Live resin extraction is a hot topic in the cannabis world. With soaring demand for top-quality products, live resin stands out, renowned for its rich terpene profile, complete cannabinoids, and high THC. It’s a favorite among connoisseurs for its artisanal charm and potent effects.
Ready to dive into live resin creation? We’ve got you covered. Our guide takes you through the vital steps, from freezing biomass to the final product. Let’s begin!
Step 1: Biomass Freezing
The first and crucial step in crafting live resin sets it apart from other extraction methods. Instead of drying or curing plant material, we dive into the deep freeze. Why? By freezing the biomass, we lock in the live plant’s essence, including its precious terpenes. These aromatic compounds infuse your extract with captivating smells and flavors, making them a must-capture element. Forget drying and oxidation – when it’s live resin, frozen is the name of the game
To achieve this:
- Select top-quality whole plants, including flowers and sugar leaves (omit fan leaves, stems, and roots).
- Deep freeze the biomass at -10°F or colder.
- Maintain freezing for no more than 24-36 hours.
- Conduct extraction swiftly after removing frozen biomass.
Step 2: Extraction
A blend of light hydrocarbons, like butane and propane, is the choice for most processors. The ratio matters – more propane means more terpenes captured.
Chilling Solvent: Just as freezing biomass is vital, so is chilling your solvent. Aim for a bone-chilling -40°C, or even lower, to lock out water-soluble components.
Closed-Loop Extraction: A Symphony of Efficiency
In the realm of hydrocarbon extraction, the closed-loop system shines as a beacon of efficiency and precision, ensuring top-tier cannabis extracts. Let’s explore the essential steps that define this process.
Biomass Immersion: Our journey begins as frozen plant material meets a chilled solvent within a commercial-grade closed-loop hydrocarbon extractor. Trichomes, the prized resin glands, dissolve into the solvent, forming a consistent solution.
Precise Evaporation: Heat takes the stage, targeting the collection tank. It’s worth noting that this heating process operates at a slightly lower temperature than other hydrocarbon methods. Why, you may wonder? To safeguard the delicate terpenes painstakingly preserved. Although this meticulous approach may extend solvent recovery time in live resin production, the results are undeniably worthwhile.
Active Recovery: Here, we introduce the gas compressor and condensing tank, both essential for efficient solvent recovery. They collaborate to reclaim the solvent from the collection tank and reintroduce it into the original solvent tank, embodying the essence of a closed-loop process. This form of recovery is aptly known as “active solvent recovery,” though some systems opt for a “passive” approach.
3. The Finishing Touches
Skip Winterization: The cold extraction obviates the need for winterization or additional filtration – a welcome bonus. Purge Residual Solvent: Employ a vacuum oven for residual solvent removal, maintaining the integrity of terpenes and cannabinoids.
Note on Post Processing: Depending on the final product, timing of solvent purge may vary.
4. Crafting Live Resin Products
Live Resin Defined: The term “live resin” refers to the collected extract post-extraction. However, what’s often labeled as “live resin” on shelves is more accurately termed “sugar” – a visually distinctive concentrate.
Versatile Creations: Live resin products encompass an array, including Pull & Snap, Sauce, Badder, Waxes, and Sugar, often presented in glass jars. Live resin products cater to seasoned consumers appreciating the full spectrum of high-terpene extracts