With the loosening of the restriction on cannabis, the industry is witnessing an increase in the types of products. The availability of various forms of cannabis concentrates provides consumers with options with vivid flavors and potency.
Live resin and solventless extracts are two particularly popular concentrates. If you are struggling with the live resin vs solventless comparison, this guide is for you. Here, we will explore these two cannabis extracts in detail, along with their production methods, characteristics, and consumption techniques to help cannabis enthusiasts make informed choices.
Live resin is a cannabis concentrate type which is made from fresh, frozen cannabis plant material rather than dried and cured buds. This concentrate is popular among recreational consumers because it preserves the plant’s original terpene profile, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic product. We have a detailed guide on live resin to explore to learn more.
The key characteristics of live resin that differentiate it from solventless concentrates are its intense aroma and flavor due to preserved terpenes. Due to the use of fresh buds, the terpene profile is highest in live resin. Additionally, it also has high potency with elevated THC levels. Consumers prefer its rich, saucy consistency and full-spectrum profile containing many cannabinoids and terpenes.
How is Live Resin Made?
The process of live resin production is a bit more complex.
- Harvesting: The process begins with freshly harvested cannabis plants that are immediately frozen to preserve their terpene profile. The plants are chosen at the right time for trichomes’ correct quantity of terpenes. Selecting the right harvesting time is crucial in maintaining the plant’s original chemical composition.
- Extraction Process: For extracting live resin, typically hydrocarbons like propane and butane are used. The frozen plant material is soaked in these hydrocarbon solvents. Then, the mixture is run through a closed-loop system where the solvent strips away the desirable compounds.
Compared to other extraction methods which use dried and cured cannabis, live resin extraction preserves a more profound terpene profile. This is why live resin concentrates more closely represent the living plant’s characteristics.
What is Solventless Rosin?
As the term indicates, solventless rosin does not use any solvents to produce cannabis concentrate, which is known as rosin. Solventless rosin is a highly concentrated oil extract with a lower terpene profile than live resin, but it is a pure, unadulterated product.
The chemical-free extraction process is a key characteristic of solventless rosin. While some of the terpenes are lost due to the use of heat in the process, you still get a full-spectrum extract with preserved terpenes. Furthermore, consumers consider solventless rosin a more “natural” or “clean” alternative to live resin.
How is Solventless Rosin Made?
Solventless rosin is made through a mechanical process without any complicated setup. It is extracted by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower, hash, or kief. This process causes the plant’s trichomes to rupture, releasing oils that are then collected. A simple mechanical press, also known as a rosin press, is used for extraction.
While both methods aim to preserve terpenes, the live resin vs solventless comparison highlights a key difference in approach. Live resin uses only fresh, frozen cannabis buds, while solventless rosin can use either fresh, frozen or cured plant material.
Live Resin vs Solventless Rosin: Key Differences
Feature | Live Resin | Solventless Rosin |
Extraction Method | Uses hydrocarbon solvents (e.g., butane, propane) and sophisticated extraction equipment | Uses mechanical rosin pressure and heat and pressure |
Flavor | Intense, true-to-plant profile with high terpenes | Rich, may vary based on starting material Heat results in loss of few terpenes which can affect flavor |
Potency | Generally high THC content | Variable, depends on source material |
Purity | Risk of contamination which requires purging to remove solvents | Highly pure, no solvents to remove |
How Do You Consume Live Resin and Solventless Rosin?
Consumption of these concentrates depends on the consumer’s preference. Live resin and solventless rosin can be consumed in several ways; let’s explore these methods.
Live Resin Consumption:
- Dabbing: Dabbing is one of the most popular methods for consuming live resin. The process uses a dab rig, which is used to heat the live resin and then inhale it through the rig. Dabbing has immediate effects and allows users to appreciate the live resin’s flavour profile fully.
Image Courtesy: weedmaps.com - Vaporizing: Another popular method to consume live resin is to use specialized vape pens or portable vaporizers designed for concentrates. These devices heat the live resin that vaporizes the cannabinoids and terpenes without combustion. It makes for a smooth and flavorful experience.
Image Courtesy: www.thestone.com - Edibles: Live resin can also be incorporated into edible products and is suitable for consumers who want to experience the effects of live resin without inhalation. Live resin is typically decarboxylated using this method and infused into various food products.
Image Courtesy: meleedose.com
Solventless Rosin Consumption:
- Dabbing: Similar to live resin, solventless rosin can also be consumed through dabbing. Consumers use a dab rig to heat and vaporize the rosin.
Image Courtesy: greensiderec.com - Vaporizing: Solventless rosin is also available as a vape cartridge for concentrate vaporizers, much like live resin. This method allows consumers to enjoy rosin in a more controlled and potentially lower-temperature experience than dabbing.
Image Courtesy: jettyextracts.com - Topping on Flower: A unique consumption method for solventless rosin is “topping” traditional cannabis flower. Consumers place a small amount of rosin on top of ground cannabis in a bowl or rolled into a joint.
Image Courtesy: www.reddit.com
Conclusion
The live resin vs solventless debate is less about the product and more about personal preferences. Both extracts are highly potent cannabis concentrates. While live resin offers an intensely flavorful experience closest to the cannabis plant’s profile, it uses solvents, which are chemical compounds. On the other hand, solventless rosin appeals to those seeking a pure, unadulterated product free from any chemical solvents, but its flavor is not as intense as live resin. Both types of concentrates have their merits. Consumers should weigh factors such as flavour preference, desired potency, and concerns about extraction methods when considering live resin vs solventless options.
