Live resin: definition, production and difference from sauce

La live resin describes a particular type of concentrate extracted from fresh cannabis plant material. Live resin« is created from Cannabis plants that have not been dried or processed, enabling it to retain many active compounds, particularly terpenes and flavonoids, that would otherwise disintegrate or degrade during the processing.

First created in Colorado in 2013, the live resin has become a full-spectrum cannabis extract popular thanks to the consistently high-quality, flavorful experiences it can offer. The name live resin was invented by designer Kind Bill because the finished product smells exactly like the living flower.

How does the live resin is made?

La live resin is extracted using processes and chemicals similar to those used in the of other concentratess. It often resembles BHO, but with live or very quickly frozen plants, although the’CO2 extraction can also be used.

If cannabis is to be used for live resin, growers generally freeze it immediately after harvest, keeping it cold throughout the extraction process to preserve the active compounds. Plant material can be immersed in liquid nitrogen or cooled with dry ice. Once the plant material has been frozen, the extraction process varies little from that of other cannabis concentrate productions.

How does live resin different from other concentrates?

La live resin skips the drying and curing process curing cannabis to retain as many terpenes and flavonoids as possible. The flowers are usually dried and aged to prepare them for exposure to heat and decarboxylation, the process that activates the THC and other compounds to produce psychoactive and therapeutic effects. The drawback, however, is that many terpenes are lost during the drying process, resulting in a loss of unique flavor and aroma, as well as the effects of terpenes on the overall physiological experience. In fact, a 1995 study by the University of Mississippi found that drying a cannabis plant for a week at room temperature resulted in a 31 % loss of terpenes.

The terpenes present in cannabis affect its flavor profile, as well as that of any concentrate made from a given variety. In addition, a study published by Dr. Ethan B. Russo in 2011 supports the idea of the’entourage effect the presence of terpenes can stimulate and amplify the human experience with cannabis.

The concentrate of live resin preserves the terpene profile of cannabis flowers, producing a uniquely tasty and psychoactive cannabis experience.

What's the difference between live resin and sauce?

The starting plant material determines whether it's a sauce or not. Live resin always starts with fresh plants that are processed by flash-freezing. The sauce, on the other hand, can start with fresh plant material or dried buds. Dried plant material will not contain the high levels of terpenes found in living resin. Be sure to examine the packaging and labels of the sauce to determine whether it's made from nugs or live resin.

The fresh frozen principle is also at the heart of the WPFF (Washing Machine Full Melt Fresh Frozen), Ice water extraction of fresh-frozen cannabis.

Is living resin considered a «full-spectrum extract»?

The short answer is: sometimes. Full-spectrum extracts are concentrates that aim to capture as much of the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of the raw cannabis plant as possible. Depending on how the plant is processed, live resin can be considered a full-spectrum extract. But not all full-spectrum extracts are produced from fresh, frozen plant material. Kief, for example, is a full-spectrum concentrate, although it uses dried rather than fresh-frozen cannabis as the starting plant material.

How to store live resin

Preserve its potency and quality by keeping it away from heat, light, humidity and open air. It's best to use an airtight, light-tight container to help maintain its texture and consistency, as well as to protect the cannabinoids from degradation and the terpenes from evaporation. If you're looking for containers, opt for silicone or glass concentrate storage containers. Silicone has another advantage: it's easier to scrape the sticky concentrates.

Light and temperature can accelerate the degradation of your resin. Store it in a cool environment, ideally in the fridge, or even just in a cold room. After each use, be sure to close the live resin container tightly. Leaving it in the open makes it vulnerable to loss of potency, and can lead to a change in color, texture and taste.

Ways of consuming live resin

You can consume live resin in dabbing, which uses a type of water pipe called a dab rig and a flat bowl called a nail. The nails are made from materials that can withstand higher temperatures than the glass bowls used to smoke the flower.

Live resin can also be sprinkled over a bowl of flower in a glass pipe, or wrapped around a joint or blunt. The combination of dried flower and live resin extract gives you a more intense experience and extra flavor.

Can you smoke live resin?

Yes, you can vape live resin either by dabbing, as described above, with a vape pen and live resin cartridges, as described below, or by using a nectar collector. In each of these cases, you simply vaporize and inhale the cannabinoid- and terpene-rich vapors.

Dabbing is the most complex of the three vaping options, requiring the most equipment and effort. If you want an easier way to enjoy live resin, try using a nectar collector, which is a simpler, portable version of a dab device.

Using a vape pen with a live resin cartridge is by far the simplest method. Just buy a live resin cartridge, attach it to your battery, and you're ready to go.

What are live resin cartridges?

In the context of the weed, cartridges are pre-filled vape cartridges that attach to a vape battery. Live resin cartridges are simply vaper oil cartridges that have been filled with live resin instead of a more conventional cannabis concentrate.

As with any cartridge, simply screw the cartridge onto a battery, activate the heating mechanism and inhale through the mouthpiece.