It is easy to understand why "live resin" has such a big impact on people who try it for the first time. In a nutshell, it is a "flavor-first" power-house that changed the concentrate landscape by retaining the essence of the cannabis plant. The difference is so large that I have often found the aromatic experience from a quality live resin cart to be more rich and satisfying than other concentrates.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin is a premium cannabis concentrate that is derived from the fresh cannabis plant that has been flash-frozen immediately upon harvesting. Unlike other concentrates that are made from dried and cured flower, live resin captures and preserves the plant's original profile of cannabinoids and aromatic compounds called terpenes.
The result is a full-spectrum extract. As the name indicates, a full-spectrum extract contains a broad spectrum of the plant's natural compounds. These compounds create the synergies of the "entourage effect." Many users (including myself), believe that this effect provides a more complex and effective experience than a single component (THC).
The Secret is in the Process: How Live Resin is Created
The journey of creating live resin is a careful and technically demanding process that describes its premium status.
- Flash-Freezing: Hours after harvesting, the plant material is quickly frozen at extremely low temperatures (as low as -23°C [-10°F] or lower). At this point, the volatile terpenes and cannabinoids are "locked-in" because they would normally break down during a typical drying cycle.
- Hydrocarbon Extraction: The frozen biomass is then processed using a cold mixture of hydrocarbon solvents (such as butane and propane) in a closed loop system. The extremely low temperature during extraction is important in order to select the desired compounds and leave the unwanted plant material (such as fats and lipids) behind.
- Purging and Finishing: The solvent is removed from the extract using a vacuum oven. The resulting product can vary depending on how the extract was processed after the extraction. For example, it could be a saucy and terpene rich liquid; or it could be a crystalline "sugar"; or it could be a whipped "badder".
Why Live Resin is So Potent and Highly Regarded
The unique process of live resin produces three key benefits for the end-consumer which become apparent when using it.
- The main reason. The terpenes are preserved therefore live resin provides a robust, true-to-strain aroma and flavor. The flavor and aroma of live resin are far superior to concentrates made from cured materials.
- Live resin is very potent with THC percentages typically ranging from 70-90% . Moreover, the potency of live resin is holistic. The full cannabinoid and terpene profile produces a strain specific, more balanced effect than a simple, pure THC distillate.
- Live resin can be consumed in multiple ways. The two most common methods include dabbing (using a dab rig or e-rig) and vaping from pre-filled cartridges. It can also be used to top off bowls and improve the flavor of flower, although this will lose some terpenes through combustion.
Navigating the Market: Carts, Brands and my Thoughts
If you are looking to get started with live resin, the best way to do it is through live resin vape cartridges. Brands have invested heavily in the market and there is a lot of variation in quality. Here is a list of my thoughts based on my own experiences and reputation of the products available in legal markets:
- Raw Garden is generally considered the "gold standard" in California, producing bright and true to strain flavors.
- Cresco Labs produces reliable, widespread live resin carts with a focus on strain-specific profiles.
- Jetty Extracts is highly regarded for its solventless extraction and smooth, flavorful hits.
Live Resin vs. Other Concentrates
Understanding how live resin compares to other cannabis products can be a significant aid in determining which type of product best suits your needs.
- Live Resin vs. Distillate: Distillate is pure THC (>90%) with virtually no other compounds. While it is extremely potent, it lacks the flavor and entourage effect associated with live resin.
- Live Resin vs. Cured Wax/Shatter: Although both products use solvents to create concentrates, cured wax/shatter are made using dried and cured cannabis. The curing process results in significant losses of terpenes, resulting in a less aromatic and less flavorful product.
- Live Resin vs. Live Rosin: A fundamental distinction exists between live rosin and live resin. Live rosin is a solventless extract that utilizes heat and pressure to separate the cannabinoids from the cannabis biomass that was previously frozen. Live rosin is recognized for its purity, but is generally more expensive and harder to obtain than live resin.
Conclusion: Is Live Resin Worth It?
In terms of my personal preferences and experience, live resin stands out for me when I am focused on both flavor and the entire experience. To me, the high from live resin seems more rounded. However, the high THC percentage of live resin requires respect.
Ultimately, live resin is more than a powerful concentrate. It is a connoisseur's way to enjoy the real character of the cannabis plant in its most concentrated form.