Anyone with even a loose knowledge of cannabis and associated products will be well aware of the vast number of forms in which it can come. Among the most common are extracts such as oils and vape liquids, flowers and buds, hash and kief, and rosin and resin. While many of these products can be purchased in their final form, for some, you may be required to put some technical skills to the test in order to get the desired final product.
The ‘best’ cannabis product is a concept that doesn’t really exist. Every individual will prefer to consume cannabis in different forms, thanks to the wide-ranging and distinctive qualities of each individual product. Different strains and weed-based products can contain varying levels of important compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Arguably, the THC and CBD content is the most important consideration for most consumers; however, alternative combinations of terpenes and flavonoids contribute significantly to not only the flavour and scent profile of cannabis products but also their effects.
While many people may prefer the convenience that comes with consuming ready-formed cannabis products, others might enjoy putting in the work to create a purer, and some may say superior outcome. Rosin is one such cannabis product for which consumers are willing to carry out a little manufacturing of their own. In this article, we’re going to be covering all things rosin, from what it is to how it’s made.
While it is likely that you have heard of many of the other cannabis products listed in the first paragraph, rosin is one of the lesser-known categories of the plant. So, to kick off, let’s take a deep dive into rosin.
What is Rosin?
Put simply, rosin is a type of cannabis concentrate, extracted from the plant or other products without the addition of solvents or other chemicals. The term ‘rosin’ isn’t used exclusively to refer to cannabis concentrates, however.
One of the most well-known forms of rosin comes from the music industry, in which it has been manufactured and used for hundreds of years. Violin rosin is made using pine or other conifer plant materials to create a solid bar which is applied to the strings of the instrument to promote a more desirable sound. This kind of rosin is also applied to other string instruments, including cellos and double basses.
Various types of rosin are also used in the manufacture of many other products, including soaps, sealing waxes, and adhesives.
But anyway, back to cannabis…
Rosin made using cannabis is a full-spectrum extract, meaning it contains the full selection of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from the cannabis plant. It is generally considered a purer option than other extracts, generally because chemicals and solvents are not required for its manufacture. In comparison, many other cannabis extracts are further refined to remove certain compounds.
Rosin vs Resin
You might be thinking – “this sounds like resin”, and you wouldn’t be alone. Many people mistake rosin for resin, and vice-versa – and not just because their names sound similar. There are some similarities between rosin and resin; however, the differences between these two products are significant.
Firstly, ‘resin’ is a term which may be used to refer to two cannabis products; the first being the substance that is naturally secreted from the trichomes of a cannabis plant. This is what makes cannabis flowers or ‘buds’ sticky and it is often left behind as a by-product when smoking cannabis.
The other type of resin is another cannabis extract, similar to rosin. However, resin is produced through what is known as the solvent extraction method. This process involves the use of chemicals, such as propane and butane. In comparison, and as we mentioned earlier, rosin production does not require the use of solvents or any other chemicals.
It is generally advised that cannabis resin only be produced by licensed professionals, due to the more complicated manufacturing process and the use of chemicals. On the other hand, rosin production requires only two things: heat and pressure. Therefore, in theory, anyone can create their own cannabis rosin – though it helps if you have the right tools.
‘Live’ Rosin
The phrase ‘live’, which may also be applied to resin, is used to refer to the type of cannabis product used in the manufacturing process. Put simply, it means that frozen plant matter was used to make the rosin or resin.
How is Rosin Made?
Technically, heat and pressure are the only two prerequisites for making rosin.
Rosin can be made from a number of cannabis products, including flowers and buds, kief, and hash. Using your leftover cannabis product to make rosin is a great way to prevent waste and still end up with a quality, usable product. Obviously, the higher the quality of the starting product, the higher the quality of the rosin produced.
DIY Rosin Extraction
One popular method involves the use of parchment or grease-proof paper and, you guessed it – hair straighteners. If you’re brave enough to give this technique a go, the process is actually pretty simple. Hair straighteners allow you to apply both the forces necessary for rosin production that we mentioned earlier: heat and pressure.
This technique involves placing your product between sheets of greaseproof paper and placing it between the plates of the hair straightener. From here, all that is left to do is ensure the plates have heated up (a relatively low heat setting of between 130-170°C is recommended) and gently apply pressure.
Eventually, you will begin to hear your cannabis product begin to sizzle and see the gradual extraction of the rosin – a yellow/amber-coloured oil. It is a good idea to have a suitable tool for collecting this oil – such as a dabbing tool.
What is Dabbing?
The term ‘dabbing’ refers to a method of consuming cannabis extracts – including rosin – which come in a variety of textures and consistencies. It involves the use of a dabbing tool, such as an electronic rig or dab pen. Dabbing works by ‘flash vaporizing’ the cannabis extract creating a vapour which can then be inhaled.
Pros and Cons of DIY Techniques
While the DIY hair straightener and grease-proof paper method is accessible and straightforward (in theory at least), it also has its drawbacks. It probably isn’t surprising to read that this technique can actually be quite tricky – and very messy. The imperfect and, well, DIY nature of this technique often leads to the loss of a significant portion of the finished product when attempting to collect the rosin.
Therefore, while this method might be helpful in a pinch, we recommend investing in a rosin press.
Is there a Better Way?
If you are looking to create your own rosin, then a Rosin Press will be worth its weight in gold. This innovative and useful piece of kit might look a bit intimidating, but fear not, it couldn’t be easier to use. But, before we get into that, let’s explain how it works.
A Rosin Press works by using two heated plates to apply both heat and pressure to your chosen cannabis product. These tools allow you to apply consistent and reliable heat and pressure to ensure you end up with the highest quality rosin possible. You can even use micron filtration bags with your Rosin Press to get even purer and more concentrated rosin.
The Rosin Press not only makes the process of extracting rosin easier and more convenient but also much tidier and safer. If you have ever tried DIY approaches to rosin extraction, it is likely you will have made a mess – and maybe even got a few burns along the way. Luckily, Rosin Presses are designed to deliver high-quality rosin in an efficient, safe, and tidy manner.
Our Rosin Presses also open the door to experimenting with different types of rosin. You are in total control of your press, allowing you to apply a range of temperatures and pressures in order to achieve your desired end product. So, whether you prefer a softer, more liquid rosin or rosin crumble, a Rosin Press has got you covered!
What is Rosin Crumble?
Rosin can come in various consistencies, from a wetter, syrup-like texture, to a soft and pliable block, or crumble. All of these consistencies can be created by adjusting the extraction process and the storage and setting environment used.
The appearance and texture of rosin are largely considered a cosmetic issue and are not likely to affect the quality or effect of the finished product; however, different people will have different preferences when it comes to this detail, with many preferring crumble due to its ease of storage and use.
How do control the consistency of your rosin?
A number of factors can affect the consistency of your rosin. As we mentioned earlier, different consumers will have different preferences when it comes to the texture and consistency of their final rosin product. But, how do you control this when making rosin with a Rosin Press?
Terpene and cannabinoid content can significantly affect the texture of your rosin. For example, a higher terpene content is largely considered to create less stable rosin. A high terpene to cannabinoid ratio is generally maintained from your starting product when it is pressed at a lower temperature. At the other end of the spectrum, higher pressing temperatures are generally used to achieve a shatter consistency.
If you are looking to create rosin crumble, however, then it is advised that you go somewhere in the middle. If you are unsure what kind of texture will suit you best, then why not experiment? A Rosin Press makes it easy for you to try different temperatures and pressure levels to discover what texture of rosin works best for you. So, what are you waiting for – give it a go!
