Are you feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of hemp-derived cannabinoid products on the market? You’re not alone! It can be challenging to navigate the ever-expanding world of hemp and understand the differences between all the different products. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we aim to break down everything you need to know about hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids. We’ll introduce you to live rosin and live resin, two extracts that have taken the hemp world by storm, and explain the difference between them. But that’s not all! Explore other popular extracts, like hash rosin, ice water hash, wax, shatter, and budder. Learn what to look for in a high-quality live rosin brand and where to find it. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be a hemp expert! So, let’s dive into the world of hemp and discover the magic of live rosin and live resin.
Hemp vs. Marijuana – What’s the Difference?
Hemp and cannabis may seem like two different plants, but they are actually the same. The key difference lies in their composition, appearance, and use. When we refer to hemp today, we’re talking about a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC by weight. This is a legal term that allows hemp to be grown for various uses. If the THC limit were raised to 1%, the plants would go from being called cannabis to hemp overnight and become federally legal.
The small amount of THC in hemp means that it won’t get you high. Hemp was legalized in 2018 under the farm bill for its seeds, which can be used as food, and its fiber, which is great for making materials. It’s often referred to as industrial hemp for these reasons. If you’re familiar with weed plants, hemp looks very different. It’s typically thin, tall, and lanky, with skinny leaves that are usually green or yellowish. This is in contrast to short, squat indicas with fat leaves and purple hues.
Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids
The 2018 Farm Bill was a game-changer for the hemp industry, legalizing the cultivation and extraction of cannabinoids with a THC level below 0.3% at the federal level. This legislation opened up a world of possibilities for hemp-derived products and sparked a new wave of unregulated markets.
The hemp plant is abundant in various “potential” cannabinoids, including Delta 8 THC, THC-X, THC-P, HHC, and CBD, to name a few. As the industry continues to evolve, new novel cannabinoids are emerging regularly, and consumers are finding them to be viable alternatives to marijuana-derived THC due to their psychoactive effects.
However, just because these extracts are legal does not necessarily mean they are safe. In 2023, the FDA has yet to regulate hemp-derived substances, creating confusion for both consumers and other branches of the US Government. This lack of regulation is causing uncertainty about product quality and safety. For instance, the DEA recently responded to questions regarding THC-X, claiming it is not supported under the 2018 Farm Bill. This response further highlights the lack of clear and consistent regulation and underscores the need for industry-wide standards and oversight.
What is Live Rosin THC?
Live rosin is the talk of the town in the cannabis concentrate market, and for good reason. Although they tend to be the priciest product per gram at dispensaries, many believe it’s worth the extra cost. Why? Simply put, there are no solvents used in the production process, and producers make them with only the finest trichome and terpene-rich plants.
However, producing live rosin requires a bit more effort than other concentrates. It involves sifting and pressing high-quality, smaller yields of trichome and terpene-rich plants. What about the live aspect of it? Some might think it’s as simple as pressing freshly frozen plants, but that’s not quite the case. Pressing a frozen plant directly into rosin can cause moisture to boil alongside the cannabinoids and terpenes, ultimately degrading the quality of the final product. So, what’s the solution? The missing step involves making ice wax with high-quality freshly frozen material and allowing it to dry before pressing it into rosin.
While live rosin may be a bit more expensive and require more effort to produce than other concentrates, many enthusiasts swear by the quality and taste. The lack of solvents in the production process makes it a safer and healthier option for consumption.
Live Resin – What is it?
Live resin has become increasingly popular among cannabis enthusiasts due to its unique extraction process that allows for a more flavorful and aromatic concentrate. Unlike traditional concentrates, which involve a lengthy curing and drying process that can cause a loss of natural terpenes and plant compounds, live resin is made from freshly harvested marijuana that is immediately flash-frozen at sublevel temperatures.
The key to live resin’s high-quality terpene profile is its use of solvents such as butane, propane, or BHO to extract the cannabinoids and other plant compounds. By using solvents and immediately freezing the plant material, the natural terpenes are better preserved and can create a more potent and flavorful final product.
Other Types of Hemp THC Extracts:
The cannabis concentrate market is filled with a wide variety of extracts, each with its unique characteristics and production process.
