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Live resin and live resin terpenes: everything you need to know

What is live resin?

Live resin is, in simple terms, a cannabis concentrate obtained after reduction of the plant material. In its production, only those parts of the plant that contain the highest concentration of active substances are retained. It is a complete extract that includes not only terpenes, but also THC, CBD and other cannabinoids.

It pays to know that:

  • It is a relatively new cannabis product, first created in 2013 by a grower known as Kind Bill.
  • Compared to other cannabis concentrates, it retains a distinct flavour and aroma.
  • It is considered by many to be the best cannabis concentrate on the market.

He is especially popular for his:

  • Specific features
  • Diversity of consumption patterns
  • Rich flavour
  • Wide spectrum of scents and effects
  • High concentration of terpenes
  • Aesthetic appeal

 

Three glass containers contain live resin, live resin terpenes and CBD live resin

How is live resin produced?

You probably know that there is no substitute for using fresh, organic ingredients directly from the source. For example, fruit juice is always better if you squeeze it from fresh fruit from the garden. It is no different in the cannabis industry.

Live resin is produced only from fresh cannabis plants. This, together with the unique post-processing method, allows the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes and other original chemical compounds to be preserved.

Production takes place in three main steps:

  1. Harvesting: cannabis plants are harvested at peak flowering time, when they contain the most terpenes and cannabinoids.
  2. Freezing: freshly harvested plants are immediately frozen (flash freezing), thus preserving their chemical components in the highest quality and concentration.
  3. Extraction: in the final stage, the frozen plants are subjected to an extraction process. Usually butane or other dissolution methods are used to obtain a concentrate.

For other concentrates, cannabis flowers are typically dried slowly over a period of time, usually two to four weeks. The above-mentioned production process allows these drying, crushing or other 'plant-killing' steps to be omitted.  Instead, the fresh plant is frozen immediately after harvesting, thus preserving much of the magic of 'live' cannabis, hence the name of this concentrate.

 

Scientists freeze freshly harvested cannabis plants to preserve the chemical constituents at the highest quality and concentration to create live resin

Live resin vs. live resin terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic natural substances found in many plants, including cannabis. In live resin, terpenes are particularly pronounced due to extraction, as the concentrate mimics the natural taste and smell of the plant. The terpenes are responsible for the characteristic and intense aroma and flavour, which is much richer than in other cannabis concentrates.

Live resin terpenes and live resin differ primarily in their composition. Live resin terpenes are pure terpenes, unlike live resin which contains both terpenes and cannabinoids. Although the very name live resin terpenes implies that these terpenes are extracted directly from the live resin, this is not actually the case. Live resin terpenes are extracted from frozen cannabis.

 

Two glass containers labelled: Live resin terpenes pure and Live resin

Another big difference is the method of use. While live resin is most often vaporized or used in a form called dabbing, live resin terpenes are primarily intended to enrich other cannabis products. This is most often to enhance their flavours and aromas or to achieve specific aromatic properties. 

CBD live resin

A special type of hemp concentrate is CBD live resin. Like the classic live resin, it is made from freshly harvested hemp and processed using the instant freezing method. However, it differs from live resin in the substances it contains. In CBD live resin you will find high amounts of CBD, while THC is present in negligible amounts. In addition, it contains other cannabinoids and terpenes.

Aside from the distinctive taste and aroma that all live resin concentrates have in common, CBD live resin also has potential therapeutic effects such as stress and anxiety reduction. 

 

Container containing CBD live resin

What does live resin look like?

Live resin is usually recognisable at first sight by its characteristic light golden to deep amber colour. Depending on the specific cannabis strain and extraction method, the colour may vary slightly and you may see various shades of yellow to off-white. The texture and consistency is determined by the amount and type of terpenes contained. Live resin can be liquid and sticky like a syrup, but it can also be waxy. Unlike other concentrates that have a solid consistency, live resin is generally more viscous and pliable.  

 

A special tool scoops the golden-coloured liquid live resin from the container

How is live resin used?

There are several ways to use live resin. They are:

  • Dabbing: the most common method of using live resin requires the use of a special pipe (dab rig) as opposed to a regular glass pipe. The concentrate is applied to a hot surface and the resulting vapour is inhaled. The dabbing method is not suitable for beginners.
  • Vaporisation: another popular method of inhaling CBD and terpene-rich vapour is live resin vaping. The effects are quick to take effect and can last approximately two to three hours. This method is less irritating to the lungs than dabbing.
    • Particularly popular are live resin vaporizers, which contain live resin extract cartridges. These cartridges are compatible with different types of vape foams.
    • Vape pens that are used for live resin usually have simple controls. They either have a preset temperature or you can adjust the temperature to suit your needs. Vaporizers heat up to a temperature where the live resin turns to vapor without burning it.

Always keep in mind that live resin is stronger than other cannabis products. When using it, it is important to account for its high potency and start with a small amount. This is especially true if you are a newbie.

 

Stylish silicone dab rig by Eyce Sidecar, Jungle allows you to dab oil, concentrates and resin

Proper storage of this concentrate is also important. Live resin should ideally be stored away from heat, light, moisture and air. Hermetically sealed, UV-resistant containers and cool, dark rooms are suitable.

Conclusion

Live resin is made from freshly harvested and frozen cannabis plants using extraction methods that preserve as much of the original chemical components as possible. It contains a full spectrum of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, and terpenes. Most commonly, live resin is consumed by vaporizing with special vape foams or dabbing, where the concentrate is heated to a high temperature and inhaled.

 

Author: Canatura

 

 

Photo: ChatGPT

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