Live resin, a relatively new phenomenon in the world of cannabis and hemp concentrates, has captivated enthusiasts with its potent aroma, robust flavor profile, and enhanced effects. Live resin refers to a type of cannabis concentrate that preserves the plant’s natural terpenes and cannabinoids, resulting in a potent and flavorful product. Unlike other concentrates which are made from dried and cured cannabis, live resin is created from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis plants.
Let’s delve into the intricacies of live resin, its history, its production process, its unique characteristics and forms, its benefits, and more.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin was first discovered and popularized by cannabis enthusiasts and extract artists in Colorado during the early 2010s. The technique of flash-freezing freshly harvested cannabis flowers and extracting them to preserve their terpene profile revolutionized the world of cannabis concentrates, giving rise to the phenomenon of live resin.
Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate renowned for its high terpene content and fresh flavor profile. Unlike traditional concentrates, which are typically made from dried and cured cannabis flowers, live resin is crafted from freshly harvested plants, capturing the essence of the plant in its raw, live state.
How is Live Resin Made?
The production of live resin involves a meticulous process designed to preserve the delicate compounds found in fresh cannabis flowers. Immediately after harvest, the plant material is flash-frozen to maintain its potency and freshness. The frozen flowers are then subjected to a solvent-based extraction method, commonly using butane or propane, to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. The resulting extract is then purged of residual solvents to ensure a clean and safe product.
Harvesting
Cannabis plants are meticulously harvested at peak maturity, typically when trichomes are at their fullest and most potent.
Flash-Freezing
Immediately after harvest, the freshly harvested cannabis flowers are flash-frozen using specialized equipment or techniques. Flash-freezing preserves the delicate terpenes and cannabinoids, preventing degradation and oxidation.
Extraction
The frozen flowers are then subjected to a solvent-based extraction process, usually using butane or propane. This process dissolves the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material, creating a concentrated extract.
Purging
The extracted solution is then purged of residual solvents using heat and vacuum pressure. This ensures that the final product is free of any harmful contaminants and safe for consumption.
Packaging
Once purged, the resulting live resin is packaged in airtight containers to maintain its freshness and potency until it reaches the consumer.
Differences Between Live Resin and Live Rosin
While both live resin and live rosin offer potent and flavorful cannabis concentrates, they differ in their extraction methods. Live resin is solvent-based and typically involves flash-freezing the plant material, while live rosin is solventless and produced through heat and pressure extraction techniques.
Live resin is made using a solvent-based extraction process, typically with butane or CO2. It involves flash-freezing freshly harvested cannabis plants to preserve their terpene and cannabinoid profiles. The frozen plant material is then processed to extract the desired compounds, resulting in a sticky and aromatic concentrate. Live resin maintains the original flavors and aromas of the cannabis plant, making it highly sought after for its potent effects and rich terpene profiles.
On the other hand, live rosin is a solventless extraction method that involves applying heat and pressure to fresh cannabis flowers or hash to squeeze out the resinous oils. This process, known as rosin pressing, produces a clean and solvent-free concentrate that retains the plant’s natural terpenes and cannabinoids. Live rosin is prized for its purity and potency, as well as its preservation of the plant’s flavor and aroma profiles without the use of solvents.
Live Resin from Hemp vs. Cannabis
Live resin can be derived from both hemp and cannabis plants, but there are some distinctions between the two. Hemp-derived live resin contains lower levels of THC and higher levels of CBD compared to its cannabis counterpart. Additionally, due to legal restrictions, hemp-derived live resin is more widely available and accessible in regions where cannabis remains prohibited.
In the US, all hemp-derived live resin must contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC according to the 2018 Farm Bill.
Forms of Live Resin
Live resin is available in various forms, including wax, shatter, sauce, and budder.
Wax
Live resin wax, also known as budder or crumble, is a soft and pliable concentrate with a wax-like consistency. It is typically produced through a whipping process during extraction, which introduces air into the concentrate, resulting in a fluffy and crumbly texture. Live resin wax ranges in color from light golden to amber, depending on the strain and extraction process. It’s favored for its ease of use and versatility, as it can be easily dabbed, vaporized, or added to joints and bowls.
Shatter
Live resin shatter is a translucent concentrate with a glass-like appearance and texture. It is renowned for its clarity and stability, often breaking into brittle, shard-like pieces when handled. Live resin shatter is produced through a meticulous extraction process that involves purging the concentrate of residual solvents to achieve a smooth and uniform consistency. It offers a clean and potent experience, with high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes preserved during extraction.
Sauce
Live resin sauce, also known as live resin high terpene extract (HTE), is a viscous concentrate with a syrupy consistency and a high terpene content. It is characterized by its rich flavor profile and aromatic bouquet, with pronounced terpene profiles that reflect the unique characteristics of the strain. Live resin sauce is produced using a specialized extraction technique that preserves the volatile terpenes found in fresh cannabis flowers, resulting in a potent and flavorful concentrate. It is often consumed by dabbing or vaporizing to fully experience its complex flavors and effects.
Badder
Live resin badder, sometimes referred to as budder or batter, is a creamy and whipped concentrate with a smooth and spreadable texture. It is created through a whipping process during extraction, which agitates the concentrate to form a light and airy consistency. Live resin badder ranges in color from pale yellow to golden brown, depending on the strain and extraction method. It is prized for its ease of handling and versatility, making it ideal for dabbing, vaporizing, or adding to joints and bowls.
