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. Thanks to those advances, products like live resin, and live rosin have become among the most popular concentrate types on the cannabis market today.
As we dive into the complexities of these two products, it's important to note that while their names might be similar, the cannabis 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 live rosin and live resin, providing a comprehensive comparison for both seasoned cannabis connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
"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 used in at-home remedies.
“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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
If not properly stored, concentrates can degrade over time. Cannabinoids and terpenes are vulnerable to breaking down and oxidizing, which 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.
We recommend that you 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 live resin within a few months to ensure you can experience the best quality.
It’s important to note that while degraded live resin may not give you the best experience in terms of flavor and potency, it's not typically dangerous unless it’s been contaminated by mold or bacteria. Always carefully inspect your concentrates before using them and discard any that show signs of mold, have a strange odor, or appear to be contaminated.
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 because hydrocarbon solvents are more efficient in removing trichomes and cannabinoids from the 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 and talk to a budtender about the best option for you.