Cannabis concentrates have expanded tenfold over the last several years. One concentrate that has gained a significant fan base is live resin. Although many of our Native Sun customers are familiar with live resin, some are still confused about what it is and how it compares to other cannabis extracts.
Our team at Native Sun has created the following guide to help you answer your top questions about live resin. Read on to find out how it’s made, how to use it, and how to store it. We will also discuss how it compares to other concentrates and whether it’s the right choice for you.
What Is Live Resin?
First and foremost, what exactly is live resin? The easiest way to describe it is a concentrate that comes from fresh cannabis plants that are flash-frozen immediately after harvesting. Some concentrates undergo a curing process and are dried out first. In comparison, live resin gets frozen immediately to lock in terpenes and cannabinoids.
Fans of live resin feel the concentrate has a much stronger flavor and potency than other concentrates. The plant is still alive during harvesting, which is why the term “live resin” was selected for the extract.
The result? A rich, aromatic concentrate bursting with flavor and potency. The name “live” refers to the fact that the plant material was still “alive” or fresh-frozen at harvest rather than dried out. What the live in live resin means is simple—the live components of the plant are not degraded through drying and curing. The process, instead, keeps the full terpene and cannabinoid profile.
History of Live Resin
The creation of live resin is relatively new and was introduced in 2013 by Colorado expert grower Kind Bill. The grower was able to use new extraction technology to stop destroying the terpenes and cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Drying and curing can strip up to 95% of the terpenes and cannabinoids. Live resin was made through a cryogenic freezing process, leaving behind a highly flavorful and potent product.
Benefits of Live Resin
Although other concentrates and forms of cannabis can provide positive effects, live resin stands out for the following reasons:
- Intense, rich flavors due to terpenes being preserved
- A full-spectrum cannabis experience due to high levels of terpenes and THC levels
- Higher potency than traditional flower and other concentrate types
- Less is more. A little goes a long way
- More likely for an entourage effect due to less degradation during processing
- More control over your high
What Do Terpenes Have to Do with Live Resin?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants. Terpenes give each cannabis strain its particular scent and flavor. Examples of popular terpenes include limonene, myrcene, pinene, and linalool. Each terpene will have a different flavor and effect profile. For instance, myrcene has an earthy aroma and taste. Myrcene is also associated with relaxation and sedative effects in weed.
Is Live Resin Considered a Full Spectrum Extract?
Live resin is considered a full-spectrum extract. A full-spectrum extract means it contains the terpenes and cannabinoids that originated from the original plant. Other extracts may isolate the THC and CBD, removing the organic plant materials. With the whole plant still in the concentrate, you’re more likely to get increased effects.
Types of Live Resin Concentrates
Live resin doesn’t come in one size fits all. For instance, many wonder what’s the difference between live resin and sauce? Live resin leaves plenty of room for customization. Native Sun carries the following types of live resin and more:
- Live resin sugar: The sugar will have a gritty texture with crystals floating in a syrupy blend.
- Live resin badder: Also called butter, the badder has a whipped consistency, making it easier for dabbing.
- Live resin sauce: Live resin sauce is a liquid-type concentrate that has separated the THC crystals.
- Live resin carts: Vape cartridges will come pre-filled with oil that the vape can heat up for inhalation.
How Is Live Resin Different from Other Concentrates?
Live resin vs rosin is a common comparison. Live resin will use solvents like butane during processing and fresh-frozen flower. Comparatively, rosin is made with heat and pressure without butane or other solvents. Rosin is typically more expensive than live resin and won’t have the same widespread availability.
Live Resin vs. Distillate vs Cured Resin
Live resin is considered a flavorful option made from fresh cannabis plants. Distillate will have high THC levels, often higher than live resin options, but will lack terpenes. Distillates typically get added to edibles and vapes. Cured resin will have terpenes, but less potency due to the drying process.
How to Make Live Resin
Making live resin involves flash-freezing the cannabis plant after harvesting. After freezing, solvents like butane or propane are used to extract the terpenes. Heat exposure after extraction helps remove any remaining solvents. During processing and before packaging, the concentrate is either whipped or crystallized, depending on the type of live resin being made.
How to Consume Live Resin
Live resin is versatile, and you can consume it in several ways. Dabbing is the most popular method for enjoying live resin concentrates and requires a dab rig. You could also add live resin to flower and smoke it as a joint or in a bowl.
Can You Vape Live Resin?
Yes, you can vape using a live resin vape cart. The pre-filled cartridges contain live resin extract and a heat element that vaporizes the concentrate. You can take a hit off a vape as needed to control the effects of the live resin better.
Live Resin Carts vs. Normal Carts: What’s the Difference?
Live resin carts will come with the full-spectrum extract and include many of the natural terpenes and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. A normal cart will often have a THC distillate. Terpenes may be artificially added to the normal cart to adjust flavor and potency.
How to Store Live Resin
Along with any type of cannabis, live resin lasts longer if you properly store it. Keep the concentrate at a temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Place in a cool, dark area like a cabinet or closet. Avoid direct light, and make sure the container stays sealed. Exposure to air and sunlight can degrade the terpenes and cannabinoids.
How Much Does Live Resin Cost?
The cost of live resin depends on the brand, quantity, and type. We carry a variety of live resin concentrates at prices that can suit any budget.
Live Resin at Native Sun
Native Sun is a top dispensary with three locations in Massachusetts: Hudson, North Attleboro, and South Boston. Each of our recreational dispensaries has a large selection of live resin badder, sauces, vapes, and more. To browse our current selection of live resin in stock, visit our online storefront.
