Live Rosin vs. Live Resin: Key Differences & Smoking Tips
Live rosin and live resin. We know these two sound very similar, and it’s fairly common for cannabis consumers to get them all mixed up. So we’re here to clear away any fogginess.
We’d like to think of them as kinfolk: similar, but unique in their impact. Both live resin and live rosin can be derived from cannabis flowers. A key difference is that while live rosin is made from either dried cannabis flower buds or fresh frozen/flash frozen cannabis plants made into live bubble hash, live resin is a product of fresh/flash frozen material.
Table of contents
- What are Live Rosin and Live Resin?
- Live Resin
- Live Rosin
- Production Process: Solventless vs. Solvent-Based Extraction
- Characteristics and Flavor Profile
- Cost and Potency
- Consumption Methods
- Extending Freshness and Storage
- Choosing the Best Cannabis Concentrate
- Tips for Smoking Live Rosin and Live Resin
- The Role of the Cannabis Plant
- Conclusion
There’s a whole lot more about these two cannabis concentrates, but first, let’s dig into what they are:
What are Live Rosin and Live Resin?
Both live resin and live rosin are popular in the cannabis industry due to their potency (of cannabinoids), purity (they both have a true-to-form flavor), and relevance to cannabis (as they are both premium cannabis concentrates), the main difference lies in their extraction process.
Live Resin
Live resin is a cannabis concentrate extracted from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis flowers (usually flash-frozen to preserve the terpenes and cannabinoids perfectly) using hydrocarbon extraction. It comes with a thick, sugar-like consistency, and comes in light orange or amber colors.
Typically, solvents like butane or propane are usually used in this extraction process to dissolve the resin, after which the solvents emerge from the final product.
Live Rosin
Unlike live resin, Live rosin is a solventless cannabis concentrate. In other words, it does not use a solvent like butane or CO2 to get the concentrate out. Like Live resin, it’s made from flash-frozen cannabis, but with a thickier and more sticky texture. This concentrate uses a process that involves making live bubble hash with water and ice. To extract the rosin, the flash-frozen cannabis is then pressed using pressure and heat.
Production Process: Solventless vs. Solvent-Based Extraction
| Factor | Solventless Extraction | Solvent-Based Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Uses mechanical or heat-based methods to extract cannabinoids and terpenes without solvents. | Uses chemical solvents (e.g., butane, ethanol, CO2) to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. |
| Common Methods | Ice water hash, dry sift, rosin pressing | Butane Hash Oil (BHO), CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction |
| Purity | Higher purity, free from residual solvents | Requires purging to remove residual solvents |
| Terpene Retention | Preserves natural terpenes and cannabinoids | Some loss of terpenes due to solvent exposure |
| Safety | No risk of residual solvents; generally safer | Requires proper purging to eliminate solvent residues |
| Potency | High cannabinoid concentration but may be lower than solvent-based extracts | Often higher potency due to efficient cannabinoid extraction |
| Cost of Production | Can be more labor-intensive and costly | More efficient but requires expensive equipment |
| Environmental Impact | More eco-friendly; no chemical waste | Potential environmental concerns due to solvent disposal |
| Final Product Types | Hash, rosin, dry sift, bubble hash | Shatter, wax, live resin, distillates, budder |
| Best For | Purity-focused consumers who prefer natural extraction methods | High-potency extracts and large-scale production |
Both cannabis concentrates are unique in their extraction methods, which shape their quality, safety, and vaping experience.
Live Rosin production process (Solventless):
The life cycle of Live rosin begins with fresh frozen cannabis plants to preserve terpenes and cannabinoids. The material is then washed in ice water to separate trichomes into hash, which is then pressed under heat and pressure.
The mechanical process extracts a pure, full-spectrum live resin with robust flavor and aroma.
Live Resin production process (Solvent-Based):
Since live resin uses hydrocarbons like butane or ethanol to dissolve trichomes from fresh frozen plants in their production process (hydrocarbon extraction), they are more efficient. The solvent comes out after extraction, which leaves us with a concentrate that’s high in terpenes.
