What is Live Resin: All About The Tastiest Cannabis Extract

what is live resin

What is live resin? We've heard about it, we've seen it in stores, and we're curious about what makes it so special. Live resin has quickly cemented its place in the cannabis industry as one of the most sought-after extracts. Its unique properties make it stand out from other concentrates and offer an experience that could best be described as pure bliss. 

This concentrate was created in 2013 by a grower known as Kind Bill, whose real name is William Fenger. He aimed to create a concentrate that preserves the plant's terpenes, the compounds responsible for cannabis's unique scent. And he did!

In this article, we'll cover the basics of live resin, from what it is to how it's made. We'll also discuss its differences from other cannabis extracts and why terpene preservation is so important for an optimal smoking experience.

live resin

What is Live Resin?

What is live resin, exactly? Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate that is made by extracting the essential oils from freshly frozen marijuana plants using solvents such as butane, propane, or butane hash oil (BHO) and then pressing the resulting mixture. 

The reason why it is called "Live" is because the cannabis is frozen shortly after harvesting, meaning that the terpenes and cannabinoids are still intact and maximally preserved. This results in a product that has more intense flavors, aromas, as well as effects than other concentrates.

live resin extraction

How is Live Resin Extracted?

In this section, we'll discuss how live resin is extracted from the cannabis plant.

The Process

The process of extracting live resin is quite simple. It begins with carefully selected, high-quality buds being harvested and immediately frozen to preserve the terpenes and other essential compounds. One thing to note is that the plant can be dipped in liquid nitrogen or cooled using dry ice.

After the steps above have been completed, the plant material is then put into an extraction tube, which is filled with a solvent such as butane or propane, which then extracts all of the essential oils from the plant. The mixture is then purged or heated to remove any residual solvents, and the resulting product is a thick, dark oil known as live resin.

Differences Between Live Resin And Other Extraction Methods

Unlike other concentrates, live resin is made without drying and curing the cannabis, which helps to preserve more of the terpenes and flavonoids in the plant. Normally, the flowers are dried and cured before being heated and decarboxylated, a process that activates THC and other compounds so that they have psychoactive and therapeutic effects. 

However, drying leads to the loss of many terpenes, which negatively affects the flavor, unique aroma, and physiological effects of the product. This is why live resin is so sought-after and why it's considered to be the tastiest, most flavorful cannabis product.

In addition to preserving flavor and aroma, live resin also has an advantage when it comes to potency. Since the plant material is not dried before extraction, the resulting concentrate contains a higher concentration of cannabinoids compared to other extracts such as shatter and wax. This means that live resin is likely to produce more intense psychoactive effects than other extracts.

Equipment Used In Live Resin Extraction

To make live resin, frozen cannabis flower is placed in a special machine that has multiple chambers and is designed to extract essential oils safely using a solvent such as butane or propane. In addition to the machine, necessary equipment includes filter bags to remove any impurities and an oil collection chamber. Most setups also have a solvent recovery system to purge any leftover solvents safely.

live resin trichomes

Characteristics of Live Resin 

In this section, we'll discuss the characteristics of live resin:

Flavor And Aroma 

Live resin stands out for its vivid flavor and fragrance. Its terpenes are remarkably well-preserved, creating an aroma much like the fresh buds it was extracted from. Terpenes preservation is what makes live resin so flavorful and aromatic yet still potent.

Potency And THC Content 

How strong is live resin? When it comes to potency and THC content, live resin is said to be one of the strongest concentrates available on the market. This is because it contains a high concentration of THC and other cannabinoids due to its unique extraction process. Its THC levels range from 60% to 90%, depending on the strain.

Terpene Profile 

Live resin has a unique terpene profile that's highly sought-after. It captures a wide variety of terpenes, from myrcene and pinene to limonene and caryophyllene. These terpenes not only smell good, but they also offer a ton of medical benefits, such as reducing inflammation and stress. Terpenes achieve this by bonding with various receptors in the brain and body, stimulating different effects.

Uses and Benefits of Live Resin

Medicinal Uses 

Live resin is becoming increasingly popular among medical marijuana users due to its high potency and terpene profile. Its medicinal properties can be attributed to the fact that it preserves more of the beneficial compounds found in cannabis plants, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Users have reported that live resin has helped them with a wide range of medical conditions, from chronic pain to anxiety and depression. And for individuals who need fast-acting relief, live resin is a great option due to its high potency.

