Live resin is a cannabis concentrate that is produced using a technique that preserves the terpenes of the fresh cannabis plant. Live resin provides an aroma, flavor, and cannabinoid profile that is very similar to the fresh cannabis plant. It tends to have a very strong terpene profile and aroma.
Live resin is made by flash-freezing freshly harvested cannabis plants to subcritical temperatures prior to and during the extraction process. The rapid freezing of the plant material preserves the terpenes that can degrade quickly after harvest. The frozen plant material is then processed using a solvent like butane or propane to create the live resin concentrate.
The production of live resin requires freshly harvested cannabis plants and advanced extraction equipment to freeze and process the plant material while preserving terpenes. Growers will harvest plants and immediately freeze them to preserve terpenes. The frozen plants are then processed using a closed-loop solvent system. The solvent is chilled prior to passing through the plant material. The resulting extract is then purged of solvents using a vacuum oven.
Live resin tends to have a very strong terpene aroma and flavored "dab" compared to other cannabis concentrates like wax or shatter. The preservation of terpenes during extraction also results in a broader spectrum of cannabinoids in the final product. Live resin can have a THC content of 60-95% or more along with a robust terpene profile. The entourage effect from the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes provides a very potent experience for consumers.
Live resin is a popular choice for those seeking a rich terpene experience from their cannabis concentrates. The strong aroma and flavor, along with potent effects, have made live resin a premium concentrate product in legal cannabis markets. Live resin can be consumed using a dab rig or vaporizer, and some producers also use it as an ingredient in edibles, vape pens, and other products.