You’ve heard of cannabis and cannabis extracts, but have you heard of live resin?

If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the flavors and aromas of this plant, then this product is worth a look. Less expensive and easier to make than many other types of extractions, it’s a new technique that’s quickly taking off. 

Today, we’re sharing everything you need to know about how live resin is made. We’ll also share how you can start using it today!

The History of Live Resin

Back in 2012, a team of Colorado-based cannabis growers first developed the process behind live resin extraction. Two of the most well-known growers in that group were William Fenger, or “Kind Bill” and “Giddy Up”, the illustrious founder of EmoTek Labs. 

These growers helped pioneer the exclusive live resin extraction process by creating a special butane hash oil (BHO) extractor. The extractor was the first of its kind that could maintain the super low temperatures required to make live resin.

Since then, it’s grown in popularity and is set to become a common term in the cannabis community vernacular. 

The Basics of Live Resin Extraction

How do you create live resin extract and what makes it different from all other cannabis extracts? The answer is in the process.

This substance is created when growers flash-freeze fresh cannabis plant matter immediately after a harvest. They can do so in one of two ways:

• Placing the plant matter directly into a freezer filled with dry ice
• Slowly dipping the plant matter into liquid nitrogen

Once it’s successfully frozen, the plant matter will remain in that state until it’s time to begin the extraction process. Usually, this occurs within 36 hours after the plant thaws. At that time, the frozen plants will go through a solvent extraction process that’s usually performed using butane or propane.

What Makes Live Resin So Special?

A major benefit of live resin is the fact that the plant remains frozen throughout the process. This allows it to effectively skip the following phases usually associated with other extractions:

• Drying
• Curing
• Trimming

Those traditional processes might produce a quality end result, but drying and curing can negatively affect the plant’s terpenes. These are the compounds that determine its flavor and aroma. 

Why does this happen?

In short, terpenes are filled with resinous glands called trichomes. When a cannabis plant is dried and cured, the process zaps moisture and chlorophyll from the plant. As a result, those trichomes are directly exposed to high levels of heat, light, and oxygen, which can degrade them.

This doesn’t happen with live resin extraction. Instead, those valuable trichomes are preserved, allowing the plant to retain its original:

• Terpene profile
• Flavor
• Aroma

The final result is a product that boasts a higher terpene content than other popular cannabis concentrates, including shatter or rosin. Plus, preserving those trichomes does more than just give the product a more powerful taste and fragrance. It also retains more of the plant’s cannabinoids, which can deliver a more potent high.

While cannabis is the most common plant used in live resin extraction, the same technique can also be applied to other plants such as kratom. Kratom resin extract is derived from the Mitragyna Speciosa plant, which is native to Southeast Asia.

Benefits for Growers

Are you a current or prospective grower thinking about trying your hand at live resin? It’s definitely worth a shot, as most growers find this process to be among the easiest.

This is because flash-freezing the plants right at harvest takes much of the legwork out of the extraction process. With live resin, there’s no need to dry, cure, or even trim the plants. They can cut down whole plants, freeze them, and send them straight to the extractor which saves time, energy, and money.

How to Consume Live Resin

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on live resin, how should you use it? Below, we’ve covered a few of the most common ways to take this substance. 

Dab It

Dabbing is one of the most popular ways to consume live resin. Before you begin, go ahead and gather your supplies, which may include:

• Dab rig
• Torch
• Nail (or e-nail)
• Dab tool

Keep in mind that live resin is thick and goopy. If you use a dab tool to maneuver the concentrate, then look for one that includes a little scoop so you can keep everything neat and clean.

Top Off

Some people prefer to add a dollop of live resin to a joint to give their experience an extra boost. If you go this route, be sure to keep your safe dosing guidelines in mind. 

While topping off a popular method, we don’t suggest actually smoking live resin out of a joint. Remember that high heat destroys the plant’s terpenes, which would alter the experience (and not in a good way).

Use a Dab Pen

A dab pen works similarly to a vape pen. The main difference is that it’s made specifically for cannabis concentrates. Use your dab tool to place the live resin in the dab pen.

From there, you can set the temperature to your desired level and use it as normal.

A New Science Changing the Industry

Live resin isn’t just exciting for cannabis consumers. It represents a progressive shift in the way the plant is grown, harvested, cultivated, and extracted.

This change could benefit the industry in many ways moving forward, especially as users become more aware of how much more potent and rich the live resin experience can be. If you’re curious about trying it, learn as much as you can about the process and make sure to choose a reputable online supplier.

In the meantime, keep scrolling our blog for the informative lifestyle tips you need!