Flower concentrates run the gamut with examples such as live resin vs. live rosin – and their subcategories are endless. Thus, it can get confusing for consumers to choose which one to get.
One particular area of confusion is pinpointing the difference between live rosin and live resin. Although they sound the same, they are quite different in terms of properties, the extraction process, and cost.
So, how does live resin differ from rosin? Read on to find out!
Live Resin vs. Live Rosin: What’s the Difference?
The live resin vs. live rosin distinction can be confusing at first. But, fret not. Here are some key differences to help you better understand these two concentrates.
1. Appearance
Resins vary in color but often, this sticky solution comes in light to dark brown shade. Live resin products typically have a nectar or honey-like tint. On the other hand, live rosins are closer to the amber or white shade. Some of these properties are due to the contents inside the oil other than the cannabinoids and terpenes. There are products like fats and flavonoids that also give the properties of the more crude-like product of live rosin.
2. Extraction process
Live resin is produced by flash-freezing the entire plant after harvesting it. Here, a mild hydrocarbon solvent is used to separate the live resin from the plant matter. The solvent passes through the plant material, which is subsequently vaporized out of the final product.
This process often results in a cleaner product with fewer fats and lipids and flavonoids, not to say that these other lipids and flavonoids are good or bad. In fact, the extra lipids and flavonoids can be beneficial to effects as well as flavor.
Meanwhile, live rosin is produced by applying high heat and pressure to new buds, hash, or kief to extract the resin from the plant. In contrast to live resin, live rosin extraction does not use chemicals to harvest the resin. This makes it a popular natural alternative to lab-manufactured ones.
Due to the higher content of flavonoids and lipids, live rosin has a slightly different effect and aroma. Live rosin is also historically lower yield than a hydrocarbon extraction, which can get a large amount of the cannabinoids out.
3. Amount of terpenes retained
The amount of terpenes contained in live resins depends on the extraction process used to produce them. Typically, traditional processes retain the pure terpene profile in the live resin. Also, the extraction methods used are designed to preserve as many terpenes as possible.
For live rosin, every terpene found in the original plant is retained in the final product. This makes live rosin generally more concentrated than other forms of resin. One downfall of this, however, is the exposure to heat, which can alter the aroma of the finished product.
4. Potency
Live resin is generally more potent than live rosin. Depending on the plant material and the extraction process used, its potency percentage can range between 65% and 95%.
Meanwhile, live rosin has an average potency level of 75%. In some cases, its potency level can reach 85%.
The difference in potencies is not necessarily a bad thing. Since the other compounds that are taken away are lipids and flavonoids, the final product produced is still holistic and crude.
5. Flavor profile
Thanks to the freezing process, the live resin has a powerful flavor and aroma since most of the plant’s natural terpenes are retained.
Meanwhile, the live rosin’s flavor profile depends on the quality of the plant used. If a high-quality hash is pressed correctly, the finished product will smell and taste like the living plant in its freshest state before harvest.
6. Consumption methods
There are various ways to consume live resin, and the most common method is dabbing. Alternatively, one may use a dab pen or nectar collector to inhale it. Meanwhile, a user who prefers smoking dried flower may experience the entourage effect by sprinkling some in their joints or throwing some on top of a bowl.
Like live resin, one of the best ways to consume live rosin is by dabbing it. Another method is “twaxing,” which involves mixing the rosin with dried bud in a bong or pipe and then smoking it. Meanwhile, for some people, edibles are still the easiest way to consume live rosin.
7. Cost
In terms of price, live resin is less expensive than live rosin because of the small amount of plant material at which high-quality live resin can be made. Over time, the long-term demand has resulted in large-scale methods of mass production for this commodity.
On the other hand, since live rosin extraction requires a complex procedure, live rosin is often more expensive than live resin. Paired with the small-scale hash production for an “artisanal flair,” extracting live rosin leads to a more costly product.
Choosing Between live resin vs live rosin
As to the question regarding which one is better between live resin and live rosin, it ultimately comes down to preference. Those looking for the highest potency possible at the lowest price point may choose live resin. On the other hand, consumers seeking a whole-plant consumption experience are likely to prefer live rosin.
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