Live Resin: Everything You Need to Know

Live resin is an emerging trend in the cannabis industry, gaining in popularity relative to other types of cannabis concentrates. This is because it maintains the aroma and taste (and more of the components of the plant that provide therapeutic benefits) compared to other extraction methods.

But what is live resin, and how is it different from other cannabis concentrates? What does live resin mean? Learn everything there is to know about how it works below.

What Is Live Resin?

Some cannabis concentrates are hard and brittle, like shatter, while others are waxy, thick, and sticky, like sauce. Most of the time, the texture or consistency of a cannabis concentrate is used to name or describe it.

Live resin is a malleable cannabis concentrate halfway between wax and sauce. The color can vary widely, but it is mostly dark yellow. There are several factors at play when it comes to how live resin looks. The chemical and physical properties of the concentrate can change depending on the cultivator or strain used to make it.

Often, the level of terpenes makes the live resin more flexible and fluid. Live resin is also sticky, so you will probably need a dab tool to work with it, unless you consume it in live resin carts or live resin gummies, so you don’t need to touch it. Live resin is usually very potent and has a lot of THC and other cannabinoids. Many customers report they prefer it because they retain the smell and taste of cannabis plants.

Where Did Live Resin Come From?

Live resin is a kind of cannabis concentrate that has only been around for a short time. Some of the first people to use the live resin extraction process were William Fenger, also known as “Kind Bill,” and “Giddy Up,” who started EmoTek Labs. They did this by making a special BHO extractor to keep the low temperatures needed to make live resin.

During the extraction process, they could keep the terpenes, flavor, and smell of the cannabis.

How Is Live Resin Made?

Live resin is different from other cannabis concentrates because it is made from a fresh, frozen flower. After the plants have been picked, they go into the freezer through a solvent extraction process involving butane, propane, or another solvent.

If the cannabis plant is immediately frozen, it keeps its valuable terpene profile, unique taste, and original smell through the extraction process and into the final product. However, as the plant dries and is cured, it loses water and chlorophyll. This can make the trichomes more vulnerable to heat, oxygen, and light.

The main goal of extracting high-quality live resin from cannabis is to achieve optimum flavors and effects. The live resin process includes taking the resin from the living plant, then drying and curing the extract. This extraction process is different from most cannabis concentrates, which are extracted from the cannabis plant AFTER it has been dried and harvested.

Processors need to collect fresh plant material to create live resin, including buds and sugar leaves, so flash-freezing is used to keep the essential parts of the plant that would degrade otherwise.

What Strains Are Best Used for Making Live Resin?

As long as the proper method is used to get the live resin out of the plant material, every strain can produce quality live resin. But there are some strains whose effects and yields are more potent. Live resin is most likely to form in cannabis strains with high terpenes and flavonoids.

To get the best results, the strain should cross between Sativa and Indica and have at least 17% THC. The smell of the strain affects the experience as a whole. Some of the most popular strains for live resin are listed below:

• Sunset Sherbert
• Sour Diesel
• White Widow
• Northern Lights

Check out Tribe Tokes Live Resin Products

• Live Resin CBN Gummies | 600mg | CBD-Boosted
• Live Resin Delta 8 THC Gummies | 600mg | CBD-Boosted | Strawberry
• Live Resin CBD Gummies | 600MG | CBG-Boosted Formula

What Makes Live Resin Different From the Other Concentrates?

Comparing Live Resin to Other Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates have gained immense popularity recently due to their potency, purity, and diverse applications. Live resin stands out as a unique and flavorful option among the many types of concentrates available. Below, we will explore the key differences between live resin and other popular cannabis extracts, such as shatter, wax, and rosin, to help you decide which concentrate best suits your needs.

Live Resin vs. Shatter

Shatter is a brittle, glass-like concentrate typically made using butane as a solvent. It boasts a high THC content, but its terpene profile is often less pronounced than live resin. Here are some key differences between live resin and shatter:

• Flavor and Aroma: Live resin generally has a richer and more complex flavor and aroma due to its higher terpene content. In contrast, shatter tends to have a more subdued taste and scent.
• Texture: Shatter has a hard, glass-like consistency, while the live resin is typically more viscous and can range from a thick sap to a soft, butter-like texture.
• Extraction Process: Shatter is made using dried and cured cannabis, while live resin uses fresh, flash-frozen plants, which results in a more robust terpene profile.

