Live resin first came onto the cannabis scene around a decade ago, and it’s been exploding in popularity ever since. But what exactly is it? In simple terms, it’s a form of concentrate derived from the flowers of the cannabis sativa plant.
Amidst the variety of cannabis concentrates–including shatter, wax, hash, sugar, and more–live resin stands out due to its potency, purity, high quality, and abundant flavors and terpene profiles. The unique extraction process allows for more of the terpenes to be preserved in their final form, creating a more appealing product than traditional concentrates.
Live resin is typically dabbed or vaporized, making it healthier than smoking flower. Its high potency also means that smaller amounts can last longer, leading to more bang for your buck and less waste.
To summarize, live resin (not to be confused with live rosin) is a type of cannabis concentrate created by flash-freezing cannabis plant material with liquid nitrogen or dry ice. Solvents like butane or propane are then sprayed over the plants to separate the plant matter from the oils, which are pressed into resin as the final step.
This process skips some steps typically involved in creating concentrates, such as curing, drying, or extracting. It allows the cannabis plant to stay much closer to its natural form by preserving the cannabinoids and terpenes. In traditional drying methods, the terpenes in the trichomes evaporate, and flash-freezing prevents this loss. Some forms of concentrates can be produced fairly easily at home, but the creation of live resin is best left to experts in professional facilities.
Terpenes play a huge role in the popularity of live resin. An increasing number of people are concerned about terpenes when they purchase cannabis products, as these are what personalize the cannabis and give each strain its unique aromas. Terpenes are responsible for the varying effects of marijuana, such as anti-inflammation or anti-anxiety properties.
The flash-freezing process helps preserve the terpenes and cannabinoids found in flower, thus creating a more intense and full high. Of all forms of concentrates, the live resin will provide a high closest to that experienced by smoking flower.
Fortunately for cannabis connoisseurs, live resin is a fairly healthy way to consume cannabis. Although not quite as healthy as edibles or tinctures, it’s a step above flower since it’s vaporized rather than combusted.
Few studies have been done so far on the long-term health effects associated with live resin, but it does not have the harmful smoke, carbon monoxide, and tar found in flower products. Additionally, it’s considered safer than other concentrate products like distillate since it’s made from a purer form of the cannabis plant. Initial research has demonstrated that it can help with problems such as nausea, anxiety, sleep, chronic pain, and more.
It’s important to note, however, that any form of vaporizing or smoking can lead to long-term lung damage or health issues, so consult with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding live resin use. Use live resin consciously and moderately to prevent problems from forming.
Live resin is fairly easy to use, especially if you have prior experience with concentrates. It can be dabbed, infused with flower, put in vape pen cartridges, or even added to your favorite edible treats.
Perhaps the most popular and well-known way to consume live resin is through dabbing, which involves the use of a dab rig or e-nail.
After you purchase your live resin, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming overly sticky or losing potency.
If you don’t have a dab rig, you can easily add your live resin products to the top of your flower bowls or joints. This can make your flower taste and feel more potent and full, but be careful–you’re consuming a lot of THC at once, and it can be strong! Start slow with one or two hits and wait a bit to ensure you don’t green out.
If you’d like to try the more traditional consumption method, you’ll need a proper dab setup. This involves a rig with a nail or banger, a carb cap, a dabber, and a torch or heating device. Some people use e-rig devices like Puffco, which take the guessing out of dabbing and do the hard work for you.
To start, use the torch to heat your nail or banger until it’s red-hot. Let it cool for a few seconds, then use the dabber to place the live resin onto the nail. Be sure to swirl it around to prevent it from sticking! At this point, you can start inhaling. Cover the nail with your carb cap about halfway through, then exhale.
For more tips and tricks on how to achieve the perfect dab, you can check out our guide here.
If you’re interested in trying live resin for yourself, Veriheal can help. Even if you live in a state with recreational cannabis, having a medical marijuana card can open you up to many benefits when purchasing products.
One of the most significant ways a medical marijuana card can help you is through cost savings. People who have a medical card are typically exempt from certain sales and excise taxes in their state, which can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars saved a year depending on how often you purchase cannabis.
People with MMJ cards are also privy to higher purchase and possession limits, and in some cases, they can grow more plants at home.
Other benefits of having a medical card include stronger legal protection, the ability to purchase cannabis in other states, access to med-only dispensaries, lower age restrictions, and more.
Our doctors can help you explore various cannabis products like live resin to help you determine what’s right for you. To get started, set up an appointment today.
If you have further questions, the following answers may be able to help.
The THC content found in live resin can be fairly similar to that found in traditional dabs, but the higher concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes can lead to a more potent high.
Live resin products are some of the highest-quality concentrates you can buy. The extraction process leaves behind a highly pure form of cannabis with no additives.
Live resin is easily mass-produced, which can help offset some of the costs of making it for consumers. However, it is typically more expensive than distillates or other forms of concentrates. Fortunately, most consumers find the benefits to be well worth the additional costs.
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