Learn more about live resin, live rosin, cannabis-derived terpenes, cannabis concentrates
Many of the new products hitting our shelves include live resin or live rosin, in addition to different hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta 8 THC. But, what does that mean? What’s the difference between resin and rosin? More importantly, how does live resin or rosin affect a product?
What is Live Resin and Rosin?
Resin and rosin are concentrates extracted from cannabis flowers and trim. Resin and rosin are typically extracted after cannabis flowers are cured or dried. They can be smoked, vaped or added to edible products for an extra kick of cannabis extract and flavor. Both concentrates are loaded with fragrant terpenes, enhancing the effects of cannabis edibles and vape products.
What does “Live” Mean with Resin and Rosin?
While regular resin and rosin are extracted from the cannabis flowers after they’re cured or dried, live concentrates are extracted a little differently. When cannabis flower is cured, certain terpenes start to degrade, affecting the smell, taste and overall user experience.
Live resin and rosin is extracted by freezing fresh cannabis flower and trim before they’re cured. This locks in the freshness of the cannabis plant right after it’s harvested. Processors also use lower temperatures for extraction to keep the full terpene profile intact. This process also stops the resin glands from degrading.
Resin vs. Rosin: What’s the Difference?
Resin and rosin are both cannabis concentrates that help enhance certain products, but the main difference between them is their extraction method. Live resin is extracted using hydrocarbon solvents such as propane or butane. Live rosin uses no solvents and is extracted with only heat and pressure.
Because solvents are used in live resin production, processors can yield a much higher output versus rosin. This is why live resin is present in a lot more cannabis products. According to an article by Luna Technologies, live resin extraction with hydrocarbon solvents can yield about 40 pounds of extract per hour. While solventless rosin extraction yields only 2 pounds per hour.
Luckily, residual solvents from resin extraction are removed during the production process. All legitimate cannabis producers and manufacturers also have lab testing for residual solvents and heavy metals, ensuring their products are safe from any hydrocarbons.
Live rosin is made from applying high heat and pressure to cannabis flower or bubble hash. The process involves combining ice, water and cannabis flower agitation to separate kief and trichomes. Once all the good stuff is separated, it is pressed into bubble hash and then pressed again at high heat to create live rosin.
Which one is Better?
It’s difficult to say which concentrate is better. Like all cannabis products, it all comes down to personal preferences. Because live rosin is extracted without solvents, some cannabis users prefer it over live resin. However, all residual solvents from the extraction process are removed way before a consumer uses a live resin product.
The live resin extraction process also filters out pesticides, heavy metals and other unwanted contaminants, especially when using lower quality cannabis material. Without solvents, some of these contaminants could end up in a live rosin product.
Preference also depends on cost and availability. Since live rosin is usually made in smaller batches, it’s more sought after and costly. Live resin is more cost effective and readily available. As a consumer, it’s important to stay educated on what products you’re taking. Luckily, we ensure every product we carry is tested for residual solvents regardless of live resin being included.
Where can I Find Live Resin and Rosin?
Luckily, we have a wide variety of products containing live resin. Many of our higher potency edibles have live resin, including Extrax’s “Lights Out” gummies and Urb’s delta 9 and HHC live resin chocolate bars.
We also have a wide selection of vapes with live resin, which enhance the natural cannabis flavor of vape products. Some of our new favorites are the Goliath blended vape pens and Treetop Hemp Co.’s new delta 8 live resin vape pens.
We also just started carrying Enjoy Hemp’s high potency live rosin gummies. So, now our customers can try both. Come see us today to try out some live resin or rosin products. You can also order online for same-day delivery or priority shipping.