Comparing Live Resin to Wax

Wax is another popular cannabis concentrate with a soft, crumbly texture. Like shatter, wax is made from dried and cured cannabis plants but undergoes a slightly different extraction process, resulting in a different consistency. Here’s how live resin and wax differ:

• Flavor and Aroma: Wax usually has a more muted flavor and aroma than live resin, known for its full-spectrum terpene profile.
• Texture: Wax has a crumbly, sometimes sticky consistency, while live resin’s texture can vary from a thick sap to a soft, buttery consistency.
• Extraction Process: Both concentrates use a solvent-based extraction method, but live resin’s use of fresh, flash-frozen plants sets it apart from wax, which is made from dried and cured cannabis.

Comparing Live Resin to Rosin

Rosin is a solventless concentrate that applies heat and pressure to cannabis flowers or hash. As a result, rosin maintains a natural terpene profile, but it still differs from live resin in several ways:

• Flavor and Aroma: Both rosin and live resin have pronounced flavors and aromas, but live resin generally has a more complex terpene profile due to its unique extraction process.
• Texture: Rosin can have a wide range of textures, from shatter-like to a sappy consistency, while the live resin is typically more viscous and ranges from a thick sap to a soft, butter-like texture.
• Extraction Process: Rosin is made using a solventless method, while live resin requires solvents like butane or propane. However, both concentrates prioritize preserving terpenes for an exceptional flavor experience.

The key characteristic of live resin is that it has a stronger flavor and more potent effects. Here are some of the distinctions between live resin and other concentrates:

Shatter

Live resin differs from shatter in terms of texture. One of the main ingredients in shatter is a solvent-based extract spread out on a drying tray. The material on the tray is then taken off and broken into smaller pieces, leading to the name shatter. In other words, shatter has a brittle texture all the way through.

Wax

Wax is a type of concentrate found in crumble and budder. The flower can be turned into shatter or wax using a solvent-based extraction method after drying and curing. After the extraction process, the oil crystallizes and becomes more solid, making the wax obtain a thick texture.

The result can be crumble or budder depending on how the extraction process is done. Budder has a more sticky and gummy texture, while crumble looks like granular pieces of wax.

Cured Resin

The main difference between live resin and cured resin is where the raw materials come from. Dried plant material is used to make cured resin, while a frozen plant material is used to make live resin. Cured resin is another term for a cannabis extract that will later be turned into shatter, wax, batter, or other types of concentrates.

Live Rosin

Live rosin is made without using any solvents. Instead, heat and pressure are used to get the trichomes out of the plant. These extracts are considered “live” because the cannabis plants used to make them are frozen before they are extracted. Some simple resins and rosins are made from dried plants instead of frozen ones and use solvent and solvent-free extraction, respectively.

Distillate

When impurities are taken out of cannabis resin, the result is an oil called distillate. Distillate differs from live resin because it does not come from frozen cannabis plants. After being processed, distillate usually has no terpenes, so it does not smell or taste anything.

Other Live Resins

In terms of consistency, live resins are somewhere between waxes and sauces. However, some are like saps, sugars, or jellies. The viscosity of a live resin can be affected by how much terpenes are in it. Some live resins, like pinene and myrcene, only have lighter terpenes.

Changes are also possible because some methods of extracting do not capture all of the terpenes. Concentrates can also be changed mechanically after they have been extracted. For example, when saps are whipped into butter, they can be made with different consistencies.

Benefits

Dabbers like live resin because it tastes stronger and is more “terpy” than other concentrates. Since the trichomes and terpenes are not taken away during the extraction process, the flavor of the original cannabis plant is kept in live resins. Since the trichomes and cannabinoids are preserved, the live resin retains valuable active ingredients.

Making live resin is also not a time-consuming and complex process since growers no longer have to dry, cure, and trim the plants. Instead, the cannabis plants will be frozen and sent straight to the extractor after picking them.

How to Smoke Live Resin

There are a few different ways to use live resin. Some of them are:

Dabbing

The most common way to use live resin is through “dabbing.” You will need a dab rig, a torch, a nail, or an e-rig. Since live resin is sticky, a dab tool is needed to scoop the concentrate and put it in the nail.

Vaping

You can also use live resin in a dab pen, a handheld e-rig that lets you easily control its temperature and dab on the go. Again, it would help if you used a dabber tool to put the live resin in the dab pen. After that, set the temperature you want, press the button, and inhale.

Like distillates, the live resin can also come in disposable cartridges. To use disposable carts, screw the cartridge onto a battery, wait for it to get hot, and then start puffing. It can also come in a live resin disposable pen, which is an easy “use out of the box option” that doesn’t even require buttons (inhale activated). The downside to disposable pens is that it usually has a disposable battery, which is less environmentally friendly.

Topping off

You can also put live resin on top of your bowl, joint, or blunt to make it more potent.

