If you are a fan of cannabis concentrates, you have likely come across cured resin and live resin. While both are popular among users, they differ in some significant ways, from their flavor profiles to their extraction methods. In this article, we will examine the differences between these two types of concentrates, so you can make a well-informed decision based on your preferences.
What is Cured Resin?
If you’re a fan of cannabis concentrates, you’re likely familiar with cured resin. Made from dried and cured cannabis flowers, cured resin is a concentrated form of cannabis that is known for its unique flavor profile and varying potency levels.
The extraction process involves taking dried cannabis flowers and exposing them to specific environmental conditions for a period of time. The aim is to enhance the flavor and aroma of the flowers. During this process, decomposition of chlorophyll and other cellular matter occurs, leading to the production of terpenes, the aromatic components of cannabis.
Once the curing process is complete, various methods, such as solvent-based extraction, are used to extract the concentrated resin from the dried flowers. Solvent-based extraction is a technique that uses solvents like butane or ethanol to dissolve and extract trichomes from the dried flower, resulting in a highly concentrated and potent resin.
Overall, cured resin is a popular cannabis concentrate known for its unique flavor profile and potency levels, and it remains a sought-after choice for cannabis enthusiasts worldwide.
Characteristics of Cured Resin
Cured resin, a cannabis concentrate made from dried and cured cannabis flowers, offers a unique flavor profile. This flavor is influenced by the terpenes present in the original cannabis strain, which are preserved during the extraction process, resulting in a distinct taste.
In terms of potency, the THC content of cured resin can vary but generally provides a balanced high. Consuming cured resin can have a significant impact on the high, providing a more mellow and enduring experience.
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Influenced by the terpenes of the original cannabis strain |
| THC Content | Varies, but generally provides a balanced high |
| Impact on High | Provides a more mellow and enduring experience |
While there are different methods of extraction, cured resin is commonly extracted using solvent-based methods such as butane or ethanol extraction. The resulting concentrated resin comes in several popular types, such as shatter, wax, and budder.
“Cured resin’s balanced high makes it an excellent choice for people who prefer a more relaxed and long-lasting experience. Its unique flavor profile is an added bonus.”
The Extraction Process of Cured Resin
Cured resin is a popular cannabis concentrate that can be extracted using various solvent-based methods. The extraction process involves dissolving the resinous trichomes from the dried cannabis flowers using solvents like butane, propane, or ethanol, in a closed-loop extraction system that ensures proper ventilation and safety by minimizing the chances of explosions, fires, or contamination. Ethanol extraction is a preferred technique, as it leaves no residual solvents in the final product.
Once the resin is extracted, it is purged of the solvent using a vacuum oven, resulting in a concentrated form of resin that can be further processed to produce popular types like shatter, wax, or budder.
| Extraction Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Butane Extraction | High yield, fast, preserves terpenes and cannabinoids. | Flammable, potential for residual solvents, safety concerns. |
| Ethanol Extraction | Safe, potent, no residual solvents, preserves terpenes. | Low yield, longer process, less efficient for larger quantities. |
Among the popular types of cured resin, shatter is a brittle, translucent concentrate that breaks into pieces like glass, while wax has a more malleable texture, resembling soft butter. Budder is a smooth, creamy concentrate that is easier to work with and has a richer flavor profile. The type of cured resin you prefer depends on your taste, potency, and desired effects.
In conclusion, solvent-based extraction methods are commonly used to extract cured resin from dried cannabis flowers. Whether you prefer shatter, wax, or budder, the extraction process involves dissolving the trichomes from the flowers and then purging the solvent to create a strong and flavorful concentrate.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin is a cannabis concentrate that captures the essence of fresh, uncured cannabis flowers. This extraction method involves harvesting the plant material and immediately freezing it to preserve the delicate terpenes and cannabinoids. By keeping the plant material fresh, the resulting concentrate offers a more robust flavor profile and higher levels of terpenes.
The process of making live resin ensures that the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes are brought to the final product, delivering a more comprehensive experience for you to enjoy.
Extraction Method
The key feature of live resin is its extraction method. Once the cannabis is harvested, it is immediately transferred to the extraction facility and placed in a deep freeze. This process, called cryogenic freezing, ensures that the plant material is preserved, and none of the aromatic compounds are lost.
The frozen flowers are then subjected to a closed-loop extraction method, which uses solvents to extract the resinous trichomes. The resulting concentrate captures the full flavor and aroma of the plant material, providing an intense and vibrant experience when consumed.
Characteristics of Live Resin
Live resin is known for its intense and vibrant flavor profile. This is due to the fresh cannabis flowers that are used in the extraction process. Compared to cured resin, live resin has higher levels of terpenes, which contributes to a more pronounced aroma and taste. Terpenes are responsible for the unique flavors and aromas of cannabis strains.
The entourage effect is the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes. Live resin often presents a more pronounced entourage effect compared to cured resin. A higher concentration of terpenes in live resin allows for more complex interactions between the different compounds, resulting in a more robust and well-rounded experience.
When it comes to selecting a cannabis concentrate, the flavor profile and terpene content are essential factors to consider. If you’re looking for a more intense and dynamic experience, live resin might be the right choice for you.
The Extraction Process of Live Resin
If you’re looking for a cannabis concentrate with a more robust flavor and aroma, live resin may be the answer. The extraction process of live resin involves the use of cryogenic freezing and closed-loop extraction methods to preserve the terpenes and cannabinoids, resulting in an aromatic and flavorful concentrate.
Cryogenic Freezing
The first step in the extraction process of live resin is cryogenic freezing, which involves freezing the freshly harvested cannabis flowers to a temperature of -292°F. This process helps preserve the volatile aromatic compounds and delicate terpenes that give the cannabis strain its unique aroma and flavor.
Closed-Loop Extraction
The next step in the extraction process is to use closed-loop extraction methods, which help maintain the purity and potency of the concentrate. This process involves the use of a closed-loop system, which separates the terpenes and cannabinoids from the plant material.
Preservation of Aromatic Compounds
By preserving the terpenes and cannabinoids during the extraction process, the resulting live resin concentrate captures the full flavor and aroma of the live cannabis plant. The use of cryogenic freezing and closed-loop extraction methods helps ensure that the concentrate is of high quality, with an emphasis on preserving the delicate aromatic compounds found in the cannabis strain.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between cured resin and live resin, you can make an informed decision on which cannabis concentrate suits your preferences. If you value a balanced flavor profile and potency, then cured resin is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more intense and vibrant experience, you should try live resin.
Remember to consider your taste, potency, and extraction method preferences when making your choice. Keep exploring and experimenting to find the perfect resin for your needs!