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Live resin and live resin terpenes - what are their advantages and how are they used?

What is live resin?

Live resin is a cannabis concentrate made from freshly frozen cannabis plants. While normally dried and cured cannabis buds are used in extraction processes, in the production of live resin the plants are frozen immediately after harvest.

 

Scientists freeze industrial hemp buds to produce live resin

Thanks to this unique process, more terpenes are retained in the final product than in other cannabis concentrates. The complete extract includes:

  • High concentration of terpenes 
  • Higher THC levels (60 to 90%)
  • Low concentration of CBD (usually below 1%)
  • Other cannabinoids (e.g. CBG and CBN)

And why is live resin considered by many to be the best cannabis product on the market? This is primarily due to the fact that live resin retains the authentic taste of the original plant and a strong aroma that is reminiscent of freshly harvested cannabis. Hence the name of this concentrate, which reflects its ability to keep cannabis components such as terpenes and cannabinoids "alive" .

Bottom line, live resin has a significantly richer flavour and aroma compared to other cannabis concentrates. In addition, users appreciate the variety of ways to consume it, which we will talk more about later. The aesthetic appeal factor is also a factor.

What does live resin look like?

Live resin attracts attention with its characteristic bright colour, which ranges in shades from golden to deep amber. However, you can also find light yellow or white. The specific shade depends on the variety of cannabis used and the extraction method.

 

A more liquid live resin of a light yellow colour in a container and a special spoon used to scoop out the live resin

The texture and consistency of live resin are influenced by the amount and type of terpenes contained. It can have a liquid and sticky syrup-like consistency or be waxy. It is also usually more viscous than other concentrates.  

How is live resin produced?

The process of producing live resin involves three basic steps:

  • Harvest: The first step is to harvest the cannabis plants at their peak maturity. This step is crucial as it ensures that the maximum amount of cannabinoids and terpenes are retained in the plant.
  • Freezing: immediately after harvesting, the cannabis is flash frozen. This step helps to preserve the chemical components that are otherwise lost during the drying process. The plants are usually frozen at a temperature of -40 °C or below.
  • Extraction: the most common extraction method is the use of a solvent, usually butane or propane. The solvent is again cooled to a very low temperature, which prevents degradation of the compounds present.

All these steps together ensure that the final product retains a high terpene and cannabinoid content. The result is a concentrate that closely resembles the chemical profile of a fresh cannabis plant.

CBD live resin

Since classic live resin is not legal in most countries due to its high THC content, manufacturers are turning to hemp concentrate from technical hemp, the so-called CBD live resin. It is produced in the same way as classic live resin, but differs in the ratio of the two main cannabinoids, CBD and THC. Compared to live resin, it has a high CBD content (40 to 60 %) and a negligible amount of THC (below 0,3 %).

 

Sealed container of CBD live resin, text on the container: CBD live resin, hemp leaves and buds of technical hemp

In addition to the properties typical of all live resin concentrates, CBD live resin may also have potential therapeutic effects. According to available studies, these may include stress reduction or improved sleep.

Live resin terpenes

The chapter itself are live resin terpenes. The difference between these and live resin is that while live resin contains both terpenes and cannabinoids, live resin terpenes are pure terpenes. Don't be fooled by the name, although it looks like these terpenes are extracted directly from the live resin, this is actually not the case. Like live resin, it is made from frozen cannabis.  

Live resin terpenes are most commonly used to enrich other cannabis products.  Adding these terpenes to products such as cartridges and prerolls significantly increases their flavour and aroma profile.

 

Sealed container with CBD live resin, text on container: CBD live resin, hemp leaves and technical hemp sticks

How to use live resin?

Live resin is suitable for dabbing or vaporization due to its slightly viscous and sticky consistency.

Dabbing

Do you want a strong taste and aromatic experience? Dabbing is popular for its ability to deliver intense effects and preserve the complete terpene profile of live resin.

You can't do without a special pipe (dab  rig), a tool for handling the concentrate (dabber) and a butane lighter or electric heater (e-nail). The concentrate is applied to a hot surface and the vapour released is inhaled. Dabbing is not suitable for beginners.

 

A special tool (dabber) scoops the live resin concentrate for the dabbing method

Vaporization

Vaporization consists of heating live resin to a temperature at which it turns to steam without burning. Compared to dabbing, this method puts less strain on the lungs, but retains the distinctive flavour and aroma.

You can vaporize live resin with both desktop vaporizers and portable vaporizers, recently vape pens have also become very popular.

Of the desktop vaporizers, the Puffco Peak Pro is a good choice, as it has high power, allows you to precisely adjust the temperature and provides an intense aromatic experience. Of the portable ones, the PAX Plus is a discreet and durable device that heats up in less than 30 seconds.

 

The Puffco Peak Pro desktop vaporizer is suitable for vaporizing live resin

Vape pens with live resin terpenes are not only easy to use, but also rich in flavour and aroma. The e-shops offer both disposable, refillable or vapes with replaceable cartridges. They contain cannabinoid distillate, such as THCV or CBD, and live resin terpenes.

Remember that live resin is much stronger than other cannabis products. It is therefore important to account for its high potency and start with a small dose. This is especially true if you are new to the world of cannabis.

How to store live resin?

Proper storage is the alpha and omega of cannabis products. Always store live resin in a cool and dark place, preferably in the fridge. Use an airtight, opaque container to protect the concentrate from light and oxygen.

 

Miron Airtight 500ml purple glass container, which is ideal to store live resin properly

Live resin must be kept away from heat and moisture to prevent early decomposition or mould growth.

 

Autor: Pavla Skřivánková 

 

   

Foto: ChatGPT, Shutterstock

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