Hash Rosin vs. Live Rosin
Live rosin, which we discussed earlier, is made from fresh, frozen cannabis that is turned into hash before it’s pressed into rosin. On the other hand, hash rosin is pressed hash but doesn’t require the starting material to be flash-frozen.
Ice Water Hash – Live Rosin Precursor
Ice water hash, also known as bubble hash or ice wax, is made by agitating cannabis and ice water until the trichomes are separated from the plant material. The resulting concentrated cannabis is dark brown and resinous, making it perfect for smoking or dabbing as is.
What is Wax?
Wax, or sugar wax, is made by extracting cannabinoids from buds or trim of any cannabis plant using a hydrocarbon. Post-processing, it’s whipped or stirred to create its soft and malleable texture. Wax has a high cannabinoid content, but it doesn’t retain terpenes as much as live rosin.
Shatter – is it worth it?
Shatter is an extract with little terpenes, and it looks like a thin sheet of Swiss cheese, with little holes from popped air bubbles during the purging process. Comparing shatter to live rosin, shatter may get you higher faster, but the effects from live rosin will be more full-bodied and potentially last longer.
Budder – Whip it’
Budder, or badder, is thick, creamy, and sticky, with a fluffy texture due to the extra whipping during post-processing. It looks like a lump of yellow butter, and it retains a good number of terpenes and cannabinoids.
When choosing between extracts, the determining factor is merely a preference for solventless or solvent-based extraction. Live rosin and ice water hash are both solventless, while wax, shatter, and budder are solvent-based. It’s essential to understand each extraction process to determine which one suits your preferences and needs.
Live Rosin or Live Resin – Which is stronger?
Live rosin and live resin may share some similarities, but there are also some notable differences between the two. One key difference is in their appearance, with live resin having a nectar or honey-like color, while live rosin tends to be amber or white.
While live resin is not recommended for consumption in edibles due to the inactive THCA, live rosin is edible. This is because the heat involved in the extraction process activates the THCA, converting it to THC, which makes it safe to consume in edibles. It’s also important to note that rosin and live rosin are not the same products. Rosin is typically extracted from dried flowers, hash, or kief, while live rosin is extracted from fresh, uncured flowers. The difference in starting plant material results in differences in terpenes, with live rosin typically having more monoterpenes, resulting in a superior taste and aroma compared to rosin.
Ultimately, the choice between live resin and live rosin depends on personal preference and desired effects. However, for those looking for a chemical-free, edible alternative, live rosin may be the better choice.
Live Rosin Brands – What to look for?
When it comes to buying Live Rosin products, it’s best to purchase from a trusted online distributor instead of an in-person store. The online hemp marketplace is highly competitive, which means companies need to work hard to maintain high-quality standards and offer fresh, potent products with higher turnover rates. In contrast, gas stations and convenience stores often sell the cheapest hemp products, resulting in a significant reduction in quality.
One of the best ways to ensure the quality of Live Rosin products is by looking for third-party lab reports. These reports provide an independent analysis of the breakdown of chemical compounds, impurities, and other elements like microbes and contaminants found in the product. This standard process throughout the hemp industry helps ensure the safety and potency of hemp products.
When reviewing the ingredients list of a hemp product, be sure to stick with products made with clean, safe, and natural ingredients. Avoid products with chemical additives, artificial preservatives, and allergenic ingredients that don’t serve a specific purpose in the product.
Our Live Rosin – Totally Worth It
the world of hemp-derived cannabinoid products can be overwhelming, but we hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of live rosin, live resin, and other popular extracts. Live rosin is a high-quality product that requires more effort and is a healthier option due to the lack of solvents in the production process. Live resin, on the other hand, preserves natural terpenes and produces a more flavorful and aromatic final product. However, it uses solvents in its extraction process, which may be a concern for some consumers. It’s important to note that the hemp industry is still largely unregulated, which creates uncertainty regarding product quality and safety. As the industry continues to evolve, we hope to see more clear and consistent regulations to ensure that consumers can make informed choices.
Hemplitude’s Live Rosin is an exceptional product that is sure to meet and exceed your expectations. Its premium quality, unique flavors, and unparalleled purity make it a must-try for all cannabis enthusiasts. By choosing Hemplitude’s Live Rosin, you are not only investing in a superior product but also in the experience of indulging in the finest cannabis concentrate available on the market. So why wait? Treat yourself to the ultimate cannabis experience and try Hemplitude’s Live Rosin today!
