Subscriptions - Maximum Yield Cannabis USA September/October 2020 | Page 65

How’s it Made?
The quest for live rosin begins with fresh frozen cannabis bud
and trim. Rather than refining this precious, fresh resinous
raw reefer with solvents, it must be carefully processed into
high-grade bubble hash or ice hash first. In fact, only the
finest full melt scooped from a fine 25-micron screen will
suffice. It is critical that the isolator is not contaminated with
plant materials that in normal circumstance would make for
a more-than-acceptable half-melt stash.
Moreover, only premium, uber-potent strains should be used
in order to sieve the finest trichomes packed with cannabinoids
and desirable terpenes. The window for freezing is as
tight as one hour post-harvest to preserve maximum terpenes.
Single-source batches are preferable for purists seeking
an undiluted live rosin experience from a favorite strain,
although blended batches are not without their charm when
the right terpene profiles collide in the mix. Regardless, it’s
all about achieving a terp-rich, high-potency finished product.
Did you know 90 percent of terpenes can be lost post-harvest
during drying and curing?
Once the ice hash has been extracted it must be dried
(ideally freeze dried), but this is the stage where the “live”
part of the live rosin equation is open to some criticism. It is
the ice hash from which the live rosin is extracted. The last
step of the process is virtually identical to conventional rosin
pressing. Post-production preserving the live rosin is more
challenging and it should ideally be stored in the freezer
to prevent terpene degradation and maintain consistency.
Overall, this is a challenging technical process requiring pro
tools and experience beyond that of most homegrowers. Live
rosin manufacture is major league.
“Flavor is not just intensified by
using fresh bud and trim, but new
tastes have been unlocked to
tantalize the cannabis connoisseur.”
What Makes This Exotic Extract So Special?
Live rosin captures the essence of the cannabinoid and
terpene profile of cannabis like no other extraction
process. The unique attributes of living cannabis
simply cannot be understated. Flavor is not just
intensified by using fresh bud and trim, but new
tastes have been unlocked to tantalize the cannabis
connoisseur. Not to mention enhanced entourage
effects from higher terpene concentrations.
As a premium product designed specifically for
the dabbing and/or vaping pleasure of the sophisticated
cannabis user, you hardly expected this
stuff to come cheap, did you? Priced at $100-plus
per gram in those clubs or dispensaries where it is
available, live rosin is definitely not your ordinary
everyday stash. A tiny silicon tub of this clear yellowish
superior substance is a treat for the lungs and powerful
enough to elevate your consciousness to enlightened
realms. It’s not recommended for the novice consumer
unless you want to simulate an out-of-body experience.
The main reason live rosin is expensive is because it
is a genuine, rare, and precious cannabis commodity.
Make no mistake, this is the platinum-level champagne
stash for those with the cash to splash. Best served
chilled and get ready to be thrilled.
In the near future, there is a reasonable chance
luxury live extracts such as live rosin will become
more accessible to ordinary cannabis enthusiasts in
the U.S. and Canada, especially with the COVID-19
fallout generating a surplus of flower. With no immediate
marketplace, many commercial producers will be
compelled to convert crops into concentrates. Freezing
fresh for profit later is a better alternative to unsold buds
rotting in jars and buckets during the summer.
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