Cannabis Resin vs. Rosin: What’s the Difference?

It can be pretty confusing when classic cannabis users walk into a dispensary for the first time. Not only are there countless strains to choose from, the standard smokable buds (flowers) that everyone recognizes are only a tiny amount of what is available. Concentrates are also a huge part of the cannabis industry today.?

Cannabis concentrates are manufactured by removing the resin from the flowers to extract the most cannabinoids and terpenes possible while removing any extraneous plant material. As a result, their strength can approach 90%, and they contain several times more cannabinoids than the typical dried flower. For instance, the majority of flowers typically contain 15-20% THC. However, concentrates might have up to 80-90% THC.

Concentrates come in a variety of forms. From the shatter and wax used in dab rigs to the concentrated oils smoked from vape pens. Knowing the terminology is vital when venturing into this new world of marijuana products.?

The most commonly found terms in the world of cannabis concentrates are resin and rosin. While these terms are already confusing, add "live resin and rosin," and you can be easily lost. This week's article briefly explains the differences between resin, rosin, and shatter so that you'll know precisely what you're looking at the next time you visit your local dispensary.?

Resin and Live Resin

Until the legalization of recreational cannabis and the industry boom, the term "resin" was commonly referred to as the leftover residue in a bong or pipe after cannabis flower has been smoked. It's a black sticky tar-like substance that can be balled up and re-smoked, with fewer effects. While resin is considered a concentrate, it is usually low in THC and terpenes.?

In today's cannabis market, the term "resin" has gained new meaning. The light-colored material present in the trichomes of cannabis plants is now referred to as cannabis resin. The mature female plants have trichomes on their flowers and sugar leaves. All of marijuana's euphoric and therapeutic properties are caused by these trichomes. Most of the THC present in cannabis is found inside the resin.

Live resin is a particular extract created using a CO2 or hydrocarbon extraction procedure. It closely resembles wax, although it's more sticky and gooey in texture. Live resin has a strong aroma that, when opened, may completely fill a room. Many concentrates—including Butane Hash Oil and Shatter—are derived from live resin.

Rosin and Live Rosin

Cannabis resin in solid form is known as rosin (or "wax"). It is created by pressing and heating flowers to remove their resin. Although an industrial press is typically used for this procedure, a flat hair iron may easily be used in the house. When making rosin, you can utilize flower, excess hash and kief, or both.?

With rosin, you never have to worry about remaining solvents impacting your high or your health. This is due to the solvent-free process used (unlike cannabis resin).

Making a joint or a waxed blunt by rubbing rosin on the outside of the joint is one of the most common uses for rosin. Additionally, rosin may be used by combining it with minced marijuana.?

What about "live rosin"? Live rosin is made from fresh or frozen flower as opposed to conventional rosin, which is made from dried flower. Due to its freshness, many users claim live rosin tastes better. This is likely a result of the monoterpenes present in fresh cannabis.

Shatter

One of the purest cannabis concentrates available is shatter. It has a consistency similar to candy. It is a dense, transparent concentrate that resembles glass in both look and texture. Although it has a high THC content (up to 80%), it does not have a robust flavor.

In a procedure known as butane hash oil extraction, THC is extracted from flowers using a solvent to create shatter. The solvent must be entirely removed for the concentrate to be safe to consume.

Cannabis extracts like shatter are a quick, effective, smoke-free method to take cannabis, with potencies ranging from 50 to 90 percent cannabinoids by weight. However, being in a solid form makes shatter challenging to handle. As a result, customers often "dab" (vaporize) shatter using a vape pen or a water pipe with specialized equipment called a dab rig.

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*FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.?