In the wake of recent legalization trends, a growing variety of cannabis products are available, with several means of consumption. Smoking cannabis flower remains the most popular method for consuming cannabis, but more users are choosing to dab, smoke, and vape high-potency concentrates for a new and distinct experience.
Live resin and live rosin are two particular concentrates that are growing more popular in the legal cannabis market. Learn the basics of live resin and live rosin: how they are extracted, how they differ, and how to consume each cannabis product.
What Is Cannabis Rosin?
Live rosin is a potent, amber-colored substance that is distinct from other extracts, such as shatter and budder. It is a solventless concentrate, meaning it is extracted without the use of chemical solvents found in other forms of cannabis concentrates. This lack of chemical solvents is an alluring aspect to many health-conscious cannabis users. “Live” rosin contains more terpenes than other cannabis rosin products, which contributes to a more distinct experience. What separates live rosin from cured or flower rosin is the process of extraction.
How is cannabis rosin made?
Cannabis rosin is relatively simple, and can be made by exposing parts of the cannabis plant to high heat and pressure, which separates resin from the rest of the plant.
Rosin can be made at home with cannabis flower, using simple supplies like a flat iron and parchment paper. For those looking for higher-quality cannabis products, live rosin may be the better choice.
What is live resin?
Live resin is a sticky and potent concentrate that is growing more popular among cannabis users. Compared to other extracts which lose much of the terpenoid profile after extraction, live resin retains all of the trichomes and cannabinoids, resulting in a potent and flavorful cannabis product.
How is live resin made?
Live resin is also known as “Fresh Frozen” or “Fresh Frozen Whole Plant” because it is extracted from cultivars that were freshly harvested and immediately frozen. The extraction process of live resin uses solvents, such as ethanol or carbon dioxide (CO2).
Because live resin is created from fresh cannabis material, neither dried nor cured, it retains more compounds and is generally more potent than other forms of resin.
What Is the Difference Between Live Rosin and Live Resin?
To compare sheer potency, live resin generally contains more THC. Its extraction process is more difficult than that of live rosin, so it is generally more expensive and more labor-intensive than live rosin.
Another major distinction between live resin and live rosin is how they are each made. Live resin is extracted using chemical solvents like ethanol and carbon dioxide, whereas live rosin is solventless.
How Do You Consume Rosin and Resin?
Both live rosin and live resin are commonly consumed using handheld vaporizers or water pipes. Rosin and resin can be smoked, vaped, or dabbed.
Vaping live rosin and live resin
Pre-filled vaporizers or handheld vaporizers that require a disposable cartridge are ideal for cannabis users who want a simple, discreet method of use. These devices are designed to accommodate various concentrates, such as live resin and live rosin. If you purchase your own handheld vaporizer, you can try a variety of cannabis products in disposable cartridges. Not all of these products are typically available in cartridge form. Some can be consumed with portable vaporizers or e-rigs.
Using water pipes or dab rigs
Typically made of glass, water pipes intended for concentrate use are called dab rigs, but some users prefer to add concentrates to the top of their cannabis flower in a standard pipe. If you consume live resin or rosin this way, be sure to be careful with your dosage. When using unfamiliar cannabis products, always be sure to go “low and slow” to avoid an unpleasant experience.
Dab rigs can be found at your local head shop, smoke shop, or dispensary. Read more about different styles of dab rigs and how they work in this step-by-step guide to using dab rigs.
What are some different types of live resin?
Live resin comes in a variety of forms. Here are a few common types you may be able to find at your local dispensary.
Different types of live resin include:
- Sauce: Live resin sauce is a cannabis concentrate that consists of High Terpene Extract (HTE) and THCa Crystaline, which looks like transparent crystals in amber-brown, viscous liquid. The HTE liquid contains high levels of terpenes but are relatively low in cannabinoids. The THCa Crystaline is a precursor to THC, which yields powerful cannabinoid experiences.
- Batter/badder: Live resin batter or badder (spelling varies interchangeably by manufacturer) is a terpene-heavy cannabis concentrate with the appearance of yellow-brown cake frosting, or cookie dough.
- Diamonds: Live resin diamonds are isolated THC crystals, like the ones you may find in sauce live resin. Diamonds are very high in terpene and THC content.
- Sugar: Live sugar is a form of live resin with the appearance of course sugar granules in globs of honey. Sugar products are known for a potent smell and flavor, and are said to have a nearly identical scent to its original plant.
How Do You Determine Dosage of Resin and Rosin Products?
Keep in mind that both live resin and live rosin are more potent than most other methods of using cannabis. As mentioned before, it is always wise to start small and proceed with caution when it comes to trying new cannabis products.
For vaping, adjust the setting on your vaporizer to lowest heat (if you are able), then begin to inhale gently. Allow up to thirty minutes after inhaling to observe effects before inhaling more.
As for dabbing, we recommend you read step by step instructions, but generally it is wise to begin with a very small amount of concentrate. As with vaping, wait after an initial inhale before inhaling more. It can take several minutes before effects set in, so do not keep using cannabis before you feel the full effects.
If you have additional questions, always feel free to approach your Happy Valley dispensary host.
Never Compromise on Cannabis Quality
If you are wondering whether to try live resin or live rosin, both provide distinct cannabis experiences. Determining which product is right for you depends on your personal preference, although it is always exciting to try out both. Our Happy Valley hosts at our East Boston and Gloucester dispensaries can help. Also, ask about our Live Rosin vape pen cartridges made in our state-of-the-art lab right here in Massachusetts.
Read more about these and other concentrates for more information about the widening world of cannabis concentrates. Be sure to check out Happy Valley’s 710 deals for special pricing on cannabis concentrates and other products.
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