To the naked eye of a casual cannabis consumer, the difference between live resin and live rosin might appear to be a simple one-letter typo. However, both “live” products are unique products of Cannabis in their own right, with different extraction and manufacturing methods that are worth learning their distinctions! Today, we break down the differences between Live Resin and Rosin to help you decide which concentrate is best for your Crossover or Piccolo smoke sesh!
Live Resin
Resin tends to be higher potency in THC% than rosin and produces a higher yield comparatively. Its high potency has earned its rightful title as the “champagne” of cannabis. As I hit my Crossover and get hit with a whirlwind of terpy flavour; I couldn’t agree more with the nickname.
In the classic sense, Resin is defined as an organic substance, brown in appearance, obtained from tree saps and utilized for varying purposes. Allow me to nerd out a bit here 😉. Plants naturally secrete resin as a protective barrier to protect themselves from predators, insects, and potential pathogens. The extraction of Cannabis derivative Live Resin, however, requires the human touch of modern technology. It is processed using hydrocarbon solvents like butane or propane to effectively extract all the resins from the plant’s trichomes that contain the flavorful juicy terpenes that we stoners desire!
Following extraction, the resin goes through a “purging” process of sorts to ensure all solvents and other impurities are removed prior to packaging and, consequently, consumption. The most common method is “closed loop” extraction, which separates and recycles these solvents through a vacuum pump. In simple terms, this is all done without exposing the cannabis to air, suffocating out the poor – unwanted chems! Henceforth, the sappy, smokable live resin we enjoy to dab up is completed.
Lately, my favorite Resin has been "Cuban Linx" for a high terpinolene citrusy flavor. I would love to hear your favorite strain in the comments.
Live Rosin
In contrast, Live Rosin is celebrated by cannabis consumers for its purity; as an extract that is obtained without using hydrocarbons such as Butane . “Rosin” gains its definition as plant matter (in this case, the retention of cannabinoids and terpenes) extracted into a “gooey”/ sappy substance through the combo of heating and pressing.
Live Rosin is derived from the low-heat pressing of Bubble hash oil ; thus, rosin producers must take the artisan step of manufacturing full melt bubble hash (also known as ice water hash). To create bubble hash, the freshly frozen plant matter is placed in a bath of water and ice, which agitates the plant and shakes the frozen trichomes off the plant and into the water. The trichomes are then filtered through a series of procedurally finer mesh bags to strain out any other remaining plant material.
It’s important to note that without filtering, this plant material will burn rather than melt during the extraction process, ruining the final product.
Once the trichomes are collected, they’re dried into full-melt bubble hash using a freeze dryer, processed, and finally pressed into live rosin (by a rosin press) using low heat and pressure.
So, (if your mind is about to explode with this avalanche of high-level info, you are not alone!) in contrast with its sibling Resin, the texture of Rosin is more honey like, and less crystalized in appearance. My personal favorite Rosin has been the sativa “timewarp”, produced natively from Vancouver island for decades. Let me know what your favorite is in the comments below!
What should I choose: Live Resin or Live Rosin?
The choice goes far beyond a vowel difference in words, as both are great smoking differences for different preferences.
- Do you prioritize high THC% and a lower price? Then Live Resin certainly calls your name. Live Resin is cheaper to produce and produces higher yield, which decreases the cost for consumers and the “strain” on your wallet.
- If you’re canna conscious of purity and quality, Live Rosin may be the choice for you.
- If hands-on with your thing, you can purchase a rosin press and make your own from the comfort of your home!
Ultimately, I think you should “dabble” in both and evaluate the effect. In my personal experience, Live Resin tends to be more “heady” whereas rosin results in a cleaner classic hash “body effect” high. The preference is up to you to decide. Just keep in mind, that your trusty Piccolo or Crossover will be the best choice to experience the real flavour intended by the producer.
I hope you enjoy these ooey, gooey, righteous extracts as much as I do!
And as always,
Stay High.
-The Avid Dabber 🤤🌬️🍃🙃
