What is Live Resin?

Live resin is a premium cannabis concentrate that captures the essence of the live plant by preserving its terpene profile during the extraction process. Unlike other concentrates, typically made from dried and cured cannabis flowers, live resin extract uses freshly harvested plants. This method allows for extracting a more comprehensive range of volatile compounds, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic end product.

Selecting the Right Cannabis Strain

The first step in live resin extraction is selecting the right cannabis strains. To create special resin, it all starts with choosing the right cannabis strain. Look for strains known for their rich terpene profiles, as these will contribute to the overall flavor and aroma of the final product. Popular strains for live resin production include Sour Diesel, Blue Dream, and Girl Scout Cookies.

Harvesting the Cannabis Plant

Step number two is all about the harvest. Timing is crucial when it comes to harvesting cannabis for live resin production. The plants get harvested at their peak of cannabinoid and terpene production. This typically occurs during the early flowering stages when the trichomes are milky white. Handle the plants with care to prevent damage to the delicate trichomes.

Flash-Freezing the Freshly Harvested Buds

Step three is crucial for maintaining quality and freshness. Immediately after harvesting, the buds must be preserved by flash-freezing the plant’s terpene profile. This process involves rapidly reducing the temperature to below freezing, usually using specialized freezing equipment or dry ice. Flash-freezing helps retain the volatile compounds, ensuring a more robust flavor and aroma in the final product.

Extraction Using Closed-Loop Systems

Extraction of your buds is essential, and most experts recommend using closed-loop extraction systems for concentrate production. These systems offer superior control over temperature, pressure, and solvent flow, resulting in a cleaner and more efficient extraction process. Typical solvents used for most types of concentrate extraction include butane and propane.

Purging and Drying

Once the extraction process is complete, the resulting extract must be purged and dried. This step involves removing any residual solvents and moisture from the concentrate. Vacuum ovens are commonly used for this purpose, as they allow for precise control over temperature and pressure, ensuring a safe and high-quality final product.

Post-Processing and Packaging

After purging and drying, the live resin concentrate is ready for post-processing. Depending on the desired final product, this may include processes like winterization, filtration, and dewaxing. Once the concentrate refines to perfection, it is packaged to preserve its quality and freshness.

The Benefits of Live Resin

Live resin offers several advantages that set it apart from other cannabis concentrates. Here are some key benefits to consider:

Enhanced Flavor and Aroma

Due to preserving the plant’s terpene profile, live resin boasts exceptional flavors and aromas that closely mimic the original cannabis strain. This makes it a favorite among cannabis connoisseurs who appreciate the sensory experience.

Higher Cannabinoid and Terpene Content

Compared to concentrates made from dried and cured flowers, the live resin contains higher cannabinoids and terpenes. This results in a more potent and potentially more therapeutic product, as both cannabinoids and terpenes are believed to contribute to the overall effects of cannabis.

Versatile Consumption Options

Live resin can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on personal preference. It can be dabbed using a dab rig or vaporized using a compatible device. Some users even mix this potent concentrate into their cannabis flower for an extra kick of flavor and potency, and gummies are a prevalent rising trend among edible enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You are now equipped with the knowledge to create exceptional live resin using expert techniques. Following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can produce high-quality live resin that rivals the best in the industry. Remember always to prioritize safety and quality throughout the entire extraction process.

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FAQ on How to Make Live Resin: 

What is live resin?

• • Live resin is a cannabis concentrate known for its high terpene content, complete cannabinoid profile, and high THC volume. It’s derived from a process that captures the “live” essence of the cannabis plant.

Why is this concentrate so popular amongst cannabis enthusiasts?

• • The popularity of this concentrate enthusiasts values it for preserving the high-terpene content and full cannabinoid profile, offering a richer and fuller experience than other concentrates.

How is making live resin different from other concentrates?

• • The primary distinction lies in the material preparation. Instead of drying or curing the plant material before extraction, the biomass is deep-frozen to preserve the terpenes and prevent oxidation.

What’s the significance of freezing the biomass in preparation?

• • Freezing preserves the terpenes responsible for the plant’s aromas and flavors. This process helps retain the essence of the “live” plant in the extract.

Which parts of the plant are ideal for production?

• • Only top-quality whole plants, mainly flowers and sugar leaves, should be used. Exclude the fan leaves, stems, and roots.

What solvents are used in live resin extraction?

• • Most processors use a light hydrocarbon blend of butane and propane solvent. The exact blend ratio varies, but it impacts the terpene extraction efficiency.

Why is solvent temperature crucial for extraction?

• • Chilling the solvent to super low temperatures, like -40C or even as low as -80C, helps lock out water-soluble components, ensuring a purer extract.

Is winterization necessary for live resin?

• • No, the extreme cold during extraction allows one to skip winterization and filtration, making the process more streamlined.

How are live resin products differentiated in dispensaries?

• • Though often labeled “live resin,” various post-processing techniques produce different end products like pull & snap, sauce, badder, waxes, and sugar.

Is specialized training required for production?

• Yes, making this concentrate requires specific expertise. 

Are live resin products more expensive?

• Yes, live resin products usually have a higher price point in dispensaries due to their high quality and the expertise required for production. They appeal to more experienced and discerning consumers.