If you’ve been to a cannabis dispensary lately, you’ve probably noticed a growing selection of concentrates, especially cured resin and live resin extracts. But what exactly is the difference between cured resin and live resin? Which one is stronger or better? In this article, we’ll take you through the key differences between cured resin vs live resin, detailing everything you need to know about these two popular types of cannabis concentrates.
Contents
What is Cured Resin?
Cured resin, also known as cured resin sauce or just “Resin“, is a type of cannabis concentrate that is made from dried and cured cannabis flowers. The extraction process begins after the plant has been harvested and hung to dry for several days to weeks. Once the flowers have been properly cured, they are run through a closed-loop extraction system that uses a hydrocarbon solvent like butane or propane to separate the active compounds like THC and CBD from the plant matter.
The resulting extract is then purged of any residual solvent using heat and vacuum pressure, leaving behind a potent, terpene-rich cannabis oil. Cured resin can range in consistency from sappy and runny to thick and gelatinous, depending on the strain, post-extraction techniques, and other factors.
One of the key characteristics of cured resin is its complex aroma and flavor profile. Because the plant undergoes a slow drying and curing process before extraction, many of the delicate monoterpenes have time to break down and transform into more complex aromatic compounds. As a result, cured resins often have a deeper, more “cannabis-like” flavor with notes of earth, wood, and spice.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin is another type of cannabis concentrate, but unlike cured resin, it is made from fresh, uncured cannabis flowers that are flash-frozen immediately after harvest. The idea behind live resin is to capture the plant’s active compounds in their most natural, “live” state before they have a chance to degrade or transform during the drying and curing process.
To make live resin, freshly harvested cannabis is quickly trimmed and then placed in a deep freezer at subcritical temperatures, usually around -40°F. This flash-freezing process helps to preserve the flower’s delicate trichomes, terpenes, and other active compounds. The frozen plant material is then subjected to a solvent-based extraction using butane, propane, or another hydrocarbon.
The resulting extract is a highly aromatic, flavorful, and potent concentrate that retains much of the plant’s original terpene and cannabinoid profile. Live resins are known for their bright, vibrant colors and intense aromas that are often described as “fresh” or “plant-like”.
Cured Resin vs Live Resin: Flavor and Aroma
One of the main differences between cured resin and live resin is their flavor and aroma profiles. Cured resins tend to have a more complex, nuanced flavor with notes of earth, wood, and spice that are reminiscent of well-cured cannabis flowers. The aroma of cured resin is often described as “dusky”, “musky”, or “rich”.
Live resins, on the other hand, have a brighter, more vivid flavor profile that is often likened to the aroma of fresh cannabis plants. Common terpene notes in live resin include citrus, pine, berry, and tropical fruit. The aroma of live resin is often described as “fresh”, “plant-like”, or “pungent”.
Some cannabis connoisseurs prefer the complex, aged flavors of cured resin, while others enjoy the bright, intense flavors of live resin. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.
Cured Resin vs Live Resin: Potency and Effects
Another key difference between cured resin and live resin is their potency and effects. While both types of concentrates are highly potent, with THC levels often exceeding 70%, there are some subtle differences in how they affect the user.
Cured resins tend to have a higher concentration of THC and other cannabinoids, but a lower concentration of terpenes compared to live resins. This is because some of the terpenes are lost during the drying and curing process. As a result, cured resins may provide a more potent, cerebral high that is focused primarily on the psychoactive effects of THC.
Live resins, on the other hand, tend to have a more balanced ratio of THC to terpenes. This is because the flash-freezing process helps to preserve more of the plant’s original terpene content. As a result, live resins may provide a more well-rounded, full-spectrum high that includes the synergistic effects of both cannabinoids and terpenes, a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect”.
Some users report that live resins provide a more uplifting, energetic high, while cured resins provide a more relaxing, sedative effect. However, these effects can vary widely depending on the specific strain, extraction method, and individual user.
Cured Resin or Live Resin: Which is Stronger
In terms of sheer THC potency, cured resins may have a slight edge over live resins. This is because the curing process can actually increase the concentration of THC in the final extract. However, the difference in potency between cured and live resins is often negligible, with both types of concentrates routinely testing above 70% THC.
That being said, many users report that live resins provide a stronger, more intense high than cured resins. This may be due to the entourage effect, where the synergistic interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids produces a more potent overall effect than THC alone.
Ultimately, the perceived strength of cured resin vs live resin will depend on individual factors like tolerance, dosage, and personal chemistry. Some users may find that they prefer the potent, cerebral high of cured resin, while others may enjoy the more balanced, full-spectrum effects of live resin.
Cured Resin vs Live Resin: Price and Availability
In general, live resins tend to be more expensive and less widely available than cured resins. This is due to the extra equipment and labor required to produce live resin, as well as the shorter shelf life of the final product.
To make live resin, producers must invest in specialized freezing equipment and have access to large quantities of freshly harvested cannabis. The flash-freezing process also adds an extra step to the production process, which increases labor costs. Additionally, because live resins are less stable than cured resins, they must be stored and transported under controlled conditions to maintain their quality.
