Once you’ve finished reading part one of our guide to “live” cannabis products, you’ll have a better understanding of:
- The different types of live cannabis extract available, including live rosin, resin, and butter
- The key characteristics for each type of live cannabis product
- How to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks for each option so you can choose the one that best suits you
When you consider the plant-powered potential of cannabis, it makes sense that enjoying it in its freshest form could have some serious appeal. And, of course, in the innovative world of cannabis culture, there are premium products that make that possible.
Live cannabis products are made using a series of specialized methods that aim to preserve as many of the plants’ natural properties as possible. While the cannabis flower destined for smoking is put through an extensive curing process, the plants that will be made into live extracts skip that step entirely.
Instead, the fresh plants are flash-frozen before extraction, capturing almost all of the incredibly desirable terpenes that would often otherwise disappear. The result is a potent, next-level experience enhanced by a myriad of flavors and aromas – something that both seasoned consumers and new enthusiasts alike will almost certainly fall in love with.
If experiencing the epitome of authentic cannabis flavor and aroma sounds like something you’d like to enjoy, then live concentrates might be right for you. We’re going to share everything you need to know about these exceptional extracts, so you can venture into exciting new territory on your cannabis journey.
Live Resin
Considered by many to be the king of cannabis concentrates, live resin is a favorite for dabbers, vapers, and bowl-topping smokers alike. Even a cannabis connoisseur will surely be impressed by the unparalleled quality of live resin.
What is live resin?
Depending on who you ask, live resin can refer only to butane hash oil (BTO) that has been made using frozen cannabis flower or trim. Or, it can be a general category term that describes all cannabis products made using cannabis frozen immediately after harvesting.
As a category of products, live resin can vary considerably in viscosity. Solid shatters (very rare), butters, jellies, sugars, and saps can all be included in this group. The strain used for a specific product will affect how it looks and its chemical characteristics. For example, strains with more terpenes tend to have a runnier consistency.
Some of the most common types of live resin include:
- Live budder: Boasting a whipped texture and user-friendly consistency, live budder is among the most popular forms of live resin.
- Live cannabis sugar wax: Usually thicker and less sticky than standard marijuana wax, live sugar wax is known for a rich and complex terpene profile. The texture is exactly what the name suggests – like a think honey mixed with granulated sugar.
- Live sap: Live cannabis sap is like a sticky, liquified version of shatter (live shatter is rare because the terpenes make the product nearly impossible to solidify).
Benefits of live resin
Ultimately, regardless of the type of live resin you find yourself drawn to, the central benefit is the same: you’ll be able to experience the full aroma and essence of cannabis in its living form. With a richer terpene profile, live cannabis resins take the usual smoking experience and elevate it considerably.
Another advantage is its versatility. Because live resin can be enjoyed via dabbing, vaping, and even as a topper for smoking, it’s accessible to consumers with all experience levels, preferences, and personal goals. Much like a classic cannabis concentrate, live resins have a wide appeal that have helped make them increasingly popular.
Things to consider
Keep in mind that live resin is like any other concentrate: best approached with a “start low and go slow” attitude. Typically, the potency of live resins is very high, and many consumers describe a noticeably more intense experience with these terpene-rich products.
Also, remember that live resin is often thought of as the best of the best in cannabis experiences. So, you can expect to pay more for these products than standard concentrates. Even so, live cannabis enthusiasts will nearly always tell you that the investment is more than worth it.
You’ll want to take extra care when storing live resin products. Store them away from light, heat, moisture, and air, using an airtight, lightproof container for best results. The goal is to maintain its famous texture and consistency as much as possible while simultaneously safeguarding against the breaking down of terpenes and cannabinoids. Glass or silicone storage containers are ideal.
Finally, you might find that buying smaller amounts of live resin makes more sense. This way, you can avoid the risk of extended storage – which can lead to you missing out on the precious potency, aroma, and flavor that make live resins so in-demand.
Live Rosin
At a glance, it’s easy to confuse the words “resin” and “rosin.” But when you’re talking live rosin vs. live resin, there is a key distinction between the two.
What is live rosin?
Live rosin is a concentrate made with freshly frozen plants, explicitly using a process that involves ice wax (a solvent-free cannabis extraction), heat, and pressure. In contrast, live resins rely on solvents for extraction, including BHO and PHO.
Benefits of live rosin
Some cannabis consumers prefer non-solvent extraction purely for reasons of personal preference. For individuals in this group, live rosin can be an ideal alternative to the solvent-extracted resins.
Experience the Best Live Cannabis Extracts from OG Medicinals
OG Medicinals is a Denver dispensary that serves both medical marijuana patients and recreational adult-use consumers. With a curated selection of premium cannabis products, including a broad range of extracts and concentrates, we have something to suit your individual needs. Plus, our budtenders are always ready to help you choose the best extracts for your ideal cannabis experience – and all questions are welcome. Call us at (303) 375-6652 today!
Browse our menu online (and place a pre-order for pickup) to explore our exceptional collection of cannabis products. Then, make plans to visit our dispensary in Denver to start shopping for the city’s premier cannabis concentrates, extracts, and more!
Featured Image: Cotyledon/Shutterstock