How to Store Live Resin

You should keep the live resin in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. This will keep its terpenes from breaking down, so it will continue tasting and tasting great for a long time. If you take the lid off the container and leave it out in the open, the air, light, and heat will break down the terpenes in the product, making it taste less good. This will also cause it to dry out, making it hard to work with because it will harden.

Storage and Preservation: Keeping Your Live Resin Fresh and Potent

Maintaining the quality and potency of live resin can be challenging if not stored properly. We’ll share essential tips for keeping your live resin fresh and potent, ensuring you enjoy the best possible experience every time.

Use Airtight Containers

Storing the potency of your live resin in an airtight container is crucial. Glass containers, such as small jars or UV-protective containers, are ideal because they are non-porous and won’t absorb any flavors or aromas from the live resin. Avoid using plastic containers, as they can leach harmful chemicals over time and may affect the taste and quality of your concentrate.

Keep It Cool and Dark

Exposure to light, heat, and air can degrade the quality of your live resin. To prevent this, store your airtight container in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or drawer. Avoid keeping your live resin in direct sunlight or near heat sources, such as radiators or electronic devices. If possible, maintain a consistent storage temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15-21 degrees Celsius).

Consider Refrigeration for Long-Term Storage

If you plan to store your live resin for an extended period, consider refrigerating it. Keeping your concentrate in a refrigerator can help preserve its terpene profile and potency. However, let your live resin reach room temperature before opening the container to prevent condensation, which can affect your concentrate’s texture and overall quality.

Minimize Handling

Frequent handling can introduce contaminants and degrade your live resin. To maintain its freshness and potency, minimize contact with your concentrate by only touching it when necessary. Use a dab tool to handle your live resin, and always clean your hands and tools before touching your concentrate to prevent contamination.

Monitor Your Storage Environment

Humidity can negatively impact the quality of your live resin, causing it to become too sticky or lose its desired texture. To maintain optimal storage conditions, monitor the humidity levels in your storage area and consider using a humidity control pack or a dehumidifier if necessary.

Keep Track of Your Concentrate’s Age

While properly stored live resin can maintain its quality for several months, keeping track of your concentrate’s age is essential. Over time, the potency of your live resin may decrease, and its terpene profile might change. Regularly check your concentrate to ensure it’s still providing the desired effects and flavor experience.

Dabbing Live Resin: Techniques and Best Practices for a Flavorful Experience

Dabbing is a popular method for consuming cannabis concentrates like live resin, offering an unparalleled flavor and potency experience. However, it can seem intimidating for those new to dabbing or unfamiliar with live resin dabs. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of dabbing live resin, including how to use live resin, how to properly use a dab rig and the ideal temperature for vaporizing your concentrate to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Setting Up Your Dab Rig

A live resin dabber is designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates. Here is a simple guide to setting up your dab rig for dabbing live resin:

• Choose a rig with a quartz banger or bucket; these materials offer the best flavor transfer for live resin.
• Attach the banger or bucket to the joint of your dab rig.
• Fill the rig with water, ensuring it covers the percolator or diffuser without overflowing.
• Set up your torch or e-nail, ensuring it’s within reach and ready for use.

Preparing Your Live Resin

Before dabbing, you’ll need to prepare your live resin:

• Use a dab tool, such as a stainless steel or glass tool, to scoop a small amount of live resin. Aim for a “low and slow” approach, using smaller dabs to avoid overwhelming your senses or causing discomfort.
• Set your live resin aside on a non-stick surface or dab mat, within easy reach of your dab rig.

Heating Your Banger or Bucket

Proper temperature is crucial for dabbing live resin. Too low, and you’ll waste your concentrate; too high, you risk scorching the delicate terpenes, compromising the flavor and potency. Follow these steps to heat your banger or bucket:

• Turn on your torch and aim the flame at the bottom of the banger or bucket, heating it evenly.
• Heat the banger for 30-45 seconds or until it glows slightly.
• Turn off the torch and allow the banger to cool for 30-60 seconds. This step is essential for achieving the optimal temperature for dabbing live resin, typically between 500 and 600 degrees Fahrenheit (260-315 degrees Celsius).

Dabbing Your Live Resin

With your dab rig and live resin prepared, it’s time to dab:

• Grab your dab tool with the live resin and gently touch it inside the heated banger or bucket.
• Slowly swirl the dab tool around the banger, allowing the live resin to vaporize evenly.
• As the live resin vaporizes, inhale through the mouthpiece of your dab rig, drawing the vapor through the water chamber and into your lungs.
• Hold the vapor in your lungs for at least a few seconds before exhaling

Conclusion

You can vape or dab many concentrates, but live resin is one of the most potent. The flash-freezing process retains and preserves the cannabinoids with the best chemical structure for the live resin.

