The world of cannabis and full spectrum CBD concentrates has witnessed a surge in popularity, with enthusiasts exploring various extraction methods to enhance the flavor, potency, and overall experience. Two notable contenders in this realm are cannabis and CBD live resins and live rosin extracts. Let's dissect the disparities between these two extraction processes, shedding light on their unique qualities, extraction methods, and potential applications.
Live resin is an extraction method that prioritizes preserving the plant's natural terpene profile and cannabinoids. The process involves flash-freezing freshly harvested cannabis buds, maintaining their original composition, and then extracting the resin. Live rosin, on the other hand, utilizes heat and pressure, commonly through mechanically pressing the trichome glands to extract the oleoresin from the previouosly freeze dried resin. The process is solventless, eschewing the use of external solvents like n-butane, CO2, etc.
The live resin extraction process typically involves using pure hydrocarbons and/or
mixes of hydrocarbons like n-butane, iso-butane, or n-propane. The flash-frozen cannabis is soaked in the solvent, extracting cannabinoids, terpenes, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lipids, waxes, and various other compounds due to the semi-selective solubility of the specific solvent(s). Live rosin extraction involves applying heat and pressure to freeze dried cannabis or hemp trichome glands. The same pressing process can be done on air dried cannabis or the CBD containing trichome glands of hemp. The rosin press squeezes out the oleoresin, containing cannabinoids, terpenes, and
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) without the need for external solvents.
Live resin retains a diverse cannabinoid profile, including THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids present in the fresh cannabis. The focus is on preserving the terpenes and VOCs, contributing to the strain's distinctive aroma and flavor though in many hydrocarbon extractions they tend to predominate tri-,
sesquiterpenes, various VOCs and terpenoids. Live rosin natively preserves cannabinoids, terpenes, and VOCs maintaining a robust and flavorful profile which is abundant in the more volative aromatics as well as mono- and diterpene and terpenoids. The absence of external solvents ensures a cleaner extraction, highlighting the natural characteristics of the cannabis variety.
Live resin is renowned for its terpene-rich profile, offering an aromatic and flavorful experience. The entourage effect, where cannabinoids and terpenes synergistically enhance each other's effects, is a notable attribute. Live rosin's extraction method uniquely preserves terpenes and VOCs, mono-, diterpenes, and volatile aromatic hydrocarbons contributing to a complex and nuanced flavor profile.
Live resin often exhibits a saucy or syrupy texture, with varying consistencies based on the extraction method and specific strain. The texture can influence dabbing or vaporization techniques. Live rosin tends to have a malleable consistency, making it suitable for dabbing or hand pressing,
though through various mechanical separation and post-processing protocols the outward appearance can mimic live resin almost identically.
Both High-quality live resin and live rosin undergoes rigorous testing to ensure potency, purity, and the absence of contaminants in regulated marketplaces. Transparent labeling and third-party testing contribute to consumer confidence. Live rosin's solventless nature is often appealing to users seeking a cleaner extraction.
In the realm of cannabis concentrates, live resin and live rosin stand out as distinctive extraction methods, each with its unique qualities and characteristics. As consumers navigate the diverse landscape of cannabis and solventless full spectrum CBD products, understanding the differences between live resin and live rosin provides valuable insights for making informed choices. Whether seeking a terpene and VOC-rich hydrocarbon experience or a artisanal true-to-flower solventless alternative, both live resin and live rosin contribute to the expanding array of options available to cannabis enthusiasts.
