Cannabis concentrates are currently very popular, giving people a way to experience higher levels of THC from small quantities. Live resin is a popular type of concentrate that’s made using a distinctive process. Let’s explore what live resin is, how it differs from other Cannabis concentrates, and how to use it safely.
What is Live Resin?
There are many types of marijuana concentrates, each with its own qualities and effects. Live resin is extracted from Cannabis that hasn’t been dried or cured. This helps it retain important chemicals such as terpenes and flavonoids that can be lost during the drying process. Live resin can be recognized by its dark yellow color.
History of Live Resin
Cannabis concentrates such as hashish have been used for many centuries. Other types of concentrates, including live resin, were developed more recently. Live resin is one of the newest concentrates, having been created in 2013 by a grower known as Kind Bill whose real name is William Fenger. He wanted to develop a concentrate that retained the plant’s terpenes, which give Cannabis its distinctive aroma.
How is Live Resin Made?
To make live resin, growers immediately flash freeze the Cannabis plant to preserve freshness and active compounds. After freezing, the process is similar to that used to make other concentrates. The most common solvent used is butane, which is why live resin, like other concentrates, is often called BHO (Butane Hash Oil). Dry ice or liquid nitrogen is often used to keep the temperature down. Like any concentrate, the final result depends on the qualities of the original plant.
How is it Used?
The most common way to ingest live resin is by dabbing, a process that uses a type of water pipe called a dab rig and a nail, a flat bowl that can withstand high temperatures. Another option is to use a dab pen, a convenient and portable device that lets you control the dabbing temperature. In addition to live resin, dab pens can be used to heat a variety of hash oils such as crumble, wax, and shatter.
What are the Effects of Live Resin?
As with all types of Cannabis, the effects depend largely on the qualities of the original plant. Thus, different varieties of live resin will have different effects and potency. THC levels are the main factor that determines the potency of Cannabis. While all concentrates tend to be high in THC, what distinguishes live resin from other concentrates are the terpenes that are retained in this type of extract.
For many people, the taste and aroma of marijuana are a crucial part of the experience. Live resin lets you enjoy the benefits of a Cannabis concentrate while retaining the flavor found in flower. Some people believe that, because live resin preserves more of the plant’s compounds, it also has greater medicinal benefits than other concentrates.
How Live Resin Differs From Other Concentrates
Because live resin preserves the terpenes more than other concentrates, the most obvious distinction is the taste and aroma. However, this won’t be the same in all varieties of live resin. Your experience depends largely on which terpenes are preserved. Terpenes not only impact the aroma but can have effects on the body and mind. Some terpenes, such as myrcene, have a calming effect while others, such as terpinolene, are more energizing. There are many terpenes, so the particular makeup of each strain is unique and the effects will be slightly different.
Is Live Resin Safe?
Safety concerns are always important to consider when using Cannabis concentrates. When the proper precautions are followed, live resin is safe. The manufacturing of live resin is a dangerous process that should be left to professionals. When heating live resin, you need to consider dabbing safety precautions, such as working in a space far from any flammable materials. When ingesting live resin (or any Cannabis extract), you should be familiar with the potency of the strain, especially if you’re susceptible to side effects such as anxiety or depression. It’s always best to start with small doses to find out how it affects you.
Enjoy the Benefits of Live Resin
Live resin is a Cannabis concentrate that provides a full-bodied experience compared to other concentrates. It’s important to buy products from a legal source that you trust and to select a strain that has the potency and effects that you prefer.
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