Cured resins, on the other hand, are easier and cheaper to produce, as they do not require any specialized freezing equipment or handling. They also have a longer shelf life than live resins, which makes them easier to store and transport.
As a result, cured resins are often more widely available and affordable than live resins. However, as live resin continues to grow in popularity, more and more producers are investing in the necessary equipment and expertise to bring this premium product to market.
Final Thoughts on Cured Resin vs Live Resin
So, which is better: cured resin or live resin? The answer, as with most things in the world of cannabis, is that it depends on your individual preferences and needs.
If you’re looking for a potent, flavorful concentrate with a complex aroma and a more cerebral high, cured resin may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re after a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile and a well-rounded, full-spectrum effect, live resin may be more up your alley.
Personally, I enjoy both cured resin and live resin for different reasons. When I want a deep, rich flavor and a potent, long-lasting high, I reach for a high-quality cured resin. But when I’m in the mood for something more uplifting and energetic, with a bright, fresh flavor, I go for a nice live resin.
At the end of the day, the best way to figure out which type of concentrate you prefer is to try them both and see for yourself. With so many great options available on the market today, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of cannabis concentrates.
Whether you choose cured resin or live resin, always start with a low dose and work your way up slowly to avoid overconsumption. And as always, be sure to purchase your concentrates from a reputable, licensed dispensary to ensure quality and safety.
I hope this article has helped to clear up some of the confusion around cured resin vs live resin. Happy dabbing!
Faqs
What’s the difference between cured resin and live resin?
Cured resin and live resin are both types of cannabis concentrates, but they differ in how they are produced and the resulting flavor, aroma, and effects.
The main differences between cured resin and live resin are:
1. Starting material: Cured resin is made from dried and cured cannabis flowers, while live resin is made from fresh, flash-frozen flowers.
2. Terpene profile: Cured resin tends to have a more complex, aged flavor profile with notes of earth, wood, and spice, while live resin has a brighter, fresher flavor profile with notes of citrus, pine, and fruit.
3. Cannabinoid content: Cured resin may have slightly higher THC levels due to the curing process, while live resin tends to have a more balanced ratio of THC to other cannabinoids and terpenes.
4. Effects: Cured resin is known for producing a more potent, cerebral high, while live resin tends to offer a more well-rounded, full-spectrum experience.
5. Production process: Cured resin is made by extracting dried and cured flowers using a solvent like butane or CO2, while live resin is made by flash-freezing fresh flowers before extraction to preserve terpenes and other delicate compounds.
6. Price and availability: Live resin tends to be more expensive and less widely available than cured resin due to the specialized production process and equipment required.
Ultimately, the choice between cured resin and live resin comes down to personal preference. Some users prefer the complex, aged flavors of cured resin, while others enjoy the bright, fresh flavors and full-spectrum effects of live resin.
What is better cured or live resin?
The answer to this question largely depends on personal preference. Some users prefer the complex, aged flavors and potent cerebral effects of cured resin, while others enjoy the bright, fresh flavors and well-rounded “entourage effect” of live resin.
In terms of THC potency, cured resins may have a slight edge over live resins due to the curing process potentially increasing THC concentration. However, many users report that live resins provide a stronger, more intense overall experience due to the synergistic effects of terpenes and cannabinoids.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which type of concentrate you prefer is to try both cured resin and live resin and compare the effects for yourself.
Why is cured resin so cheap?
Cured resin is generally cheaper than live resin due to several factors:
1. Production costs: Cured resin is easier and less expensive to produce than live resin, as it does not require specialized freezing equipment or labor-intensive handling.
2. Shelf life: Cured resins have a longer shelf life than live resins, which makes them cheaper to store and transport.
3. Availability: Because cured resin is easier and cheaper to produce, it is more widely available than live resin, which can drive down prices due to increased competition and supply.
However, it’s important to note that the price of cured resin can still vary widely depending on factors like quality, brand, and location.
Is cured resin healthy?
Like all cannabis concentrates, cured resin is a potent source of THC and other active compounds, and should be used in moderation to avoid potential negative health effects.
That being said, cured resin is generally considered safe to consume when purchased from a licensed, reputable dispensary and used responsibly. Properly produced cured resins should be free of harmful solvents, pesticides, and other contaminants.
However, it’s important to note that smoking or vaping any substance can have potential health risks, particularly for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. If you have concerns about the health effects of cured resin or any other cannabis product, it’s best to consult with a medical professional.
Does cured resin smell the same as live resin?
No, cured resin and live resin have distinct aroma profiles due to the different ways they are produced.
Cured resins tend to have a more complex, aged aroma with notes of earth, wood, and spice. The curing process allows the terpenes to break down and transform into new aromatic compounds, resulting in a richer, more “cannabis-like” scent.
Live resins, on the other hand, have a brighter, fresher aroma that is more similar to the smell of a live cannabis plant. The terpenes in live resin are preserved in their original state by flash-freezing the plant material before extraction, resulting in a more “plant-like” scent with notes of citrus, pine, and fruit.
While both cured resin and live resin can have very pungent aromas, the specific scent will depend on factors like the strain, terpene profile, and extraction method used.
