Illinois residents may purchase up to 30 grams of flower/pre-rolls; up to 500 milligrams of THC-infused edibles; and up to 5 grams of concentrates. Non-residents may purchase up to 15 grams of flower/pre-rolls; up to 2.5 grams of concentrates; and up to 250 milligrams of THC-infused edibles.
Live Resin vs Rosin, What’s the Difference?
Live resin and rosin may sound similar but these two types of cannabis concentrates couldn’t be more different. Rosin is extracted through solventless methods, making it more flavorful but less potent. Live resin is created through solvent-based extraction, and, while not as flavorful, it is often more potent.
Read on to learn more about these marijuana extracts:
- What is Live Resin?
- What is Rosin?
- How Are Live Resin and Rosin Different?
- Live Resin vs Rosin: Which is Better?
- How Do I Store Live Resin and Rosin?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Live Resin?
Live resin is a cannabis concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis plants. Freezing helps to keep trichomes intact before processing, preserving higher amounts of terpenes and other cannabinoids than extracts made from dried marijuana flower.1
Live resin is processed through solvent-based extraction, including butane and CO2. Some live resin manufacturers use a proprietary blend of several solvents to produce sophisticated end results. The live resin manufacturing process can create suitable products for vape cartridges as well as dabbing.
What is Rosin?
A cannabis concentrate that can be made from either fresh or dried flower and nugs (as well as trim, kief, and hash), rosin is made without solvents. Instead, the rosin extraction process uses heat and pressure. When it's still hot, rosin tends to be drippy light yellow or golden oil. When it cools, rosin takes on a creamier consistency, similar to honey.2
How Are Live Resin and Rosin Different?
Now that you know more about these concentrates, here’s how they compare to each other.
Differences in Extraction
Resin with an "e" is made using chemical solvents. Rosin with an "o" is made using a heat and pressure process. To make it even more complicated, you may see either of these concentrates referred to as “live resin” or “liver rosin.” That means it was made from fresh frozen, not dried, cannabis.
Differences in Potency
Live resin can come in concentrations of up to 90% THC, which makes it very potent. Rosin, produced by only heat and pressure, can also be potent, but not as potent as resin.3
Differences in Flavor
Taste differences between resin and rosin result from processing methods and the cannabis flower they come from. Rosin can have a more complex, herbal taste than resin because it's extracted directly from cannabis trichomes using heat and pressure. Sophisticated resin production processes can also preserve terpenes and flavonoids, resulting in a complex taste reflecting the whole plant.3
Differences in Consistency & Appearance
Sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference between rosin and resin, whether made through live processes or not. Often, rosin is going to be softer and more liquid than resin products. You can find rosin liquid, budder, badder, and jam. Resin comes in additional textures, including shatter, sugar, crumble, and diamonds.4
Differences in Consumption
You can smoke both resin and rosin through a variety of mediums, also known as dabbing. Concentrates like resin diamonds separate THCA into crystalline form, which you can sprinkle onto joints, bongs, or pipes.4 You'll find a lot of interchangeable uses between resin and rosin.
Live Resin vs Rosin: Which is Better?
Which is better depends on individual taste and needs. The solvent-free production method for rosin can make it a good match for consumers who are concerned about ingesting chemicals. Resin is available in many forms and can achieve high potency, which offers flexibility of use.
How Do I Store Live Resin and Rosin?
Marijuana concentrates can break down if they're not stored properly. For short-term storage, you can wrap your resin or rosin in parchment paper. Put the paper in a resealable bag and push out all the air. This will protect the concentrate for a few days. For longer-term storage, you can use a glass jar that's slightly larger than your concentrate. Keep the glass jar in a cool, dry place until you're ready to use your resin or rosin. We recommend sticking with glass jars to store both types of concentrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re confused about the difference between these concentrates, you’re not alone. Here are some common questions we hear at our dispensaries.
Which one is more potent, live resin or rosin?
Live resin tends to be more potent than live rosin due to its extraction process. However, both extracts are potent.
Which concentrate is better for vaping or dabbing?
Both concentrates can be used for vaping or dabbing, although you'll find that rosin is more often consumed via dabbing. Once again, there's no "better or worse" with these concentrates: it all comes down to personal preference.
How do live resin and rosin compare in terms of affordability?
Live rosin tends to be more expensive than resin because of the differences in extraction processes and quantities of concentrate that can be made at one time.2
Can live resin or rosin be used in edibles or other cannabis-infused products?
Yes, live resin and rosin can be used to make edibles and cannabis-infused products.
Purchasing Live Resin & Rosin
Your budtender can tell you about the live resin and rosin products that are available at your dispensary, explain their differences, and help you to locate the live resin or rosin that's right for you.
Sources:
1. "Live Rosin: Cannabis Glossary," Leafly.com, accessed 02 May 2024, url: https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/live-resin
2. "Leafly's guide to rosin: What is it and how do you make it?" Leafly.com, 13 July 2022, url: https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/dabs/rosin-how-to
3. "Live Rosin vs Live Resin: Similarities and Differences," Leafwell, accessed 01 May 2024, url: https://leafwell.com/blog/rosin-vs-resin
4. "Live Resin vs. Rosin: Differences, Uses and Benefits," Santa Cruz Sentinel, 20 March 2024, url: https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2024/03/20/live-resin-vs-rosin-differences-uses-and-benefits/
Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Ohio and Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.