When it comes to dabbing, rosin and resin are two terms you’ll hear often. Both have unique properties that make them stand apart from other types of cannabis extracts. But what exactly is the difference between resins and rosins?
Understanding the nuanced differences between these two extracts will help you make an informed purchase next time you see them on dispensary shelves. In this article, we’ll break down the most common definitions, uses, production methods, strains and more. Read on to get your expert knowledge on resins vs rosins so you can buy with confidence at your next dispensary visit!
What is Resin?
Resin is a concentrated form of oil naturally found in cannabis plants. Resin glands are found in cannabis flowers, and contain high levels of cannabinoid acids like THC and CBD. When you heat cannabis flowers, the glands will release their oils. These oils will dissolve in a solvent, like alcohol or CO2, then separate from the solvent as a wax or resin.
Because of its high cannabinoid acid concentration, resin buds are often dusted with kief (or “dusted”). Kief refers to the tiny, loose crystals that fall off of the flowers as you handle them. These crystals have the same potent cannabinoid acids that are in the resin itself. You can dab or smoke resin straight, or mix it with cannabis flower.
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What is Rosin?
If you’ve heard the terms “rosin” or “rosin hash” before, but aren’t sure what it is, don’t worry! It’s a fairly new type of concentrate that’s just making its way into the cannabis industry. Rosin is a cannabis extract obtained from the plant’s flowers through a solventless extraction method.
Similar to the process for making BHO, a rosin press squeezes the cannabinoids out of the flowers, leaving behind a sticky, golden concentrate. Rosin resembles sap more than resin or sap, and has a similar consistency. The rosin extraction process doesn’t require any heat, known as a solventless extraction method.
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The Difference Between Resin and Rosin
While these two extracts have key differences, they both fall under the umbrella of “concentrates”, which are extracts that contain high levels of cannabinoids. Resin is a type of concentrate containing large amounts of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, whereas rosin is a type of concentrate that contains high amounts of cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
The difference between rosin and resin comes down to the extraction process. Resin is extracted with a solvent such as CO2 or alcohol, while rosin is solventlessly extracted with a rosin press. One key similarity between rosin and resin is that both can be dabbed or smoked. Whether you prefer one over the other comes down to personal preference.
How is it Made?
The extraction process for rosins and resins is largely the same. Rosin and resin is made by placing cannabis flower between two heated plates. The plates are then cooled down, which causes the cannabinoids to harden into a solid substance.
A resin press is used to make rosins. Flower is placed between two heated plates, then the plates are cooled down to create a solid form. The plates are heated and cooled again until a sticky substance forms. The plates are then separated to reveal the rosin.
Where Can You Find Resin and Rosin?
Resin and rosins can be found in almost all cannabis markets. If you’re shopping for resins and rosins in a dispensary, make sure the salesperson knows how you plan to use it. Different types of resins vs rosins are better for different consumption methods. If you want to make your own extracts, head to a cannabis supply store.
Equipment and raw materials for extract making can be found at any cannabis supply store, including online shops. Resins and rosins come in an endless variety of strains. Whether you want indica or sativa-dominant, there’s an extract for you.
Here at Herb Approach we have an amazing assortment of concentratates ranging from resins and rosins.
Final Words
Whether it be a pure resinous extract or a full-spectrum rosin, cannabis concentrates are the way of the future. They’re easy to use, offer a higher potency than flower, and are discreet enough to be used almost anywhere. We’ve discussed the differences between rosins vs resins in this article.
If you’ve been curious about using concentrates but aren’t sure where to start, this guide should help you understand the different types of extracts available and how to use them. Whether you prefer full-spectrum rosins, high-THC resin, or something in between, there’s an extract out there for you!