as using other cannabis extracts like distillate or tinctures due to its strong flavor profile.

Is Live Resin Safe to Consume?

When produced and handled properly, live resin is safe to consume. It's important to obtain it from reputable sources to ensure quality and safety.

What are the Potential Benefits of Using Live Resin?

Live resin may offer benefits similar to other cannabis products, such as pain relief, relaxation, and mood enhancement. The high terpene content may also contribute to a more robust entourage effect.

Can I Make Live Resin at Home?

Making live resin at home can be dangerous due to the use of flammable gases in the extraction process. It's recommended to leave the extraction to professionals or explore safer DIY extraction methods.

How Should I Store Live Resin?

To preserve the flavor and potency of live resin, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Keep it away from heat, light, and moisture.

Does Live Resin Expire?

Live resin does not have a specific expiration date, but its quality can degrade over time if not stored properly. It's best consumed within a year of purchase.

Can I Make My Own Live Resin Cartridges for Vaping?

Making your own live resin cartridges for vaping can be complex and requires specialized equipment. It's often more practical to purchase pre-filled cartridges from licensed dispensaries.

What Should Be Considered When Choosing a Live Resin Strain?

Consider factors such as the strain's flavor, aroma, potency, and potential therapeutic effects when selecting a live resin product. Experiment with different strains to find the one that suits your preferences and needs.