In recent years the world of cannabis products has expanded in both variety and quality. Advances in processing techniques and new extraction technology have led to the development of cannabis concentrates that far exceed the quality of what was available in the past. In this article we’re comparing two of the most popular concentrate categories on the market today: Live Resin vs Live Rosin.
As we dive into the complexities of these two categories, it’s important to note that while their names might be similar, the extraction techniques involved, their chemical profiles, and the experiences they offer are distinct but equally impressive.
We’re going to explore the nuances, similarities, and differences between the two most popular concentrate categories, providing a comprehensive comparison for both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
What is a Cannabis Concentrate?
“Concentrate” is a broad term used when referring to a cannabis product made through the process of extraction. Marijuana concentrates made through extraction result in a thick, sticky mixture that contains a similar cannabinoid and terpene profile to the cannabis plant they’re extracted from but with increased potency and versatility.
You can enjoy cannabis concentrates by dabbing, vaping, in edibles, as joint or bowl toppers, in edibles, or using them in at-home remedies.
What Does “Live” Mean?
“Live” refers to the technique of using high-quality plant material that is flash-frozen after harvest. By using “live” material, the natural cannabinoid and terpene profile of the plant is preserved at its freshest point.
At Revolution, this process happens within minutes of harvest and bypasses the drying and curing process, which alters the terpene and cannabinoid profile. The result is a product that retains the benefits of the living plant, including the aroma, flavor, and terpene profile.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin is a potent concentrate made from fresh frozen live cannabis extracted using hydrocarbon solvents in a pressurized system. Creating live resin is a meticulous process that requires precision, specialized equipment, and an understanding of the science behind cannabis. Here are the steps involved:
1. Live Resin Extraction Process:
The “live” frozen cannabis is subjected to a hydrocarbon solvent-based extraction process, typically using a proprietary mix of butane or propane, under very low temperatures. This process separates the resinous trichomes from the plant fibers.
2. Purging:
The resulting mixture is then purged of the hydrocarbon solvents and impurities by evaporation in a vacuum oven. This process ensures a clean final product. This step is essential for both the safety of the final product and the preservation of the delicate flavor and aroma compounds.
3. Collection and Storage:
Once fully purged, the live resin is carefully collected and stored. Maintaining low temperatures even in storage is essential to preserve the terpenes and prevent degradation. The end result is a thick and viscous extract that is a clear golden color. Live resin is high in terpenes and cannabinoid-rich with a potent flavor and aroma that comes directly from the live plant.
Resin can be further processed into a variety of consistencies depending on the unique chemical profile of the plant. Popular concentrate consistencies include budder, badder, jelly, sauce, and more.
Live resin concentrates can be consumed by dabbing, vaping with a pen or cart, or can be used to top off a bowl or joint.
Characteristics of Live Resin
Live resin is easily recognized by its soft, pliable consistency and rich amber color. This concentrate takes on a variety of forms, such as diamonds, sauce, and badder, showcasing its versatility.
The sugary, terpene-rich texture not only captivates visually but also signals the concentrate’s potent and high-quality nature. This richness and potency makes live resin a sought-after product for those in pursuit of a premium, flavorful dabbing experience.
Live Resin’s Flavor Profile
When Live resin is done well, it’s flavor is unparalleled, thanks to the cryogenic freezing process that preserves the cannabis plant’s terpenes and cannabinoids. This method ensures that the final product has incredible taste and color, closely mirroring the living plant’s profile. Live resin is celebrated by dabbers for its ability to deliver a potent, terpene-rich experience that enhances the overall consumption.
Cost of Live Resin
Live resin is often more accessible in terms of cost, appealing to a wide range of consumers. Its production process, capable of scaling to meet demand, allows for a more affordable price point without compromising on the concentrate’s quality. This makes live resin an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a rich, flavorful experience at a reasonable cost.
Is Live Resin Dangerous?
Live resin is not dangerous to consume when consumed responsibly. However, it’s important to remember that the process of making live resin requires precision, specialized machinery, and expert knowledge. We recommend that you only consume live resin purchased from reputable, licensed producers in the legal market.
What is Live Rosin?