While live rosin’s process is more time-consuming, you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re getting pure a solventless extraction without contaminants. On the other end, Live resin’s simpler process makes it more accessible.
The absence of chemicals and artistry that goes into making live rosins makes it more of a premium product. Consumers often equate solventless methods with purity and quality, justifying its higher price. Conversely, live resin’s affordability and high potency (live resin can be quite potent, with THC levels hitting as high as 60-90%, which is stronger than regular cannabis plants), make it a more popular choice among consumers.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
It is first important to know that when both are properly extracted, there isn’t a world of difference in terms of flavor profile. However, the difference in extraction methods means that the terpene profiles of both slightly differ.
The cannabis strain used in making Live rosin largely influences its flavor, and this is due to how the lack of solvent used in its processing preserves its natural terpene content. This explains the herbal, earthy, or floral scents that are a reflection of the authenticity of the plant.
On the other hand, solvent-based extraction in live resin helps to remove a full range of compounds to serve up a richer terpene profile. This results in a sweet, fruity, or gassy note that is consistent throughout all the batches. For those seeking layered, predictable flavors, this terpene retention works for them.
Cost and Potency
| Factor | Live Resin | Live Rosin |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction Method | Solvent-based (e.g., butane, CO2) | Solventless (heat and pressure) |
| Production Cost | Lower, as it uses chemical solvents and is more scalable | Higher, due to labor-intensive solventless extraction |
| Average Price | More affordable ($30–$60 per gram) | More expensive ($50–$100 per gram) |
| Potency | High (THC 60–90%) | High (THC 60–85%) but with more terpenes |
| Terpene Retention | Moderate to high, but some loss during solvent purging | Very high, preserving full-spectrum flavor |
| Market Demand | Widely available and popular for dabs | Premium product with niche demand |
| Best For | Users looking for potent, cost-effective concentrates | Consumers seeking the purest, most flavorful experience |
A BDSA report hints that live rosin sold for $35 per gram in Q3 2020, as opposed to live resin which sold for as low as $20/gram in the same period.
In summary, live rosin costs more than live resin due to an artisanal process that includes freezing the materials, hand washing, and pressing them. This labor-intensive method produces smaller yields, leading to higher prices.
On the other side of the concentration divide, live resin’s solvent-based systems are more scalable, which lowers production costs. Also, it usually has slightly higher THC levels (70-90%) because solvents effectively extract cannabinoids, while live rosin typically has THC levels of 60-80%.
On the whole, both have strong effects, but live rosin’s full-spectrum cannabinoids may enhance the entourage effect (being full-spectrum means it preserves a broader range of these compounds, so these compounds bounce off one another better when compared to other concentrates).
The entourage effect is basically how different compounds in cannabis, such as cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes (aromatic oils), relate. These compounds work together to enhance the potency of the plant for a more pleasurable experience when compared to using isolated compounds like THC or CBD alone.
As an example, THC might provide psychoactive effects (the “high”), CBD can potentially counteract some of THC’s intensity, offering a calming influence, and finally, Terpenes (like myrcene, limonene, or pinene) contribute to the flavor, aroma, and unique effects of a cannabis strain, such as relaxation or energy.
Prices may depend on factors like the brand, the cultivation and extraction methods used, or where you shop.
Consumption Methods
When it comes to consuming these concentrates, dabbing and vaping are the most popular ways, as they preserve terpenes and deliver fast, potent effects. While you can smoke them traditionally (like adding to a bowl), it’s less efficient.
Low-temperature dabbing enhances flavor, and vaporizers are great for portability and discretion. Since both products are high in THC levels, you should start with small amounts to avoid overconsumption.
Extending Freshness and Storage
To keep concentrates fresh, you should store in airtight, UV-protected glass containers. Avoiding silicone will also help you avoid any potential reactions with terpenes. A cool, dark place is recommended.
