Todays cannabis market in Massachusetts offers an overwhelming amount of different products each arriving to the shelves with their own unique variations, nuances and production methods. This abundance provides the consumer with variety and choice, however it can also leave them in state of confusion, blank staring at a sea of oils, edibles, topicals and tinctures. Even for a reasonably seasoned veteran in the cannabis space the selection of rosin or resin, live or cured, bubble hash, RSO, distillate — it can all appear a bit daunting.
The cannabis space is constantly advancing and we believe that information is key to making informed decisions as a consumer. Today we are zeroing in on the variations of one cannabis extract in particular, rosin. Have you heard of it? It comes in different forms and sometimes by different names which is why some bud tenders are seeing a miscommunication in the industry as a buyer on the quality and distinctions between live rosin, flower rosin and cured rosin.
So let’s break it down together, starting with what rosin is. When you hear someone talk about rosin, they are talking about a cannabis plant extract, similar to the oils you see in vape cartridges, but better and cleaner. Why do we think rosin is a better and cleaner option? For a few reasons, starting with the process of how it is made, “solvent-less”.
In order to produce any type of cannabis plant extract, the cannabinoids need to be extracted from the cannabis flower. More times than not, you will see companies utilizing solvents such as butane or propane as the extraction method because solvents tend to give a higher yield of THC despite destroying the flavorful terpenes and other enriching cannabinoids through its harsh nature. Once the terpenes have been destroyed, brands will then wind up adding artificial terpenes back into the final product. Sound familiar? We see this with many of our modern day foods being stripped of their nutrients to then be fortified back in afterwards.
Rosin or what is sometimes referred to as cured rosin is created using a solvent-less extraction method to produce a flavorful product high in THC and rich in naturally occurring terpenes and cannabinoids. Rosin or cured rosin is when the cannabis flower has been cured (dried) and then put through a solvent-less extraction method called ice water extraction (IWE) to separate the hash. The hash is then put through an additional extraction method using a machine that applies heat and pressure.
Rosin or “Cured” Rosin Process
Harvest Cannabis Flower ———> Cure Cannabis Flower ———> Ice Water Extraction (IWE) ———> Heat / Pressure (Rosin Press)
Flower Rosin is extracted through simply applying heat and pressure to cured cannabis flower. There is one less, yet very important step in the production process of flower rosin vs cured or live rosin.
Flower Rosin
Harvest Cannabis Flower ———> Cure Cannabis Flower ———> Heat / Pressure (Rosin Press)
Our personal favorite is what’s referred to as “live rosin”. Stay with us here, we know we are throwing a lot of information at you. The main differences between rosin types are the methods used in extraction and the state of the original cannabis flower used. What makes live rosin extract, live, is that it is made using only freshly frozen (living) flower. The cannabis flower is harvested when the plant is in its prime, peak maturity and then flash frozen. The benefit of this is to preserve the supreme freshness and terpene flavor profile. The frozen cannabis flower is then put through the cold water extraction process and finally the heat and pressure to produce a delicious, natural extract. Many cannabis connoisseurs will be the first to say that live rosin, done correctly, with the right strains and growing practices produces the finest, tastiest extract of them all! Because of this, live rosin will typically be sold for more money due to the artisanal craft and labor that goes into creating from all parties involved (growers to the extractors). Think of live rosin as the creme de la creme of cannabis extracts… like the colorful, organic veggies from your favorite local farm-stand that you pay a little extra for because somehow they just taste better knowing they came from someones passion and care instead of the grocery chain up the street.
Live Rosin
Freshly Harvest (Live) Cannabis Flower ———> Flash Frozen ———> Ice Water Extraction (IWE) ———> Heat/Pressure (Rosin Press)
These rosin extracts can be found in your vape cartridges, added to edible products or commonly sold by the half or full grams in small glass jars to dab. You may see live rosin badders and jams being sold which comes down to the consistency of the end product - appearing just as they are called, a whipped badder consistency or a jam-like sauce that appears to have sugar-like crystals in it but are truly THC crystals.
While that might have seemed like a lot of information, the bottom line is this, live and or solvent-less extractions such as live rosin, flower rosin, cured rosin or live bubble hash are some of the purist, most flavorful and high quality cannabis extracts you can find. When headed to your go-to, locally-owned Massachusetts cannabis dispensary, be sure to look at the labels, ask the bud tenders to see their selection of live extracts whether you are dabbing, vaping or in search for a naturally high terpene and THC infused edible product. Build a knowledgable relationship to the cannabis you are consuming, just the way you might with your local farmers or butchers.
Here at Coastal Apothecary we genuinely believe in empowering the consumer market with education to go alongside all the choices. When we know better, we do better and buy better.
If you are a long time lover of live rosin or just beginning your journey with this extract, let us know what you think! What is your favorite form of rosin and why?