Wondering what all the live resin hype is about? Look no further.
Why Cannabis Connoisseurs Choose Live Resin
Thanks in part to recent advancements in extraction technology, several cannabis products and consistencies on dispensary shelves today offer a more refined, pure and potent experience. Chief among them are live resin products, primarily because the process of extracting live resin preserves the unique terpene and cannabinoid profiles of each strain in a way that more authentically captures the true essence of the living plant. If you're wondering what all the live resin hype is about, look no further.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin is a 100% pure cannabis extract made by separating trichomes (where the terpenes and other cannabinoids live) from flash-frozen flower to uniquely capture a strain's original, full-spectrum effects. From its true-to-strain complexity, flavor and aroma to next-level potency, live resin products, here are the top five reasons why cannabis connoisseurs choose live resin.
One: Complex Terpene Profiles
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinctive smell and taste. Terpenes also deliver therapeutic effects that interact with cannabinoids to provide the effects and benefits unique to each strain. For example, some terpenes are known to enhance the mood-lifting effects of THC, while others can reduce anxiety or inflammation. Because live resin retains a higher concentration of terpenes than other concentrates, it delivers a fuller, more flavorful experience, along with aromatic expressions consistent with the original flower.
Some of the more common terpenes found in live resin products include:
- Myrcene: A musky and earthy terpene with reported soothing and relaxing effects. Myrcene is sometimes called the "couch-lock" terpene because it is known to enhance the indica effects of cannabis.
- Limonene: A citrusy and refreshing terpene known to provide uplifting and energizing effects. Some report that strains high in Limonene improve mood, reduce stress and increase focus.
- Pinene: A piney and herbal terpene known for its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects. Some find pinene helps counteract less desirable effects of cultivars high in THC that some may experience, like memory impairment.
- Caryophyllene: A spicy and peppery terpene known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- Linalool: A floral and lavender-like terpene known for its calming and soothing effects. Some report that linalool is effective in treating insomnia, anxiety, depression and epilepsy.
Two: Potent Effects
Because live resin is extracted from flower frozen immediately after harvest, the full-spectrum oil preserves all the original flower's cannabinoids for a more potent concentrate. Cannabinoids are the active compounds that produce each strain's psychoactive and medicinal effects. While the most well-known cannabinoid is THC, there are over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, each with its own effects and benefits.
With a higher percentage of THC and other cannabinoids than other concentrates, live resin products enhance the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes, enriching their effects. Some of the more common cannabinoids found in live resin products include:
- CBD: A non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-seizure and neuroprotective effects. It is also reported to balance the psychoactive effects of THC.
- CBG: Known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and neuroprotective effects. Some report that CBG helps stimulate appetite, reduce intraocular pressure and inhibit tumor growth.
- CBN: Known for its sedative, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, some report that CBN helps with insomnia, glaucoma and muscle spasms.
- THCV: With reported effects similar to THC, THCV is a shorter duration, less psychoactive cannabinoid known to suppress appetite, enhance mood and reduce panic attacks.
Three: Entourage Effect
As mentioned above, the entourage effect is a phenomenon that occurs when the various natural components of cannabis, like cannabinoids, flavonoids and other phytochemicals work together to produce a greater effect than any single component alone. The full-spectrum nature of live resin allows cannabinoids and terpenes to interact synergistically in a way that compares only to the original flower itself.
Four: Robust Aromas
Every strain has a unique aroma, ranging from sweet and fruity to earthy and spicy and everything in between. Because live resin captures the true essence of the cannabis plant, it also provides an aromatic experience consistent with its original flower, allowing the complex expression of each strain to shine.
Cannabis aromas are influenced by a strain's terpene profile, which can be classified into four main categories:
- Sweet: Sweet or fruity strains like berry, grape or mango are typically high in myrcene, limonene or linalool terpenes.
- Sour: Sour or citrusy aromas like lemon, lime or orange are usually high in limonene or pinene terpenes.
- Earthy: Earthy or herbal aromas like pine, wood or grass are generally high in pinene or caryophyllene terpenes.
- Spicy: Spicy and peppery aromas like clove, cinnamon or nutmeg are usually high in caryophyllene or humulene terpenes.
Five: Product Variety
Live resin can be consumed in several consistencies, including as oil in carts or as a jarred concentrate like batter or sugar. It can also be added to flower for a more complex puff.
Some of the most common live resin products include:
- Live Resin Oil, which can be used in vape cartridges and pens, provides a smooth and flavorful vapor with fast-acting effects.
- Live Resin Batter is a soft and creamy concentrate that can be dabbed using a rig or similar device. Easy to manipulate and measure, this consistency is ideal for precise dosing, offering a rich and potent vapor with long-lasting effects.
- Live Resin Sugar is a crystallized form of live resin that can be dabbed using a rig or a device. It is hard and sticky, making it ideal for storing and preserving. It provides a pure and potent vapor that delivers intense effects.
SunMed Live Resin Concentrates: From Root to Resin
Every SunMed Live Resin product begins with a single strain of our sun-grown flower, frozen immediately after harvest to preserve its terpenes and cannabinoids at peak freshness. Our live resin concentrates bring out the best of each strain, individually or carefully combined, to offer an experience that's uniquely true to the effects, benefits, aromas and flavor profiles of our flower. Click here to learn more and find SunMed's live resin products at a dispensary near you.