If you want to buy quality cannabis products, look no further than TribeTokes! Are you not looking to purchase? Try getting a 15% commission for every TribeTokes product. Register for our affiliate program!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vaping live resin healthy?

Live resin is different from other types of cannabis extract because it is made from fresh, frozen cannabis plants. Using fresh plants is the best way to keep as many of the plant’s natural terpenes as possible. Terpenes are thought to help give the plant its taste and effects.

Inhaling vaporized live resin may be better for your health than smoking for several reasons. First, vaping allows users to inhale marijuana without exposing themselves to the dangerous compounds made when plants are burned.

When compared to smoking, vaping also causes less irritation to the lungs. When marijuana is heated to the point where it can be vaporized, it makes fewer fine particles than when it is burned. This could help lower the risk of irritating the lungs and other things that could harm the respiratory system.

Even though more research needs to be done to fully understand the effects of vaping live resin, it seems likely that it may be better than smoking in some ways. If you are thinking about smoking marijuana, it is important to talk to a doctor, and you should also be aware of the risks that come with it.

Will live resin get you high?

Live resin can make you feel high due to the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol THC. When THC is consumed or smoked, it binds to receptors in the brain. This has several effects on the mind. Some of these effects are changes in behavior, thoughts, and feelings.

The amount of THC in the live resin can vary from batch to batch depending on the strain of cannabis it comes from and the extraction method used to make it. In general, people think that live resin is a very strong substance. Some samples have been found to have more than 90% THC. This means that it has the potential to cause strong psychoactive effects, especially for people who have not used cannabis before or who can’t handle the effects of THC well.

When taking live resin, starting with a small dose and slowly increasing it as needed is important because THC can have unexpected effects that vary from person to person. Not mixing live resin with anything else is vital since THC can make the effects of other chemicals, like alcohol or other drugs, even stronger.

Live resin is a type of cannabis that is very strong and has the potential to make the user feel very high. When using cannabis in any way, it is important to do so responsibly and be aware of how it might affect both the mind and the body.

How do I know if a live resin is good?

If you want to know if your live resin is good, there are a few things to look at. The first step in the process is to look at the color of the resin. Live resin is usually golden or yellow, but some pieces may have a small amount of green or amber. Depending on which strain of cannabis plant was used to make the resin, the color may change slightly. However, this does not necessarily mean that the resin is of low quality.

Next, you need to take a look at the resin to see how it feels. Live resin should be sticky and thick, but it should not be too hard or too runny at the same time. Also, it should feel sticky when you touch it and should not fall apart too quickly. If the resin has become too brittle, it may not have been stored well and has lost some strength. If it is very runny, the way it was made might not have been right.

Still another thing to think about is how the living resin smells and tastes. Live resin is known for having a strong taste and smell. Thus, if the resin smells bad or does not have much of a smell, it might not be very good. Last but not least, you should ask the person or business that sold you the live resin first about how good it is. 

The high-quality live resin will taste and smell strong and pungent, have a thick and sticky texture, and be golden or yellow. If your resin doesn’t meet these requirements, it might not be of the best quality. To ensure that the resin’s potency and taste stay the same over time, it is important always to buy it from trustworthy sources and store it in the right way.

What makes live resin so special?

Live resin is a cannabis extract made from recently harvested cannabis plants. Traditional cannabis extracts, on the other hand, are usually made from dried and cured plants before the extraction process begins. Live resin is different from other types of resin because it is made from fresh plants.

One of the things that makes people most interested in live resin is that it smells and tastes stronger. Since the plants that make live resin are fresh, they can hold on to a larger amount of terpenes. This gives the extract a stronger, more complex flavor than regular concentrates.

A second benefit of using live resin is that it has a lot of cannabinoids in it. Cannabidiol (CBD) and THC are two of the many psychoactive substances that can be found in cannabis plants (THC). To make live resin, the plants are frozen as soon as they are picked. This helps keep the cannabinoids and other active chemicals in the marijuana.

What makes live resin different from other cannabis concentrates?

Live resin is extracted from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis plants instead of dried and cured plants. This unique extraction process helps preserve the plant’s terpene profile, resulting in a concentrate with a richer flavor and aroma than other extracts, such as shatter, wax, or rosin.

What is the best way to consume live resin?

Dabbing is one of the best methods for consuming live resin. You can vaporize live resin at the optimal temperature using a dab rig to enjoy its full flavor and potency. You can also use a vaporizer pen designed for concentrates or incorporate live resin into cannabis-infused recipes.

Is live resin legal?

The legality of live resin depends on your location and local cannabis laws. In regions where cannabis is legal for medicinal or recreational use, live resin is also generally legal. However, you must familiarize yourself with local cannabis laws and regulations to ensure compliance.