By now, you’ve probaby heard the terms ‘Rosin’, ‘Resin’, and Distillate’, but do you know the difference?

Live rosin, live resin, and distillate are all cannabis concentrates, but they are produced using different extraction methods and have different characteristics.

Extraction Method: Live rosin is made using a solventless extraction method, typically involving pressure and heat to squeeze resin from fresh cannabis flowers. Live resin, on the other hand, is made using a solvent-based extraction method, usually with butane or propane. This method involves extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from freshly harvested cannabis flower. Distillate is also produced using a solvent-based extraction method, often with ethanol or CO2. This process involves extracting cannabinoids and other compounds from the cannabis plant material using solvents, followed by purification through distillation.

Starting Material: Live rosin is made from freshly harvested cannabis flowers that have not been dried or cured. Live resin also uses fresh cannabis flowers, but they may be flash-frozen shortly after harvest to preserve the plant’s natural terpene profile before extraction. Distillate is made from cannabis plant material, which can include the flowers, trim, or even whole plants.

Final Product: Live rosin tends to have a higher terpene content and a more robust flavor profile compared to live resin. This is because it retains more of the original terpenes present in the fresh cannabis flowers. Live resin may have a slightly different terpene profile due to the extraction process involving solvents. However, it can still have a rich flavor and aroma. Distillates are known for their high potency, often containing upwards of 90% THC or CBD. During the distillation process, most terpenes and other plant compounds are removed, resulting in a product with a neutral flavor and odor.

In summary, the main differences between live rosin, live resin, and distillate lie in their extraction methods, starting materials, and resulting characteristics, particularly in terms of flavor, terpene content, and purity. Rosin and resin are prized for their full spectrum of compounds and rich flavor, while distillate is valued for its purity, potency, and versatility in product formulations.