What is Live Resin?
Live resin was first created in Colorado in 2013 by Kind Bill. Compared to other forms of extracted cannabis it is relatively new on the spectrum. It often goes for a higher price compared to other more standard extracts as it’s known for having a remarkably high flavor profile as well as a distinguished aroma. When cannabis plants are harvested there are often numerous processes that happen between that point and whenever the finished product is complete. These processes such as drying, curing, etc. can often destroy flavonoids and terpenes that are valuable for keeping a robust flavor profile and high. The majority of other extraction methods can actually purge terpenes along with other compounds that often ends with an extract that has lost its original scent and flavor.
An easy way to describe live resin is to think about a cannabis plant yet to be harvested. A healthy cannabis plant has a complex profile consisting of various terpenes and cannabinoids. Full-spectrum extracts such as live resin attempt to capture these terpene and cannabinoid molecules in as undisturbed a form as possible. If you imagine fresh herb, it typically has a better smell and taste than the majority of most types of extracts. While live resin is one of the most common full-spectrum extracts, there are others including the most popular variety: kief. Although instead of using fresh frozen plants, kief uses a cured process to procure THC goodness. And even though kief is by far the cheapest and most common full-spectrum extract, live resin definitely takes the cake when it comes to quality on average.
Once you’ve got your hands on some of the good stuff, as it’s typically on the expensive side you’re going to want to store it properly. In order to keep it as fresh as possible, always store your live resin in a cool dark place, preferably in an area that isn’t too moist and out of fresh air. Oftentimes the container’s live resin comes in isn’t airtight. So if you’re looking to drop a pretty penny on some concentrate it’s usually worth it to buy a container built for cannabis oil storage. While glass containers are fine, most people would recommend silicone as it’s easier to scrape the oil out of. Essentially light and hot temperatures can damage live resin over time, so most people keep it stored in a cooler area such as your fridge. After all, what’s the point of spending the extra buck on live resin just to have all of your precious terpenes evaporate.
Live resin is almost always consumed by either dabbing or vaping with the former being the most common. When dabbing your live resin make sure to heat your nail on the lower side to ensure that your terpenes don’t get destroyed by high temperatures. Live resin cartridges are becoming a more popular way to consume the substance as they often have fixed temperatures that the concentrate is vaped at. This usually ensures, depending on your cartridge and type of pen that you get the most bang for your buck. Speaking of bucks, live resin can cost upwards of $60 a gram. Sometimes even hitting the $90-$100 range, which is one of the main reasons why it’s important to store and consume it properly.
