As weed concentrates explode in popularity, more people are trying to find solventless extracts that don’t use butane or other chemicals to separate cannabinoids – the active ingredients in weed – from the plant matter. One of these is cannabis rosin, but what is it, and how is it made? Why is rosin in such high demand?
What Is Cannabis Rosin?
Rosin is made by applying pressure and heat to extract concentrates – more specifically, the trichomes. Trichomes are the “crystals” that coat cannabis buds; they just so happen to be where most cannabinoids are. The potency levels of rosin can get to an eye-popping 80% THC!
Extracting rosin doesn’t require solvents. Manufacturers will place the bud in a specialized bag or between two sheets of paper, then set it inside a hydraulic press with heating elements. The strength of the pressure removes the trichomes from the plant material, while the heat creates consistency.
What Does Rosin Look Like?
The appearance and texture of rosin may vary slightly depending on the equipment used in the production process and the starting material. Many manufacturers will set the heat of the press between 250 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. to create a sap-like substance; cooler temperatures make the extract a more solid concentrate.
Typically, rosin will have a light yellow or cream colour. It can have a sticky syrup or a soft yet firm consistency akin to a frosting. Many producers say to keep rosin cold until you’re ready to consume it; this maintains the consistency and quality, reducing the likelihood that the product will turn too sticky.
How Can I Use Rosin?
Many people find rosin to be the best extract for dabbing. Dabbing is a smooth way to enjoy concentrates, and it lets you enjoy the complex flavour and aroma profiles of each strain’s . As rosin dabs are almost all terpenes, your vapour will be extra delicious, with maximized taste and smell (it’s also perfect for vaping!).
You can crush the rosin and roll it in a joint, so long as you’ve dried it out first; otherwise, you could have a sticky mess that’s no fun to smoke. You could also heat the rosin, spread it on your rolling paper, then roll a joint with your ground bud!
In this same vein, rosin is ideal for adding flavour and a boost of THC to bowls and bongs. Place some on top of the ground bud in your bowl and light up. When you apply heat, the rosin will turn liquid, melting into the weed and covering it in a crystalline glow.
Why Do Consumers Love Cannabis Rosin?
Many cannabis users choose rosin over extracts because of its purity. With only heat and pressure, rosin truly is a solventless extract. Rosin is often a very high-quality extract, too, with a flavourful, powerful experience. Pressed rosin is all the active ingredients you could find in dried bud without breaking them down through combustion!
The relative ease of both use and production is also attractive – even casual smokers can make dabs in the comfort of their homes. Expert users appreciate the robust and impactful effects associated with high-quality, concentrated cannabis products.
It can be easy to overdo it, so newbies should take it slow at first. But if you’re looking for something new and pure, rosin is a concentrate you should try!