We are here to explain the differences between rosin and resin and help you decide which product is better. Let’s explore the distinctions between rosin and resin and determine which one you should choose.
Explaining what Live Resin is
Live resin is a form of cannabis extract made from freshly frozen cannabis plants that are processed using solvents like butane or propane in a closed-loop system. This method results in a full-spectrum cannabis oil that preserves the plant’s original aroma and freshness, making it a highly authentic cannabis concentrate according to some hash makers. This type of concentrate is distinguished by its solvent-based extraction process, setting it apart from other concentrates like rosin.
What is Cannabis Rosin?
Rosin is a type of cannabis concentrate derived by applying heat and pressure to dried or cured cannabis plant materials to extract oil.
The oil, known as rosin, usually contains high THC levels of up to 85% — if the starting material is a high-THC strain.
Unlike the other varying forms of cannabis extracts that require the use of solvents such as butane or propane to extract the much-desired cannabinoid and terpene-rich oils, rosin does not require the use of solvents.
Hence, it is sometimes known as solventless hash oil.
Live rosin is basically the same as rosin, with the only difference being that live rosin is made using fresh-frozen cannabis plant materials.
When producers make rosin from hash, flower, and kief, the end products are known as hash rosin, flower rosin, and kief rosin, respectively.
Rosin vs. Resin: What’s the Difference?
In the cannabis community, the term “resin” can refer to various things:
- The brownish, sticky substance produced by the trichomes in cannabis plants, containing THC and other active compounds.
- An overarching term for the oils extracted from cannabis plants, such as rosin and hashish.
- The residue left behind after smoking a joint or using a bong, often found on filters and the interior surfaces.
- Another expression for live resin.
It’s important to note that only the fourth definition is relevant in discussions comparing live resin and rosin. Therefore, whenever you come across “resin” in this post, interpret it as “live resin.”
Feature
Consistency and texture
Rosin is available in various textures and consistencies that bear resemblance to certain solvent-based concentrates. As a result, rosin can be found in forms such as sap, sauce, budder, and shatter, all sharing comparable characteristics. In the case of live resin, its texture falls somewhere between oily and watery. The presence of greater amounts of terpenes in the resin tends to impart a more sap-like feel.
Color
When it comes to premium rosin, you can expect a color spectrum that spans from light amber to tan. Interestingly, if the producer opts for aged buds, the rosin tends to have a darker hue.
Should you happen upon some greenish tinges in your rosin, it’s a telltale sign of residual plant matter or chlorophyll.
As for top-tier live resin, its exquisite quality is often indicated by a radiant, golden-yellow hue that can subtly transition from yellow to white, influenced by a range of factors.
Smell
If you possess a pack of rosin or resin products from a specific strain, the aroma of the product would resemble the scent of the strain’s bud it originated from. Nevertheless, live resin exhibits a more potent and enduring smell and flavor compared to rosin, owing to its enhanced terpene profile resulting from flash freezing immediately after harvest. However, in situations where the starting material for resin is of low quality, premium rosin of exceptional quality would possess a more pronounced flavor and fragrance. Regardless of the rosin versus resin debate, it is advisable to steer clear of any resin or rosin product that lacks odor.
Effects
The effects of high-quality rosin and live resin are often comparable. However, live resin may deliver a slightly more potent experience, typically ranging from 65% to 95% THC, compared to rosin’s 75% to 85% THC content. Ultimately, the strength of either concentrate depends on the strain and starting material quality.
Which is better, active resin or active rosin?
When it comes to potency and terpene profile, the debate between cannabis rosin or resin often tilts in favor of live resin. However, the introduction of live rosin into the mix changes the dynamics.
Live rosin, crafted from fresh frozen hash derived from recently harvested flowers, can often rival the quality of live resin. Both products harness the power of flash-frozen, farm-fresh flowers to preserve the plant’s natural essence.
While live resin may retain a slight edge in terms of terpene and cannabinoid content due to its more intricate extraction process, the producers argue that the difference is negligible. Crucially, live rosin’s lack of chemical solvents makes it a more natural choice for those seeking a pure, unadulterated cannabis experience.
Ultimately, the decision between live rosin and live resin comes down to personal preference and the desired level of purity. Both offer a premium cannabis experience, catering to the discerning palate of the modern connoisseur.