Rosin, Resin and Hash: A BC Concentrate Primer
Written by: Joel F.
Multi-store General Manager at Flight Langford & Vic West
If you’ve spent any time looking through a BC cannabis menu lately, you’ve probably noticed the concentrate section getting a little more crowded. Rosin, resin, hash, cured resin, live resin… it can start to feel like ordering coffee somewhere with a few too many menu options.
The names can sound similar, but the way each concentrate is made can be quite different. Here’s a straightforward look at three common types and what actually sets them apart.
What is Live Rosin?
Live rosin is about as close as you can get to squeezing the plant and calling it a day. Fresh frozen buds get washed into ice water hash, then pressed with heat and pressure, no solvents needed. Nothing but ice, water, and pressure, which feels pretty fitting for a West Coast product. What you end up with is a concentrate that holds onto the plant’s full terpene profile, so the flavor and smell tend to be noticeably brighter than what you’ll get from other extraction methods. If you’re the type who wants your dab to actually taste like the strain on the label, live rosin might be for you.
Platinum Punch Mints Live Rosin
by Dabble Cannabis co.
Live Rosin
What is Hash?
Hash has been around long before “concentrate” was even a category, and BC has its own long history with it. It’s made by separating the trichomes off the plant, by hand, sieve, ice water, or even static which gives you everything from soft, moldable bubble hash to firmer pressed blocks. No rig required if you don’t want one. Crumble it into a joint, load it in a bowl, or work up to dabbing (although can be a bit messy with traditional DabRigs) it once you’re ready. It’s the low-key entry point into concentrates that somehow still impresses people who’ve been smoking for many years.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin also starts with flash-frozen plant, but instead of ice water, it’s pulled out using a hydrocarbon solvent like butane or propane. That process tends to grab a wider range of cannabinoids and terpenes, and you’ll see it show up sticky, saucy, or packed with diamonds depending on how it’s processed. It hits fast and it hits hard, so pace yourself. This one’s for the folks who’ve already got a few sessions under their belt and know what a “just one more dab” decision actually costs them the next morning.
Donny Burger Cured Resin Jumbo Jar
by Pura Vida
Gorilla Grape Live Resin Caviar
by Lord Jones
What Dab Rig Could I Use?
Whatever format you land on, you’ll want the right setup to enjoy it. Our favorite dab rig is the Puffco New Peak Smart Rig, available at all Flight Cannabis locations. Or try the new Dr. Dabber Switch 2, available exclusively at our Langford store. Beyond that, all locations carry an assortment of tools for all your dabbing needs, so don’t hesitate to ask our team to help you get set up.