Live rosin is a potent, true-to-plant cannabis concentrate crafted in small batches through a 100% solvent-less extraction. Crafting live rosin is a careful and delicate process focused on retaining the full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids contained within the living cannabis plant. This process only involves water, heat, and pressure, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for a purer, more natural concentrate.
Here are the main steps involved:
1. Ice Water Extraction:
The “live” frozen plant material is washed in an ice water bath, which separates the trichomes from the plant material. The mixture is then filtered through progressively finer mesh bags; a process often referred to as making “bubble hash.” The resulting trichome-rich material is gently dried to remove moisture.
2. Pressing:
The dried hash is then carefully placed between sheets of parchment paper and pressed under low heat and high pressure in a rosin press. This process separates the resinous trichomes from the remaining plant material without using solvents. The heat and pressure can be adjusted to change the consistency of the final product, which can range from a thinner liquid-like rosin to more solid consistencies.
3. Collection and Storage:
Once pressed, the live rosin is collected from the parchment paper and properly stored. Like live resin, it’s crucial to maintain low temperatures during storage to preserve the terpene profile and overall quality of the rosin. The result is a creamy white to tan-colored liquid rosin with a high THC concentration. Some believe that live rosin is the cleanest and purist expression of the cannabis plant.
The final live rosin can also be processed into different consistencies depending on its chemical makeup.
Live rosin concentrates can be enjoyed by dabbing, vaping with a pen or cart, and can be used to top off a bowl or joint.
Characteristics of Live Rosin
Live rosin distinguishes itself through the craftsmanship behind its production, which can yield a product that contends with the best solvent-based extracts. Visually, you can tell live resin vs live rosin by the color – live rosin stands out with its creamy yellow color.
The consistency of live rosin, especially when finished with a “cold cure” method, often results in a badder-like texture that speaks volumes of its artisanal quality. Whether it finds form in vape carts or as a standalone concentrate, live rosin’s adaptability and purity make it a prized choice among cannabis enthusiasts.
Live Rosin’s Flavor Profile
Live rosin offers an authentic reflection of the cannabis plant’s aroma and flavor when made using quality hash and precision pressing parameters. The solventless extraction process ensures that the final product not only preserves the exact aroma and flavor of the live plant but does so in a way that appeals to those seeking a pure and natural concentrate.
Cost of Live Rosin
Live rosin is made with a labor-intensive production process, and so typically commands a higher price. The commitment to small-batch, solventless extraction reflects its artisanal value and contributes to its higher price point. This higher cost is justified by the concentrate’s purity and the skill involved in its creation, catering to connoisseurs willing to invest in the highest quality product.
Live Resin vs Live Rosin: Can They Go Bad?
If not properly stored, concentrates can degrade over time. Cannabinoids and terpenes are vulnerable to breaking down and oxidizing. This can change the potency, flavor, and aroma of your concentrate. Exposure to light, heat, air, and moisture will result in a quicker breakdown, so storing concentrates properly is essential.
Store your concentrates in an airtight, lightproof container and keep it in a cool and dry place. However, even under the best storage conditions, it’s best to consume concentrates within a few months.
While degraded live resin may not give you the best experience in terms of flavor, it’s not dangerous. Unless it’s been contaminated by mold or bacteria, they’re perfectly fine. Always carefully inspect your concentrates before using them. Discard any that show signs of mold, have a strange odor, or appear to be contaminated.
Live Resin vs Live Rosin: Which is Better?
The question of live resin versus rosin is a matter of personal preference when it comes to cannabis consumption. Enthusiasts have their own opinions of each and tend to choose concentrates based on past experience and personal choice.
Many cannabis connoisseurs choose live rosin because of its solvent-less extraction. The perceived notion is that rosin’s small batch, artisanal nature results in a purer, full-spectrum cannabis experience.
Live resin, on the other hand, is regarded by many as the more flavorful and potent form. Moslty because hydrocarbon solvents are more efficient in removing trichomes and cannabinoids from plant material.
The truth is that it’s a matter of preference. You should develop your own opinion by trying each product for yourself.
If you’re interested in trying live resin or live rosin, head over to your local dispensary today.