Refrigeration is optional but requires airtight sealing to prevent moisture. Heat, light, and air can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing flavor and potency. Proper storage helps preserve their quality and effects for longer.
Choosing the Best Cannabis Concentrate
Choosing between two delicious cannabis concentrates is no straightforward task. However, a few factors should form a part of your decision-making.
First, you want to consider factors such as potency, flavor profile, and the production process. It is expected that a set of consumers will prefer a solventless extraction due to notions of purity and a more natural profile.
On the other hand, if your personal preference is a more nuanced flavor profile, or if you don’t mind the use of solvents in the extraction process, then live resins may be a better option for you.
Another thing to consider is your budget. As we’ve mentioned earlier, live rosin’s artisanal process makes it sell at a higher price point, so you must be financially prepared before you set your heart on it.
Tips for Smoking Live Rosin and Live Resin
| Tip | Live Rosin | Live Resin |
|---|---|---|
| Best Temperature | 450-550°F (low-temp for best flavor) | 500-600°F (slightly higher for full vaporization) |
| Best Consumption Method | Dab rig, cold-start dabbing, vape pen | Dab rig, vape pen, e-rig |
| Prepping the Dab | Use a dab tool, avoid handling with fingers | Use a dab tool, handle carefully due to stickiness |
| Heating Technique | Heat slowly to avoid burning terpenes | Medium heat for full potency |
| Flavor Retention | Low-temp dabs for the purest taste | Higher temp for more intense hits |
| Cleaning the Rig | Clean after every session to prevent residue buildup | Clean regularly to avoid sticky residue |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place | Store in a fridge to maintain consistency |
| Best for | Flavor chasers, purists | Potency lovers, those who enjoy strong effects |
Users looking to experience the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis, or a flavorful cannabis experience that beats regular weed would love these two. But when it comes to smoking them, you’re better off following these two rules: Start low, then go slow.
Live resin is especially known for its potency, so it would be wiser to start with small amounts and work your way up till you reach your ‘high’ without knocking yourself out.
While it makes sense to stick with the basics, you can’t go wrong with investing in quality gear like a vaporizer or dab rig (preferably with a filter) to enhance your clean experience of its rich flavors without coughing. You can also try your hands on different strains. But you want to make sure you’re buying from only reputable sources.
The Role of the Cannabis Plant
There is scientific evidence that freezing freshly harvested cannabis preserves terpenes and THC much better than drying and curing, with significantly less terpene and cannabinoid loss over time. For this simple reason, the cannabis plant is perhaps the most essential aspect of high-quality live rosin and live resin.
Without the cannabis plant, these chemicals would be lost during the traditional drying and curing processes.
Freezing the harvested cannabis plant helps extractors to keep its peak aromatic and flavor profiles intact. This method ensures that the “live” essence of the cannabis plant is maintained from the garden to the final product. This translates to higher yields, richer flavors, and a more cost-effective process for businesses.
Meanwhile, fresh frozen material offers flexibility in post-harvest workflows, allowing extractors to create a wide range of “live” products, including ice water hash, live sift, and various textures of live rosin and live resin.
For extractors, being able to store frozen cannabis plants for up to a year without any reduction or loss in their terpene content would be beneficial to the cannabis extraction industry.
Conclusion
If you’re into cannabis concentrates with rich flavors, then the Live rosin and live resin represent two brilliant options that cater to your unique tastes and priorities.
Although it comes at a higher price tag, live rosin appeals to cannabis connoisseurs who value purity, natural extraction, and a full-spectrum cannabinoid experience. Live resin, on the other hand, offers more potent effects, with a richer terpene profile due to its extraction process, and more affordability.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on factors like budget, desired flavor, and extraction preference. Whichever you choose, proper storage and thoughtful consumption will help you get the most out of these exceptional cannabis products.
Regardless of whichever side of the spectrum you’re on, both of these cannabinoids deliver an unmatched experience that puts your regular options to shame.
