The cannabis world is always evolving and quickly taking center stage is “Live Resin.” This concentrate has quickly gained popularity due to its unique production process and its ability to preserve the natural flavors of the plant. Whether seen on shelves or heard it praised by enthusiasts, live resin easily stands out among other cannabis concentrates. So, what exactly makes it different? Let’s take a closer look.
Live Resin: A Flavorful Concentrate
Live resin stands apart from other popular concentrates like shatter and wax due to its unique production process and terpene content. Terpenes are what make cannabis smell and taste great. Live resin is designed to maintain as many of them as possible by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from newly cut cannabis plants. These may be fresh but are usually flash-frozen and never dried. By skipping the drying and curing process, live resin retains most of the terpene content of the original plant. This is what ultimately results in a cleaner and more flavorful product.
Unlike other concentrates, live resin focuses on delivering the plant’s authentic flavor above all. Other shatters and waxes lose more terpenes in the drying process which makes many feel live resin is superior in terms of flavor retention. If you’ve ever opened a jar of high-grade cannabis and appreciated its sweet, almost fruity or piney smell – live resin captures that in a unique way.
The Production Process of Live Resin
How live resin is produced is what makes it so special. Live resin comes from fresh, undried plants. Unlike traditional concentrates – which often start with dried and cured cannabis – the marijuana is flash-frozen, preserving all the compounds (including those delicate terpenes that can be lost during drying).
Once frozen, the plant material is extracted with a solvent like butane or propane at very low temperatures to protect those aromatic terpenes. This results in a concentrated solution with intense aroma and taste.
What is the Difference Between Live Resin and Others?
Mean Terpene Level: Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to its flavor and aroma aka make it smell good. They are heat-sensitive and tend to break down when weed is dried out. Live resin maintains the entire range of terpenes when flash frozen and extracted while still fresh, making it have a more pungent aroma and more flavorful taste than from dried plants.
Synergistic Experience: Since the terpenes and cannabinoids are all preserved during the process, live resin also provides what’s called the “entourage effect”—a phenomenon where all the plant’s compounds work together to enhance each other’s effects. This leads to a more balanced and integrated experience which isn’t always the case with concentrates that focus only on THC while purging other elements.
How Does Live Resin Get Consumed?
The most popular ways to consume live resin:
• Dabbing: This is the most common way to enjoy live resin. Dabbing involves heating a small bit of concentrate on a hot surface (called a dab nail) and inhaling the vapor. This process enables you to experience the full flavor of live resin.
• Vape Cartridges: Some companies offer live resin in pre-filled vape cartridges. They are portable and allow beginners to enjoy live resin without buying extra equipment making them very convenient.
• Adding to Flower: If you prefer smoking flower, you can add a touch of live resin to your bowl or joint, resulting in a more flavorful and potent smoke.
Live resin doesn’t just taste good; there are several unique advantages it has that set it apart:
Benefits of Live Resin
• Lots More Aroma and Taste: Thanks to the preserved terpenes, live resin is much more aromatic and flavorful than other concentrates. It provides a deeper and more intense sensory experience if you enjoy the smell of fresh cannabis.
• Full Spectrum Effects: Live resin is a full-spectrum concentrate because it retains all of the plant’s active ingredients. This means it can deliver a more balanced high thanks to the entourage effect.
• Potent Cannabinoids: Live resin is often extremely potent, making it important to start with small amounts, especially if you’re new to concentrates.
Live Resin vs Other Concentrates
You’ve probably seen other marijuana concentrates like shatter or wax, so why choose live resin?
• Shatter and Wax: These concentrates are made from dried and cured marijuana which results in a loss of terpenes. Shatter is typically brittle and wax is softer. They do not contain as many terpenes as live resin.
• Distillate: Distillates are highly purified cannabis concentrates that isolate specific cannabinoids like THC or CBD. They have fewer terpenes compared to live resin, making them less flavorful.
• Live Resin: Provides a full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids, resulting in a closer-to-nature taste and experience.
Are Live Resins Worth Trying?
Live resin might be ideal for you if you are new to marijuana concentrates but want to experience the natural flavors and effects of cannabis in their purest form. Its high terpene content offers a more aromatic and flavorful experience compared to other concentrates.
For discerning users, live resin offers a richer experience, thanks to its full-spectrum approach. It preserves the natural balance of compounds, providing a more complex and well-rounded effect compared to other concentrates.
However, it’s important to remember that live resin can be quite potent! As we always say, start slow and with small amounts to find your comfort level and gauge your tolerance. Whether you’re new or experienced, taking your time to understand your tolerance can help you enjoy the unique benefits of live resin.
Final Thoughts
Live resin is something anyone who loves cannabis – specially those who appreciate strong tastes and effects – should consider. By preserving the freshness of the marijuana plant, live resin offers an experience that other concentrates miss out on.
Have you tried live resin? If so, let us know what you think of this flavorful trend in the comments below!