Cannabis concentrate: Live Resin

The Term Live Resin
The term "Live Resin" is derived from the type of extraction and the fresh source materials used in its production. The name "Live Resin" combines two key components:

Live: This part of the name refers to the fact that the source materials for extraction are fresh and vibrant. Instead of using dried or cured cannabis, as is the case with many other extraction methods, freshly harvested cannabis flowers and plant parts are used. This freshness helps to better preserve the flavors and terpenes.
Resin: Resin refers to the sticky, resinous part of cannabis flowers that contain cannabinoids and terpenes. In the extraction of Live Resin, these resin glands are separated from the fresh plant parts to obtain a concentrated extract with a high THC content, CBD content, and terpene profile.

What Is Live Resin?
Live Resin is a special type of cannabis concentrate known for its high terpene content, which maintains the intense aroma and flavor of fresh, living cannabis.

Unlike other concentrates, the production of Live Resin does not involve the drying and curing process. Instead, fresh cannabis is harvested and immediately frozen, preserving the plants in an almost perfect state.
In contrast to conventional extraction methods, Live Resin provides a very authentic representation of the cannabis plant. This is due to the unique production process of Live Resin, resulting in it containing almost a complete range of terpenes and cannabinoids.

The versatility of Live Resin is evident in its different consistencies, ranging from bud structures to waxy textures and gel-like forms. This allows consumers to choose from a wide range of product types that suit their individual preferences and usage.Of particular interest to consumers is that Live Resin can provide a precise high and offers a more intense aroma and flavor compared to other concentrates. It may be the only concentrate that fully captures the unique effects of a specific cannabis strain, making it an attractive option for connoisseurs.

The Manufacturing Process of Live Resin

The production of Live Resin is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise, which is why it cannot be produced at home.

The process begins immediately after the cannabis plant is harvested since terpenes are sensitive to heat, light, and touch. To minimize the loss of terpenes, the entire plant is quickly frozen. However, freezing the entire plant is challenging because the frozen trichomes, the resin glands of the plant, are extremely fragile. Therefore, handling requires extreme caution to avoid damage.

Another challenge is the high water content of freshly frozen plants, which is why the extraction of Live Resin must take place at subcritical temperatures. In contrast to other extraction methods that reach -18°C, Live Resin requires temperatures between -29°C to -46°C. These extremely low temperatures are difficult to maintain and require special commercial freezers and coolers. Lowering the temperature separates unwanted compounds from cannabis oils, a process called precipitation. This is essential to ensure a high-quality end product but cannot be performed at home without special equipment.

The simplest and safest method of making Live Resin is to use a closed-loop extraction system. These systems are expensive and require special knowledge to operate. In a closed-loop extraction system, the solvent, typically butane, is pressurized and cooled to extremely low temperatures. Then, the liquid butane is passed through a tube containing the freshly frozen plant material. The butane extracts terpenes and cannabinoids from the plant. Next, the solution is directed into a dewaxing chamber to remove lipids and waxes and purify the extraction. Finally, the butane is evaporated, leaving behind a concentrated Live Resin oil, rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, suitable for human consumption.

Live resin has its price
There are various reports regarding the average yield of dried flowers. Many growers consider a yield of 3 to 5 % to be a moderate yield, whereas high-yielding varieties have the potential to achieve a yield of 7 to 8 %. Products can be expensive due to the limited availability of live resin.
However, due to the increased demand for high-quality extract products, prices have become more affordable for average cannabis consumers in the US. However, continuous market fluctuations make it difficult to give an exact price for Live Resin. At the time of writing, the price of a gram of high-quality live resin in the US ranged from $24 to $90.

Summary:

Live Resin is a cannabis concentrate characterized by its use of fresh, uncured cannabis, preserving the natural scent and flavor of the plant. It doesn't go through the drying process like other concentrates. Live Resin is versatile in consistency, providing a precise high and intense flavor. Its production requires specialized equipment and expertise.