Live Resin

Live resin has quickly gained popularity in the cannabis world, especially among those who enjoy it. Known for its rich terpene profile and the intense flavor it offers, live resin is often considered a premium concentrate. But many consumers wonder: What exactly is live resin? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of live resin and its production process.

What Is Live Resin?

Before we dive into considerations, it’s important to understand what live resin is. Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate made from the trichomes (the resin glands) of fresh cannabis plants. These trichomes contain the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes, which influence the overall cannabis experience. The key distinguishing factor of live resin is that it’s made from cannabis plants that are frozen immediately after harvest, rather than being dried and cured.

An extract artist handling live resin with a glass tool.

Cannabis Resin vs. Live Resin:

Cannabis resin is the sticky substance left on your hands after handling cannabis flowers. It comes from the trichomes, which are tiny glandular structures on the plant. When you extract these trichomes, you get cannabis concentrates like live resin. The key difference between cannabis resin and live resin is the fresh freezing process used in live resin production. Fresh frozen cannabis preserves the terpenes, resulting in a product with more aromatic and flavorful qualities compared to cured resin.

How Is Live Resin Made?

The production of live resin begins with the careful handling of fresh cannabis plants. These plants are immediately frozen after being harvested, typically within 24 to 36 hours. Freezing preserves the delicate terpene profile, which can degrade during the drying and curing process of traditional cannabis production. Once frozen, the trichomes are extracted using hydrocarbon solvents such as butane, ethanol, or propane. The extraction process separates the trichomes from the plant material, creating a concentrate rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.

After extraction, the concentrate is subjected to a purging process in a vacuum oven to remove residual solvents.

Rich amber-hued live resin diamonds served on a dabbing tool.

The Extraction Process: Hydrocarbons and Purging

Live resin extraction typically uses hydrocarbons, which include butane, propane, and ethanol. These solvents help extract the trichomes from the cannabis plant. Once extracted, the concentrate undergoes a crucial purification step called "purging." Purging involves applying heat and pressure in a vacuum oven to remove any residual solvents. This step is vital because solvents like butane and propane can be harmful if left in the final product.

After purging, the resulting live resin is free from solvents and contaminants.

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The Purging Process: Why It’s Important

The purging process is critical in ensuring the safety of live resin. During extraction, solvents are used to separate the trichomes from the plant material, but these solvents need to be removed before consumption. The vacuum oven process applies heat and pressure to evaporate the solvents, leaving behind only the concentrated cannabis extract. If the purging process is not done correctly, residual solvents can remain in the final product, which could pose health risks.

That’s why buying from trusted, licensed sources is essential: these products undergo the necessary purging processes to ensure they are free of harmful solvents.