October 25, 2023

Live Resin vs. Live Rosin: A Guide to Cannabis Extracts

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Key Takeaways

Live Rosin and Live Resin are cannabis concentrates made from flash-frozen plant material to preserve terpene and cannabinoid profiles, but they differ in extraction methods.
Live Resin is produced using solvents, while Live Rosin extraction instead uses ice, water, and heat/pressure.
Live Resin is preferred for vaping due to its smoother consistency and pronounced flavor, whereas Live Rosin is favored for edibles.

If you’ve ever shopped for THC-infused edibles or disposable vapes, you may have noticed “Live Rosin” or “Live Resin” printed on the packaging. Perhaps you wondered what these ingredients are or whether there was even a difference.

While they appear (and sound) nearly identical, Live Resin and Live Rosin are two distinct concentrates that uniquely impact a product’s effects. Like most cannabis derivatives, they offer properties that might be more suited for some people or some purposes over others.

Therefore, it’s not necessarily a matter of which is better but which is right for you. By understanding the process by which Live Rosin and Live Resin are extracted from cannabis plants and how this affects your overall experience, you can more easily determine this. Fortunately, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, so read on!

What do you mean by “Live?”: Live vs. Cured Concentrates

When speaking about cannabis, “concentrate” refers to a type of extract rich with the plant’s natural compounds, specifically terpenes and cannabinoids. There are various cannabis concentrates, the most recognizable among which are hash, distillate, and kief.

Live Rosin and Live Resin are types of “live,” as opposed to “cured,” concentrates. The difference to note here is how the plant material has been processed, and how this method impacts its natural compounds.

“Live” concentrates are pressed from hemp so that its natural compounds, which make up its “living profile,” are preserved. Its leaves and flower buds are flash-frozen immediately after harvesting to prevent decay, ensuring that the full spectrum of trichomes remains intact. Identifiable by their bulbous, crystal-like appearance, trichomes are found in a variety of plant species and are responsible for several critical functions.

close-up of trichomes on a cannabis plant

Aside from providing protection against natural hazards and regulating internal temperature, trichomes also produce the majority of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes in cannabis.

Cannabinoids, such as THC, produce the effects of cannabis, whereas flavonoids are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. But with concentrates, arguably one of the most crucial compounds is terpenes. Since these plant molecules are responsible for the distinct aromas and tastes of various cannabis strains, preserving the trichomes lends to a more flavorful, potent end product.

On the other hand, cured concentrates are produced from cannabis leaves that have been dried, cured, and trimmed. This isn’t always a bad thing. Curing flower buds prevents mold growth, stabilizes terpene profiles, and enhances THC content. It’s also how moisture is optimized for a smoother smoking experience.

But we’re talking about concentrates here, not flower. When people choose to smoke, vape, or otherwise infuse Resin or Rosin into edibles, it’s because they want a more enriching cannabis experience. Since more than half of terpenes become damaged during the curing process, live concentrates are preferable to dried plant material.

What’s the Difference: Live Rosin vs. Live Resin

At first glance, Live Resin and Live Rosin are strikingly similar. However, the means used in the extraction process make a big difference.

What is Live Resin?

Live Resin is made by adding flash-frozen cannabis leaves to a chilled solvent, usually containing butane and propane, to extract its terpene-rich oils.

This butane hash oil (BHO) has to be processed further and evaporated completely to yield Live Resin. However, other solvent-based processes have been developed to create higher-quality and safer products for consumers who prefer an extract without residual solvents.

One is CO2 extraction, which is eco-friendly and non-toxic. However, in some circumstances, CO2 extraction results in a product with high water content and considerably lower terpene content.

The safest and most efficient method of Live Resin extraction is using R134a, a non-toxic solvent. R134a-based extraction yields a high level of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Live Resin (especially when made using these safer, higher-quality processes) is known for having a high concentration of cannabinoids and a distinctly pronounced flavor.

Boasting a golden, honey-like appearance, Live Resin is often preferred by connoisseurs for its affordability and consistency. It can be added to vape cartridges or disposables, and infused into edibles, but the most common method of consumption is dabbing, as its low viscosity helps to smooth the smoking experience.

What is Live Rosin?

On the other hand, Live Rosin is often considered a more natural product because it is extracted without the use of any solvents. Instead, ice and water are used to make a trichome-rich bubble hash. Then, intense heat and pressure are applied to squeeze the oils from the plant material.

This process is significantly more time-consuming but preserves the purity of a cannabis strain’s terpene profile, yielding a distinctly lighter concentrate that is preferred among connoisseurs seeking a deeper appreciation of the plant.

Also known as solventless hash oil (SHO), Live Rosin features a more nuanced flavor, especially when infused into edibles. It can also be vaped using a dab rig or added to flower.

Which is better: Live Rosin vs. Live Resin

Live Rosin and Live Resin both preserve relatively more terpenes and trichomes than dried concentrates. Live Resin tends to be a better option if you are vaping, but when you want to savor the nuances of your favorite cannabis strain in an edible medium, look for products infused with Live Rosin extract.

Not only will they feature the authentic aroma of cannabis, but also give prominence to the subtle effects of a cannabis strain. I.e., a Sativa edible made with Live Rosin will be more uplifting than an edible made with Live Resin, even if Live Resin by itself is more potent.

This is true for edibles, but vape blends might benefit from an infusion of Live Resin, as this extract tends to promote a smoother and more aromatic smoking experience due to its optimal viscosity. One can enjoy the essence of cannabis in a disposable that's been flavored with terpene-rich live resin, as well as effects that are longer-lasting and more intense.

Where can I buy products with Live Rosin extract?

Woman holding a bag of live rosin gummies smiling

Products with less than a 0.3% concentration of hemp-derived THC are legal on a federal basis and in most states thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. So, products made with Live Rosin can usually be found conveniently at your local smoke shop or a dispensary near you. You can also have Live Rosin-infused gummies and edibles shipped directly to your home if you prefer to shop online.

Now, we’re a bit biased, but our Canna Classic Line is a great choice if you’re looking to explore Live Rosin in a novel medium. This collection features edibles made with Live Rosin from a variety of cannabis strains, including Grand Daddy Purple, Gelato, and Northern Lights. Our naturally flavored gummies are also infused with hemp-derived Delta-9 THC distillate, giving you the high THC content you desire with concentrate products.

Where can I buy products with Live Resin extract?

As mentioned before, Live Resin is a popular addition to smokables, so your local vape shop may carry disposables that have been flavored with terpene-rich Live Resin extract. However, you can also purchase legal vapes online and have them delivered straight to your door.

Our own collection of premium disposables contains a proprietary five-gram or two-gram blend of THC-A Liquid Diamonds, Delta-8, and HHC. To offer the essence of strains like White Rhino, Amnesia Haze, G13, and Pink Panther, they are flavored with terpene-rich live resin. Hometown Hero’s disposables are USB-C rechargeable and have a preheat function, and last you awhile at approximately 3,000 puffs.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis offers a range of naturally occurring compounds, from cannabinoids to terpenes. There are numerous methods of extracting and preserving them for enjoyment in edibles and other products. When it comes to concentrates, Live Rosin is a more natural and terpene-rich extract than its solvent-based counterpart and is best suited for use in edibles. Live Resin, on the other hand, is a popular infusion in vapes due to its viscosity and pronounced flavor.

We hope this information helps you shop easier next time you’re browsing. Until next time, happy exploring and mind your mind!

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.