Each form of live resin offers a distinct experience, with its own unique texture, flavor profile, and potency. Whether you prefer the smooth consistency of budder, the glass-like clarity of shatter, or the syrupy richness of sauce, there’s a live resin product to suit every preference and occasion. Experimenting with different forms and strains allows cannabis enthusiasts to explore the full spectrum of flavors and effects that live resin has to offer.
Consumption of Live Resin
Live resin can be consumed through dabbing, vaporization, or added to joints and bowls for an extra kick. Its versatility and potency make it a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts seeking a more intense experience.
Dabbing
Dabbing involves the use of a specialized water pipe, called a dab rig, equipped with a nail or banger. A small amount of live resin is placed on the heated surface of the nail, where it vaporizes instantly upon contact, producing a potent vapor that is inhaled through the rig. Dabbing offers rapid onset and intense effects, making it popular among experienced users seeking immediate relief or euphoria.
Vaporization
Vaporization entails the use of a vaporizer device designed for concentrates. Live resin can be loaded into the vaporizer chamber, where it is heated to a specific temperature, releasing cannabinoids and terpenes as a flavorful vapor. Vaporization offers a more controlled and discreet consumption method compared to dabbing, with adjustable temperature settings to customize the user experience.
Joints or Bowls
Live resin can also be added to joints or bowls to enhance the potency and flavor of traditional cannabis flower. A small dab or smear of live resin can be applied to the surface of the ground flower before rolling it into a joint or packing it into a bowl. When smoked, the live resin melts and combines with the flower, amplifying its effects and imparting a rich flavor profile. This method provides a familiar and accessible way to enjoy live resin for those who prefer smoking over vaporization or dabbing.
Live Resin Gummies
Live resin gummies are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the benefits of live resin in a tasty edible form. These gummies are infused with live resin extract, which provides a potent dose of cannabinoids and terpenes in each bite. Live resin gummies are typically made using a process similar to traditional gummy manufacturing, with the addition of live resin extract during the formulation stage. The live resin extract is carefully incorporated into the gummy mixture, ensuring an even distribution of cannabinoids and terpenes throughout each gummy.
Each consumption method offers a unique experience, allowing users to tailor their consumption based on personal preferences and desired effects. Whether it’s the intense rush of dabbing, the smooth vapor of vaporization, or the classic simplicity of smoking, live resin provides versatile options for cannabis enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
Benefits of Live Resin
Live resin offers several benefits for cannabis consumers seeking a potent and flavorful experience.
Rich Terpene Profile
Like resin contains a diverse array of terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants that contribute to the plant’s flavor and aroma profiles. Hemp-derived live resin preserves these terpenes, providing a full-spectrum experience with nuanced flavors and aromas.
High Cannabinoid Content
Hemp-derived live resin is rich in cannabinoids, including CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol). These cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially offering various therapeutic benefits such as pain relief, relaxation, and mood enhancement. The concentrated nature of live resin means that users can experience the effects of cannabinoids more quickly and intensely than with other forms of hemp products.
Entourage Effect
Live resin contains a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, which may work synergistically to enhance the overall therapeutic effects in what’s known as the entourage effect. This means that the combined presence of cannabinoids and terpenes may produce more significant effects than individual compounds alone, offering a holistic and potent cannabis experience.
Versatile Consumption Methods
Hemp-derived live resin can be consumed in various ways, including dabbing, vaping, or adding to joints or bowls. This versatility allows consumers to tailor their consumption method to their preferences and desired effects. Whether seeking immediate relief or a more gradual onset, hemp-derived live resin offers flexibility in consumption.
Quality and Purity
When produced using high-quality extraction methods, hemp-derived live resin can offer exceptional purity and quality. By sourcing hemp from reputable growers and using advanced extraction techniques, manufacturers can create a clean and potent product free from contaminants. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for consumers.
Overall, hemp-derived live resin provides a potent and flavorful option for cannabis enthusiasts seeking the benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes in a concentrated form. With its rich terpene profile, high cannabinoid content, entourage effect potential, versatile consumption methods, and emphasis on quality and purity, hemp-derived live resin offers a compelling choice for those looking to elevate their cannabis experience.
Role of Terpenes in Live Resin
Terpenes play a crucial role in shaping the flavor, aroma, and effects of live resin. These aromatic compounds not only contribute to the distinctive scent and taste of each strain but also interact synergistically with cannabinoids to modulate their effects. The abundance of terpenes in live resin enhances its sensory experience and therapeutic potential.
Storage of Live Resin
To preserve the freshness and potency of live resin, it’s essential to store it properly. Ideally, live resin should be kept in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture. Refrigeration or freezing can further extend its shelf life and maintain its flavor and potency over time.
Purchasing Live Resin in the US
Live resin is available at licensed dispensaries and cannabis retailers in states where recreational or medical cannabis is legal. Additionally, online platforms and delivery services like Vivimu offer a wide selection of live resin products for consumers to explore.
Live resin stands as a testament to the innovation and ingenuity of the cannabis and hemp communities. With its unparalleled flavor, potency, and therapeutic potential, it continues to captivate enthusiasts and redefine the landscape of cannabis concentrates. Whether you’re seeking a sensory experience or therapeutic relief, live resin offers a tantalizing journey into the essence of the cannabis plant.
Kevin O'Connor
Kevin is the Director of E-Commerce at Vivimu.com. He writes extensively on minor cannabinoids and trends within the hemp and cannabis industry.
