Updated October, 2024
The cannabis market has exploded with a variety of concentrate products. Each of these has unique characteristics and benefits that make them stand out. Among the most common of these are resin and rosin. Although they sound similar, they are different products. Latitude Dispensary in Missouri is here to cover the differences between resin and rosin and help you make the right choice when purchasing cannabis products.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin is a type of concentrate known for its rich aroma and flavor, as well as its honey-like consistency. The product is made from fresh cannabis plants that are frozen immediately after they’re harvested. The freezing process preserves the terpene profile of the plant. This profile is what gives each strain its distinct taste and scent.
To extract the live resin, manufacturers use either butane extraction or CO2 as extraction solvents and add them to the frozen plant material, which works to extract the oils in the cannabis plant.
The solvents used in the process are then evaporated, leaving the final product of live resin.
Many Latitude customers ask why it’s called live resin. This is because usually cannabis flower is dried and processed after cultivation.
Whereas with live resin, the cannabis plant is flash-frozen immediately after harvesting.
What Is Rosin?
Rosin is another type of cannabis concentrate, but it is made in a much different way than live resin.
Rosin doesn’t use solvents in the extraction process. Instead, it relies on applying heat and pressure to the cannabis flower to achieve that end.
This process causes the resinous sap from the plant to separate, resulting in a concentrate that’s solvent-free.
Because of the lack of solvents, rosin is considered a safer option by many people. It’s also easier to make at home for those looking to create their own concentrates.
However, the terpene preservation could be more pronounced, lacking much of the flavor many consumers of live resin tend to prefer.
The consistency is also different. Rather than being honey-like, rosin has a more solid consistency.
Rosin vs Live Resin: Which Is Best For Me
Choosing between live resin and rosin depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Here are some factors to consider:
- Flavor and Aroma: Because it retains the terpene profile better, live resin is the better choice if your priority is flavor and aroma. Rosin is more understated in this regard.
- Purity and Safety: If your priority is focused on purity and safety, rosin is the clear winner. The lack of solvents in rosin makes it a much more pure option than live resin, which may retain residual solvents.
- Potency: Both options can be very potent, though the type of potency still differs. Live resin’s retention of terpenes gives it a more full-spectrum experience, while rosin can provide a cleaner experience.
- Ease of Production: For those who want to make their own concentrates, rosin is the far better option. The equipment needed for rosin is simple and can be used at home. Live resin requires specialized equipment and knowledge to make safely.
- Cost: As with most things, the pricing can vary greatly from one supplier to the next. As a general rule, live resin tends to be more expensive because of the more complex process required to produce it. Rosin is typically the more affordable option.
What is Distillate?
Distillate is a refined cannabis concentrate made by extracting and distilling to isolate cannabinoids, usually with about 90% THC or more. While it meets specific preferences, this process often eliminates terpenes, leading to a less complex flavor compared to live resin and rosin. Here are some of the Benefits of Distillate:
- High Potency: Typically above 90% THC, offering strong effects.
- Versatile: Can be used in edibles, vape pens, and infused products.
- Reliable Dosing: Easy to measure and dose due to its concentrated nature.
- Ideal Use: Distillate is particularly suitable for those who prioritize THC content and prefer custom-made cannabis products. Its lack of flavor diversity may attract users less concerned about the subtleties of taste and more focused on achieving specific effects.
Find The Best Products For You
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing a concentrate. After that choice is made, you’ll have several choices about how to consume the concentrate. You may even decide that concentrate isn’t the best option for you and decide that you’d prefer edible or other products that are pre-made from one of the two options.
Latitude Dispensary understands that these options can be confusing, which is why we ensure our staff is knowledgeable and ready to answer any questions.
Our product selection contains nearly every option you can imagine.
If you have more questions about live resin or rosin or about anything else we might have in our Missouri dispensaries, contact us today!