There are now more types of cannabis extracts than ever. The industry has evolved well beyond the basic butane honey hash oil that kick-started legalization. Today’s consumers favor concentrates that offer flavor and potency, which means pure distillate options aren’t as desirable. 

‍

Live resin and live rosin are two confusing concentrates that provide a smooth, flavor-forward end product suitable for various formats, from straight extracts to vape carts. 

‍

While they sound remarkably the same, the key difference is the extraction method.

What Is Live Resin? 

Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate known for its potent flavor and aroma. It is made from fresh frozen cannabis flower, helping to preserve its natural terpenes and cannabinoids. Because the flower is frozen within an hour of harvest, the process avoids the nearly 90% loss of terpenes that occurs when cannabis is traditionally stored and cured. 

How is live resin made?

Live resin starts with fresh cannabis buds that are harvested and immediately frozen to preserve their chemical profile, including highly volatile terpenes. The frozen plant material undergoes a solvent-based extraction process, which also happens at subzero temperatures, to dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant matter.

Once the extraction process is complete, the solution is purged of residual solvent, leaving behind a highly concentrated product that retains much of the original flavor and potency of the cannabis plant.

Is live resin weed? 

Yes, live resin is derived from weed, creating a concentrated form of cannabis containing higher levels of cannabinoids and terpenes than regular flower. While it originates from fresh frozen cannabis plants, it is processed into a more potent product that can be consumed in various ways, such as dabbing or vaping.

What does live resin do to you?

Live resin’s effects will vary depending on cannabinoid content, particularly THC levels. Generally, users report experiencing strong psychoactive effects, relaxation, and enhanced sensory perception when consuming a live resin product. The presence of terpenes can also contribute to the overall experience by influencing flavor and aroma.

What Is Live Rosin?

Live rosin is another type of cannabis concentrate that has gained popularity for its purity and flavor. Unlike live resin, live rosin is produced without solvents, making it a solventless extract. This can be attractive to consumers who consider the lack of solvent use to result in a “more natural” end product.

How is live rosin made?

Live rosin also starts with fresh frozen cannabis plants, but from there, the process diverges from the resin solvent method. The fresh frozen buds are put through an ice water bath with agitation to separate the terpene and cannabinoid-rich cannabis trichomes. The resulting “bubble hash” is flash-frozen to stabilize it.

‍

This frozen hash is then subjected to precise heat and pressure using a specialized rosin press. This method extracts the essential oils without the use of any solvents. The result is an incredibly clean concentrate that retains the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. 

‍

However, care must be taken not to use too high a heat (which can damage terpene potency) or too high a pressure (which could force lipids and fats out of the hash, diluting the final extract.) When done right, live rosin becomes a premium quality concentrate, fetching the highest price on the market today.

Is live rosin stronger than live resin?

Live resin and live rosin are different types of concentrates, both of which can be highly potent, but whether one is stronger than the other depends on the cultivar used, the skill of the extractors, and the cannabinoid and terpene profile of the fresh frozen starter buds. 

‍

Individual experiences with cannabinoids and terpenes also vary widely and are entirely subjective. One person could find that live resin products provide a “stranger” experience, while another could find a live rosin product preferable.

What Are Live Resin Terpenes?

Live resin and “live resin terpenes” sound like they go together but differ in their extraction technique and final composition. Live resin is created through a solvent process that extracts both cannabinoids and terpenes into a thick concentrate. 

Live resin terpenes are pure terpenes that are steam distilled directly from fresh frozen (not cured) cannabis plants (no chemical solvents are involved) and don’t contain cannabinoids.

‍

The term “live resin terpenes” leads people to believe that the terpenes are extracted from live resin, which is not the case at all. This is basically a marketing ploy to capitalize on the popularity of “live” products. Sadly, education is lacking on the extraction processes and how they differ between live resin and so-called “live resin terpenes” that actually have nothing to do with resin.

What Are Live Rosin Terpenes?

Live rosin is terpene-rich but contains both terpenes and cannabinoids. Stand-alone products called live rosin terpenes don’t exist, or if they do, they are using a highly sought-after cannabis concentrate to mislead buyers.

‍

If a company is marketing “live rosin terpenes,” it is safe to say it is simply indulging in a marketing scheme that counts on using popular concentrate names to sell a “new” product. Simply put, they’re slapping a new name on regular terpenes to make them sound high-end and justify a higher selling price.

Live Resin vs. Live Rosin in Carts

Live rosin terpenes, as mentioned, don’t exist. So-called live resin terpenes (really, just “terpenes”) can be added to vape carts. However, cartridge formulations may require added ingredients or thinning agents to prevent crystallization or "crashing," due to the percentage levels of specific cannabinoids (like CBD). The final formulation for vape cartridges can vary depending on the desired consumption method, cannabinoid contents, and terpene profile. 

‍

To achieve the ideal consistency and performance, manufacturers may incorporate additional terpenes or other components. For example, Lab Effects offers The BASE™, an all-natural, all-in-one vape carrier solution, and The Cut^®, a 100% pure, plant-derived diluent made from flavorless and scentless terpenes.

‍

Because state-specific guidelines regulate what can be added to cannabis-based vape cartridges, lab Effects all-natural, compliant additives help you stay compliant no matter where you operate.

What’s the Difference Between Live Resin and Live Rosin? Final Answer!

The main difference between rosin and resin is simple. 

‍

Live resin is a cannabinoid and terpene concentrate made from fresh frozen cannabis buds using a solvent-based process to create an extremely viscous end product high in both terpenes and cannabinoids.

‍

Live rosin is a terpene and cannabinoid concentrate made from fresh frozen cannabis buds using a solventless process including ice water, agitation, heat, and pressure to create a semi-solid end product rich in both cannabinoids and terpenes.

Finally, live terpenes are simply terpenes that have been steam-distilled from fresh frozen cannabis buds. This concentrate contains no cannabinoids.

Lab Effects All-Natural Terpenes

Lab Effects’ terpenes enhance the consumer experience with all-natural botanically and cannabis-derived options. All without the need for dangerous additives, cutting agents, or unwanted solvents. 

‍

• 100% natural, plant-derived terpenes and flavors for ultimate peace of mind
• No artificial additives or chemicals to your products 
• Our guarantee that your terpenes are pure, clean, and consistent
• Terpene blends and flavor profiles customized to your needs
• Formulations that work in any product, including water-soluble, flowable powders and more

‍

Lab Effects is cGMP-certified, ISO 9001-certified, HACCP-certified, FDA-registered, and ANAB-accredited.

‍