The expansive selection of cannabis offerings today serves as a boon for aficionados, yet the plethora of options might pose a hurdle for those newly introduced to the scene. Navigating the world of concentrates, with its myriad forms like budder, shatter, and terp sauce, can seem as daunting as it is fascinating.
Contemporary concentrates cater to a wide audience. Among these, live resin and rosin, including the variant known as live rosin, have become commonplace in the cannabis market, highlighting the importance of acquainting oneself with the array of products derived through these extraction techniques. The transformation of concentrates into various formats, such as vape oil for cartridges or concentrates with diverse consistencies, takes place during the post-production phase, where processors employ various techniques and tools.
The allure of live cannabis products has surged in recent years. The term “live” in the context of cannabis signifies that the product was made from plants freshly harvested and not subjected to drying and curing but instead flash-frozen immediately after harvest and processed shortly thereafter. This does not apply uniformly to rosin, however, as live rosin exists, but not all rosin is produced from fresh plants.
Exploring the nuances between live resin and live rosin, as well as their distinctions from traditional resin and rosin, sheds light on their unique qualities.
Understanding rosin and live rosin begins with differentiating between the two. Rosin can be produced without the necessity of flash-freezing plant material. Despite being a relatively recent addition to the cannabis concentrate landscape, rosin shares a lineage with one of the most ancient concentrates, hashish.
What are Rosin and Live Rosin?
The preparation of flowers for rosin or live rosin production varies. Classic rosin utilizes lightly cured flowers, hash, or kief, whereas live rosin is derived from flash-frozen buds and trim. Given the high moisture content in fresh buds, live rosin production starts with converting the plants into bubble hash, also recognized as ice water hash.
Both rosin and live rosin are solvent-free, extracted through the application of pressure and minimal heat to release THC oil from the flower’s trichomes. Rosin from fresh plants demands higher temperatures compared to that from hash or sift. Flower rosin is rarely mass-produced due to potential contaminants like lipids, waxes, and excess plant matter.
Live rosin distinguishes itself as a variant of hash rosin, although not all hash rosin qualifies as live. This relationship is akin to understanding that while all squares are rectangles, not all rectangles are squares.
Hash rosin is derived from trichomes—those translucent, frost-like structures dotting the bud and responsible for terpene and cannabinoid production—compressed after being agitated and separated from the plant. Rosin can also be created from unrefined trichomes or kief.
While rosin and live rosin share similarities, each final product stands out for its unique consistency and terpene profile. Terpene preservation is prioritized across all rosin production methods; however, live rosin, with its minimal processing pre-press, often boasts the richest terpene content.
Interestingly, the rosin celebrated today originated from an unintended mishap during hash production in the mid-2010s.
What are Resin and Live Resin?
Rosin and live rosin, just like resin and live resin, are distinct entities, each with its unique characteristics and production methods. The relationship between the various forms of resin is somewhat more nuanced.
Resin differs from rosin in that it is not extracted through mechanical means from the plant. Instead, it is a natural secretion found within the plant’s trichomes. This secretion is pivotal for various cannabis extractions, and it’s worth noting that female cannabis plants will produce resin regardless of external manipulation. The sticky substance you feel when touching cannabis flowers is this very resin.
This naturally occurring secretion serves as the foundation for producing other extracts, such as rosin and hash. These products are derived from the cannabis trichomes and resin, with their final forms being influenced by the extraction and post-processing methods used. Variants like cured resin and live resin are also products derived from resin. Additionally, the residue left in pipes or electric dab rigs after use, often called “cannabis reclaim,” is sometimes mistakenly referred to as resin, but that’s not our focus here.
Live resin, renowned for its rich golden hue and abundant terpenes, is crafted from flowers that are flash-frozen and processed with hydrocarbon solvents. This process yields a variety of concentrates, including vape oils, sauce, shatter, and budder.
The inception of live resin can be credited to William “Kind Bill” Fenger, a pioneer in the hash-making community, who aimed to create a concentrate that captured the essence of fresh, uncured cannabis.
Which One Gets You Higher?
Generally, live resin is considered to be more potent than live rosin due to its complex production process, which facilitates the extraction of maximum THC levels, thanks in part to the utilization of solvents.
This potency difference stems from the extraction methods; resin production is more elaborate, allowing for a higher THC yield with the aid of solvents. While rosin is more accessible and less potent overall, it should not be underestimated. For those considering potency, live resin tends to offer a more intense experience than live rosin, making live rosin a preferable choice for those seeking a milder effect.
Which One Is More Expensive?
Regarding the price, live rosin is often more costly than live resin. The high price tag associated with live rosin is attributed to its superior quality and the intricate extraction process it undergoes, starting with bubble hash production followed by heating and pressing the cannabis flower. The meticulous nature of this process, coupled with the need for skilled craftsmanship, drives up the cost of live rosin. However, many concur that the exceptional benefits of live rosin justify its higher price, a sentiment we wholeheartedly share.
Is Rosin Better than Resin?
Typically, live rosin is priced higher than live resin due to its more complex production technique, which yields a purer, solvent-free concentrate. Live resin, despite being perceived as slightly inferior in quality to live rosin, is celebrated in the cannabis community for its excellent value, appealing to those who seek a cost-effective alternative without compromising too much on quality.
There exists a dedicated segment of cannabis enthusiasts who advocate for solvent-free concentrate production as the ultimate method, willing to invest in the premium quality that rosin delivers.
Live rosin is generally regarded as the healthier option since it is free from solvents, potentially offering a smoother dabbing experience, particularly beneficial for those with sensitive respiratory systems. While live resin might boast a higher potency, the consensus is that this advantage does not significantly diminish the enjoyment derived from dabbing live rosin.
Conclusion
When it comes to comparing live resin and live rosin, neither extraction method can be deemed superior. Both offerings are incredibly potent, ensuring a comparable experience. Each boasts remarkable flavor, aroma, and richness. For those inclined towards natural, chemical-free products, solventless live rosin could be the appealing choice. Contemplating between live resin and live rosin? Consider your familiarity with cannabis. If you’re comfortable with THC levels of 45% or higher, the decision between live rosin and live resin becomes a matter of personal taste. Ultimately, ensuring you’re prepared for a high-THC cannabis experience with your favorite electric dab rig is crucial before making your choice.
