What’s the Difference Between Live Resin and Cured Resin?

When it comes to cannabis concentrates, thanks to constant innovation, there are a multitude of options available on the market. Two popular options are live resin and cured resin. Both offer unique characteristics and experiences, so understanding the differences between them is essential when deciding which to add to your cannabis arsenal. Here, we'll dive into the similarities and differences between live resin and cured resin, including their production methods, consistencies, terpene concentrations, flavors, potency, and where to purchase these cannabis products. 

What Is Live Resin? 

Live resin is one of the many types of cannabis concentrates available to cannabis enthusiasts that is known for its superior flavor and aroma. The main distinction of live resin is that it is made from freshly harvested cannabis plants, capturing the plant's natural terpene profile at its peak. The production process involves flash-freezing the cannabis immediately after harvest to preserve its terpenes and the plant’s living terpene profile. 

Next, the frozen material undergoes extraction using a solvent, usually butane or propane or a mix of hydrocarbons, to strip away cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. The resulting mixture is then purged of any residual solvent, leaving behind a highly potent, aromatic, and flavorful concentrate. 

What Is Cured Resin? 

Cured resin, also known as cured cannabis concentrate or simply resin, is made from dried and cured cannabis flower. Unlike live resin, which uses fresh material, cured resin is produced using cannabis that has undergone a drying and curing process, which typically takes several weeks. 

To create cured resin, the dried cannabis flower is exposed to a solvent, such as butane or propane, a mixture of hydrocarbons, or even ethanol or CO2, to extract the valuable cannabinoids and terpenes. The solvent is then removed through a purging process, leaving behind a concentrated and potent product. 

Live Resin vs. Cured Resin: Consistency

One of the noticeable differences between live resin and cured resin is their consistency. Live resin tends to have a more viscous and sap-like texture. This is due to the higher terpene content and the fresh plant material used during the extraction process, though it will vary slightly from strain to strain based on the cultivar’s terpene profile. The overall result is a sticky and highly fragrant concentrate that is often difficult to handle without the use of tools. 

On the other hand, cured resin typically has a more stable and solid consistency. It can range from a shatter-like texture that is brittle and snaps easily to a crumbly and wax-like texture. The consistency of cured resin can vary depending on factors such as the strain used and the purging process leveraged during production. 

Post-production practices can manipulate both live resin and cured resin into a variety of formats. Popular options for live resin include live sugar and live badder, while cured resin options include wax, shatter, and crumble. 

Live Resin vs. Cured Resin: Terpene Concentrations 

Terpenes are organic compounds that give cannabis its distinctive aroma and flavor. They also contribute to the entourage effect, enhancing the overall experience of consuming cannabis. Both live resin and cured resin contain terpenes, but their concentrations differ. 

Live resin is renowned for its high terpene content. By using fresh plant material, the extraction process captures a more extensive range of terpenes, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic concentrate. This abundance of terpenes also contributes to the unique effects and potential therapeutic benefits of live resin. 

In contrast, the drying and curing process of cannabis flowers used to make cured resin causes some terpenes to degrade and evaporate because they are so volatile. As a result, the terpene concentrations in cured resin are typically lower compared to live resin. This does not mean that cured resin lacks flavor or aroma altogether. Cured resin still offers a distinct taste and scent, albeit potentially less pronounced. 

Live Resin vs. Cured Resin: Flavor 

When it comes to flavor, live resin is often considered the pinnacle of cannabis concentrates. The preservation of terpenes by using fresh, flash-frozen plant material and hydrocarbon extraction process result in a concentrate that closely mirrors the taste of the original cannabis strain. Live resin offers a fuller and more robust flavor profile, allowing users to savor the nuanced notes and complexities of the strain's terpene profile. 

Cured resin, while milder in flavor compared to live resin, still retains distinct taste characteristics. The flavors vary depending on the strain used and the terpenes present in the concentrate. While not as potent as live resin, cured resin can still provide an enjoyable and flavorful experience. 

Live Resin vs. Cured Resin: Potency 

Another aspect that sets live resin apart from cured resin is potency. Live resin often boasts higher cannabinoid levels, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), compared to its cured counterpart. This is primarily due to the fresh plant material used, which contains higher concentrations of cannabinoids. 

Cured resin, while still potent, may have slightly lower overall cannabinoid levels. Overall, the potency of both live resin and cured resin can vary depending on the strain of cannabis used and the extraction and purification processes employed. 

How to Consume Live Resin and Cured Resin

Both live resin and cured resin can be consumed using various methods. Here are a few popular ways to enjoy these cannabis concentrates: 

• Dabbing: Dabbing is a common method for consuming cannabis concentrates. It involves heating a dab rig or vaporizer to a high temperature and applying a small amount of live resin or cured resin to the heated surface. This instantly vaporizes the concentrate, allowing for inhalation. 
• Vaping: Many vaporizers on the market are specifically designed for concentrate consumption. These devices, known as dab pens, offer a convenient and discreet way to consume live resin or cured resin. Simply load the desired amount into the vaporizer and follow the device’s instructions for use. 
• Vape Cartridges: Many cannabis brands offer vapes whose cartridges include live resin or cured resin oil for more potent options.  
• Adding to Flower: For those who prefer traditional methods of consumption, live resin and cured resin can be added to cannabis flower when rolling a joint or packing a bowl. This adds an extra kick of potency and flavor to the overall experience, just be sure to layer the concentrate between flower for the most even burn. 
• Edibles: Another option is to incorporate live resin or cured resin into homemade edibles. Since these concentrates are highly concentrated, it is important to properly calculate the dosage and follow a reliable recipe to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. 
   

Remember, when consuming cannabis concentrates, start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed to find your desired effects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Live Resin and Cured Resin 

Where to Purchase Live Resin and Cured Resin Cannabis Products 

To find quality live resin and cured resin cannabis products, look no further than a Zen Leaf Dispensary near you  

At Zen Leaf, you can expect to find premium-quality cannabis products that have undergone rigorous testing to ensure safety and potency. Our knowledgeable staff can provide guidance and recommendations based on your preferences and needs.  

Whether you're a connoisseur seeking the flavorful experience of live resin or looking for a stable and potent cured resin, Zen Leaf is the place to go.