Recreational Uses 

Live resin is a popular choice amongst recreational cannabis users due to its ability to produce an intense and long-lasting high. Many users report feeling an uplifting and euphoric sensation from the live resin, which can be enjoyable for many people. The higher THC content of live resin means it is able to stimulate more physiological and psychological effects than other cannabis products.

Live resin also stands out for its great taste and smell, which makes it a favorite amongst cannabis connoisseurs. With its wide variety of terpenes and flavors, live resin can offer an array of unique aromas and tastes that you won't find in other extracts.

Potential Health Benefits

Live resin is becoming increasingly popular amongst medical and recreational cannabis users due to its high potency and terpene profile. These compounds have been shown to provide various health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing creativity.

Studies have shown that the compounds found in live resin can be highly effective in reducing pain. This, in turn, can help to improve the overall quality of life for people who suffer from various illnesses.

person smoking live resin

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Health Risks Associated With Live Resin Consumption

The potential health risks associated with live resin consumption should not be overlooked. Consumption of any cannabis product, especially those with high potency, can lead to various adverse effects. If you have health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, then you should speak to your doctor before consuming live resin.

Possible Side Effects 

Possible side effects of the live resin include anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, and reduced cognitive functioning. Additionally, overconsumption can lead to an increased heart rate and even psychosis in some cases. To avoid these risks, it's very important to follow the recommended dosage for your product.

Legal Considerations

The legality of live resin varies depending on where you live. In the United States, it is illegal to possess and use cannabis products with more than 0.3% THC in most states. However, there are a few places that have legalized the recreational and medical use of marijuana, including California, Colorado, Washington, D.C., and Michigan. It's important to check your state laws before consuming or purchasing live resin. 

CANNABIS Conclusion and FAQs

Live resin is becoming increasingly popular amongst both medical and recreational cannabis users due to its high potency and terpene profile. It offers a wide range of potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, stress, and pain and improving mood. 

However, it's important to follow the recommended dosage for your product to avoid any adverse effects such as anxiety and paranoia. Additionally, it's important to check your local laws before consuming or purchasing live resin. By understanding the implications of consuming live resin, you can make an informed decision about whether this product is suitable for you.

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Is Cured Resin The Same As Live Resin?

No, cured resin is not the same as live resin. Live resin is made from fresh or "live" cannabis plants that have been flash-frozen immediately after harvesting to preserve terpenes. Cured resin is made from dried and cured cannabis plants, which results in a loss of terpenes.

How To Smoke Live Resin?

Live resin can be smoked using various methods: with a dab rig by loading a small amount onto a heated nail, with a vape pen by filling a cartridge, or by sprinkling it onto rolled cannabis in a joint or blunt to enhance flavor and potency.

Distillate vs Live Resin Cart? Which Is Better?

Live resin cartridges are made from live resin extract, which preserves more terpenes than distillate, resulting in a more flavorful product. Distillate cartridges contain purified THC and may have added terpenes, resulting in a less flavorful experience. Live resin carts tend to be more expensive but provide more flavor.

Does Live Resin Get You Higher Than Distillate?

Yes, live resin can get you higher than distillate because it retains more of the plant's terpenes and cannabinoids, providing a more potent and full-spectrum experience. Distillate, while highly concentrated, lacks the same depth of flavor and entourage effect found in live resin.

Can You Eat Live Resin?

No, you cannot eat live resin directly. It requires decarboxylation to activate its cannabinoids, which is not achieved by simply consuming it. To enjoy its effects, live resin must be vaporized, dabbed, or infused into edibles that undergo proper heating during preparation.

Is Live Resin The Same As Wax?

No, live resin is not the same as wax. Both are cannabis concentrates, but live resin is made from fresh, "live" cannabis plants, preserving more terpenes and cannabinoids, while wax is typically made from dried plant material, resulting in different textures and flavors.

Why is it called live resin?

Live resin is called "live" because it is made from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis plants rather than dried and cured material. This process preserves the plant's original terpene profile and cannabinoid content, resulting in a more aromatic and flavorful concentrate that closely resembles the live plant's essence.