The world of cannabis and THC products is changing, and changing quickly. As decriminalization and legalization pick up speed in the United States, so too does innovation. What does that mean for cannabis lovers? They've got more options than ever before.
At Artet, we're fascinated by live resin. It’s one of the most exciting innovations out there. There’s a lot to love, but what intrigues us most of all is that live resin preserves the character and effects we associate with specific strains of cannabis.
A special kind of concentrate
Live resin is a concentrate or extract. It’s a semi-waxy, pliable substance, and it’s potent. But unlike other concentrates, live resin contains a whole lot of terpenes. What difference do these terpenes make?
Terpenes are the compounds that make different strains of cannabis unique. They’re responsible for the notes of fruit, earth, pine, pepper, and rosemary you might find in your favorite strains, as well as the specific characteristics of the experience that strain provides.
By extracting terpenes alongside THC, one can bring the complexity, effects and flavor of the original flower and plant to the product that's being infused. Simply put, live resin brings the character of the cannabis right along with it.
How is live resin made?
Most cannabis plants are hung, dried, and trimmed after they’re harvested. During this curing process, moisture leaves the plant and the terpenes are exposed. Over time, they break down.
Consequently, by the time extraction occurs, the personality of the flower has faded. The end result is a concentrate that doesn’t offer up as specific a high— a concentrate without the piney, fruity, earthy, peppery, or herbal notes.
When growers and producers make live resin, they skip the curing process and freeze the plant immediately after it’s harvested. “Fresh freezing” keeps these terpenes “live.”
This way, when extraction occurs, all those charismatic compounds are preserved by the freeze and come along for the ride. The complexity of the high, plus the aroma and flavor of the flower makes the jump from the plant to the infused product. The end result is an extract that has the personality and profile of the plant it was extracted from.
Why use live resin?
For flower lovers, producers, and THC nerds, live resin offers up a wide world of possibilities. This innovation has enabled producers in states like California, for example, to infuse beverages with live resin that come from one single strain and that offer up the effects you'd expect when smoking high quality flower.
Want a sativa-dominant spritz? You got it. A cannabis cocktail that's calibrated for social moments and creativity? No problem.
In the past, Artet has produced several single-strain, live resin beverages using materials extracted from award-winning cannabis in California. Current regulations make beverages like these a little tricky to produce and sell, but rest assured that as the country continues to embrace THC, live resin will begin to play more and more of a role!
