Keeping track of cannabis concentrates can quickly get confusing. And with names like “badder,” “budder,” “resin,” and “rosin,” it’s not hard to see why. If you’re new to dabbing, browsing over a concentrated menu can leave you with more questions than answers. With so many concentrates to choose from, and with so many small subtle differences between them, it can be easy to quickly get lost in the world of concentrates.
Resin vs Rosin
Resin and rosin are two concentrates quickly gaining in popularity. Their similar names can also cause some confusion among new dabbers. Here’s what you need to know about resin vs rosin.
What Is Resin?
Resin is a term used to describe the sticky gooey trichomes found all over cannabis buds. Resin contains all of the cannabinoids and terpenes that give cannabis its flavor and its potency.
It’s believed that cannabis plants developed resin as an evolutionary mechanism in order to better protect themselves from predators and pests that would otherwise eat them. For example, THC, actually comes from THCA, an acidic precursor cannabinoid that exists in cannabis resin and that is thought to drive predators away with its acidity.
The term “resin” is also used to refer to the black/brown tar-like substance that can build up over time inside of glassware used to smoke cannabis flower. Technically, this is resin, but it’s much less potent than fresh resin.
Live Resin
When it comes to concentrates, “resin” refers to a type of extract that is usually made using a hydrocarbon or CO2 extraction process. Resin concentrates look very similar to wax, but they tend to be a bit more sticky and gooey.
Live resin is the most common type of resin concentrate you’ll find at your local dispensary. This extract is made by freezing freshly harvested plant material until it’s ready to be extracted. By freezing the material right away and skipping the curing process, more terpenes are preserved, making the final product more flavorful and aromatic. Live resin is super aromatic and can fill up a room with its scent as soon as it’s opened. If you’re looking for a dab you won’t soon forget, give live resin a shot!
What Is Rosin?
It’s important to understand that “rosin” is not a term used exclusively for cannabis concentrates.
Outside the world of cannabis, rosin is basically sap-like resin squeezed from a tree. It’s made by heating that resin up and is commonly used by musicians to make the strings of their instruments stickier, and by baseball pitchers to give the ball a little more spin. But this is not the kind of rosin that you’ll find at your local dispensary.
Instead, cannabis rosin is a thick, sticky cannabis concentrate made using a simple and solvent-free extraction process that uses only heat and pressure. It’s made by heating up plant material and then clamping down on it in order to squeeze out the terpenes and cannabinoids found in the trichomes. Rosin is professionally made with a rosin press that is similar to a small hydraulic press, but with heat.
Rosin can also appear as “live rosin.” The difference between the two is that live rosin is made using frozen and uncured plant material, just like live resin.
Resin vs Rosin: Which Is Better?
Which one should you buy? We recommend giving them both a try. Both of these concentrates are super flavorful and provide a superior dabbing experience when compared to other extracts like shatter or distillate.
Rosin isn’t quite as terpy as live resin, but it’s still known for its impressive terpene content and intense flavors. Additionally, the fact that it’s solventless may appeal to more health-conscious cannabis consumers.
Whichever one you choose to dab, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!
Qualifying conditions vary by state. Any information related to qualifying conditions in this post may not apply to cannabis patients in all states. Product availability also varies based on state program restrictions and rules, so the products discussed may not be available in all states. Check with your local Green Goods location about the products available in your state.
