Your Guide to the World of Live Rosin

When it comes to the wide range of hemp-based product in our industry, it seems we’re starting to see those crafted using ‘live rosin’? There are some interesting things regarding live rosin that make it stand out compared to more standard types of extractions, so, we’re going to cover them all, in order to show you why vaping, smoking, or digesting a cannabinoid-infused product using live rosin could be a unique experience worth trying.

What are the Origins of Live Rosin?

The cannabis community and culture have played a significant role in the evolution and popularization of live rosin. The sharing of knowledge and techniques among enthusiasts and professionals has spurred the refinement and spread of this product.

The production of live rosin builds upon the rosin technique, which involves applying heat and pressure to cannabis plant material to extract the resinous sap. The rosin technique itself is a more recent development in the world of cannabis concentrates, emerging as a solventless alternative to other extraction methods.

The appeal of live rosin is largely due to its solventless extraction process. Unlike concentrates like BHO (Butane Hash Oil) or CO2 oil, live rosin doesn’t use any solvents, which means it doesn’t contain any potential chemical residues.

The "live" aspect of live rosin comes from the use of freshly harvested cannabis that’s immediately frozen, rather than cured and dried plant material. This approach preserves the terpenes and cannabinoids in their most natural and potent state.

So, What Exactly Then is Live Rosin and How Unique is It?

Live rosin is a type of cannabis concentrate that is highly prized for its purity, potency, and flavor. It’s made using a solventless extraction process, so again, no chemicals or solvents are used to extract what’s needed from the cannabis plant. Here's a more detailed look at its characteristics:

1. Starting Material: Live rosin is made from "live" cannabis plants. These are plants that are frozen immediately after harvest, preserving all the natural terpenes and cannabinoids in their freshest state.
2. Solventless Extraction: Unlike other concentrates that may use solvents like butane or CO2, live rosin is produced using a mechanical process. It often involves first making ice water hash (or bubble hash) from the frozen plants, which’s then dried and pressed under heat and pressure to squeeze out the rosin.
3. Potency and Flavor: Due to the preservation of terpenes and cannabinoids in the fresh plant and the lack of solvents, live rosin is known for its robust flavor and aroma, as well as a high potency. It's often more flavorful compared to other concentrates because of the terpene preservation.
4. Consistency and Appearance: The consistency of live rosin can vary from a sappy texture to a more solid, butter-like consistency. Its color can range from golden to a darker amber, depending on the strain and production process.
5. Usage: Like other cannabis concentrates, live rosin can be used in various ways, including dabbing, vaping, or adding to flower in a bowl or joint. It's especially popular among connoisseurs and those looking for a pure, high-quality cannabis experience.
6. Price: Due to its high-quality, solventless extraction process, and the labor-intensive method of production, live rosin is often more expensive than other types of cannabis concentrates.

How is Live Rosin Different from Live Resin?

Sometimes, there are new hemp users who mistake these two terms and for good reason, since they use the word “live” in their name. Live rosin and live resin are both popular concentrates in the cannabis industry, but they differ significantly in their production methods and characteristics:

Production Method:

Live Rosin: To recap: This is made using a solventless extraction process. It involves first making bubble hash from freshly frozen cannabis plants, which preserves the terpenes and cannabinoids. This hash is then pressed using heat and pressure to extract the rosin. Again, the term "live" refers to the fact that the cannabis plant material used was frozen immediately after harvesting, preserving its live properties.

Live Resin: In contrast, live resin is made using a solvent-based extraction process, typically with butane or propane. Freshly harvested cannabis is frozen and then passed through a solvent to extract the essential oils, which includes cannabinoids and terpenes. The solvent is then purged from the mixture using heat and vacuum.

Flavor and Aroma:

The "live" aspect in both cases ensures a high retention of terpenes, leading to a more robust and authentic flavor profile, similar to that of the live plant.

Potency and Purity:

Live Rosin: Generally considered purer due to the lack of solvents in the extraction process. It's often more potent in terms of flavor and terpene profile.

Live Resin: While still potent and rich in terpenes, the use of solvents in the extraction process can sometimes affect purity and taste, though modern techniques have become quite efficient at solvent removal.

Texture and Consistency:

Live Rosin: Can vary in texture from sappy to a more stable, shatter-like consistency.

Live Resin: Typically has a more uniform, sauce-like or buttery consistency.

Price:

Live Rosin: Tends to be more expensive due to the labor-intensive, solventless process.

Live Resin: Generally, it’s less expensive than rosin, but prices can vary depending on quality and brand.

User Preference:

Preference between the two often comes down to personal choice regarding flavor, potency, and the desire for a solventless product.

Innovation and Quality Focus of Live Rosin Continues to Expand

The development of live rosin is part of a broader trend within the cannabis industry towards higher-quality, more artisanal products. Producers and consumers have been pushing for products that offer a more authentic and potent experience, and live rosin meets these demands with its rich flavor profile and high purity. You can find live rosin products here at The Calm Leaf, as you will get to experience those benefits of this type of extract along with only lab-tested cannabinoids and clean, carefully sourced ingredients. Doesn’t get any more awesome than that!