Live Resin Versus Cured Resin

The booming legalized recreational cannabis industry is constantly expanding and changing. In 2012, Colorado made headway by becoming the first state to make recreational cannabis use legal for adults, and 23 states have since followed suit. Cannabis is big business, and it even has its own vocabulary. 

Resin is a term that has gained momentum among cannabis circles and is frequently heard at dispensaries and on online cannabis delivery platforms – but what exactly is it? Further, what is the difference between live resin and cured resin? Have no fear, because we are going to break it all down for you. Read on to learn more about resin and two popular varieties, live resin and cured resin.

Resin Explained

First, let’s define the term resin. In the broadest sense of the word, resin is an organic (or synthetic) compound secreted by plants that produces a flammable, transparent, or yellowish viscous liquid. In cannabis plants, resin is classified as a concentrate and is the result of the accumulation of trichomes – which store cannabinoids and terpenes, the best parts of the plant. Cannabinoids include THC and CBD, which produce the psychoactive effects of cannabis as well as potentially healing compounds, respectively.

What Is Cannabis Resin?

Cannabis resin comes from the plant’s trichomes, the fine hair-like glands that house its terpenes and cannabinoids. These are the most desirable parts of the plant that get you high and may offer healing benefits. Cannabis plants with higher levels of cannabinoids are more potent and produce the best extracts like shatter, wax, and oil. 

Cannabis plants produce resin that’s collected or extracted to make concentrates. Resin is collected manually or chemically using solvents like propane, CO2, and butane. This chemical extraction method produces shatters, waxes, oils, and more. Manual extraction includes dry sifting, freezing, and careful separation by hand.

What Is Live Resin? 

Resin is a type of cannabis concentrate that is produced using various methods. Live resin gets its name from the method of extraction, which uses fresh cannabis plants. These fresh plants are typically flash-frozen after harvest to preserve their cannabinoid content and terpene profile. Frozen, uncured cannabis plants retain a broader terpene profile, which makes for an aromatic and tasty concentrate. Live resin is usually extracted with solvents.

Live Resin Carts 

Distillates like live resin are a great option for anyone wishing to enjoy cannabis more stealthily and with less harsh smoke. Live resin is ideal for smoking vaporizers and cartridges (or carts) since it has less smell and flavor, making it a better fit for those seeking a milder and more discreet smoking experience. 

Because live resin is made using a complex production method, the result is a high-quality extract that seems especially developed for carts. When the non-cannabinoid plant material is removed during the distillation process, the terpenes and cannabinoids may also be stripped, so they need to be added back to give the concentrate better flavor and aroma. In general, live resin carts are small, inconspicuous, and affordable, making them a great fit for anyone wanting a milder cannabis smoking experience. For those curious about vaping, here are tips for choosing a cart that suits your personal preferences and needs. 

The cannabis distillation process is somewhat complex and includes a myriad of variables. The extraction process relies on chemical and physical methods to remove trichomes. After the resinous trichomes are isolated, they must undergo a purifying process that extrapolates the remaining cannabinoids. Lastly, heat is used to refine and convert the active compounds into cannabinoids. Vacuum pressure is used to create the final product – a pure cannabis distillate. 

The end goal of distillation is a purer cannabinoid that is more potent than regular cannabis flower. Cannabis distillates might include THC or CBD, depending on the flower strain and terpene profile. 

Cured Resin

This form of resin gets its name from drying and curing cannabis flowers. Harvested plants are dried to remove as much moisture from the concentrate as possible, which creates very specific terpenes that develop the flavor and are small. The curing process can take anywhere from weeks to months and relies on chemical extraction to produce cured resin.

Cured Resin Vs Live Resin

Aside from their extraction methods, the most noticeable difference between life and cured resin is their distinct terpene profile. The drying and curing process can result in the degradation of terpenes and cannabinoids, which can be added back after extraction.

Live resin has a more pronounced, vibrant terpene profile as the plant’s compounds are captured at their peak freshness to preserve and retain a more robust terpene and cannabinoid profile. This is a result of the flash-freezing process, which helps to preserve the distinct flavors and aromas. 

For those looking for a fresher taste and smell, cannabis enthusiasts prefer live resin. The terpene profile produces more floral notes and is complex and often described as fruity.

Cured resin has a robust terpene profile that differs from live resin’s. Changes that occur in the curing process can produce altered composition and may result in more intense terpenes. Aromas and flavors are frequently described as earthy, woody, and sometimes spicy. The cannabis plant strain and curing techniques determine the smells and tastes of cured resin.

Resin Wrap Up

The burning question on everybody’s mind is, which form of resin gets you higher? The answer is not simple or direct, because there are numerous variables that must be considered when determining which form of resin is more effective at producing a more potent and stronger high. To learn the truth about live resin and cured resin, check out this blog post on finding the ultimate high.

Both forms of resin are cannabis concentrates and, therefore, can be potent, as they represent a concentration of the plant’s cannabinoids. The choice between live resin and cured resin is a personal preference that comes down to individual taste preferences and desired cannabis concentrate effects, as well as desired sensory and experiential qualities. Live resin is the best option for those who opt for a fresh, more vibrant terpene profile. For those who enjoy more subdued, subtle, and mature flavors, cured resin is the way to go. 

If you are still uncertain after reading this article, give Doobie a ring at 1-888-8 DOOBIE. Doobie’s Concierge can answer all your resin questions and recommend products that might work well for you. If you already know what you want or you simply want to browse Doobie’s extensive menu, head to trydoobie.com to learn more and order online for fast, professional cannabis delivery. 
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Please consume cannabis responsibly and follow all local laws and regulations.