The world of cannabis concentrates can be daunting to an uninitiated consumer. Step into your favorite dispensary and you’re met with an overwhelming number of options. Shatter, Terp Sauce, Rosin, Wax, BHO, PHO…the list goes on. Some kinds of concentrates prioritize THC potency, while other methods strive to maintain potency and flavor. Live resin is one such particular method, but what is live resin, anyway?
The Importance of Flavor
In the eyes of a true cannabis connoisseur, a quality product is more than just the high. Flavor is just as crucial to the top-tier smoking experience. Terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants, are responsible for a cultivar’s unique flavor and aroma. Be it gassy, fruity, skunky, or cheesy, a cannabis product high in terpenes is going to pack a flavorful punch.
But a strong terpene profile is not exclusive to flower and enhances the quality of cannabis concentrates, too. In a post-legalization world, the options for concentrates and extractions are vast and can be overwhelming, and a discerning cognoscente should choose live resin as their concentrate of choice. But what makes it different compared to other kinds of concentrates?
What is Live Resin and How is it Made?
Live resin, a kind of solvent (butane, propane, CO2) hash oil, preserves the natural state of the plant during the extraction process. This allows for a stronger terpene profile and a more flavorful and enjoyable dabbing experience. Terpenes degrade quickly once harvested and exposed to oxygen, heat, and other forms of agitation. When making live resin, terpenes are kept intact by flash-freezing the plant immediately upon harvest. This deep freeze, ranging in temperatures from -10 to -40 degrees below zero, prevents degradation when the plant material is exposed to high-temperature solvents during the extraction process.
Consuming Live Resin
So, how do you best enjoy a live resin concentrate? It starts in how you store your concentrates. To keep them safe from light and heat, concentrates are ideally stored in the fridge. Finicky terpenes are fragile even after the careful extraction process! For an optimal dabbing experience, a quartz banger at temperatures in the range of 315 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and a clean dab rig will provide the most flavorful toke.
Live resin continues to be a shining example of stoner ingenuity and is a must-try for any cannabis aficionado.
