We all know that there are a multitude of ways that you can enjoy weed. Kick back and vape, smoke, drink or eat it, there is something for everyone. But what about the different forms of cannabis?
Rosin is a solid form of resin obtained from dry herb, plants, nuts and flowers, produced by applying large amounts of pressure to the starting material whilst also applying heat to extract the concentrated terpene components. The same can be done with cannabis.
What are the benefits? And is it really worth making your own rosin? Fortunately for you, we have all the answers! And, in short, there are heaps of benefits and it is totally worth making your own rosin.
What is rosin?
Rosin is a cannabis concentrate extracted from the plant using the combination and simplicity of heat and pressure. This form of cannabis is in popular demand, mostly down to its high levels of THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol to be very specific), which can range from 40% to over 90%. Let’s just compare that with potent cannabis flower strains which have a THC range of 10-25%. As you can see the difference in potency is huge, making it a highly sort after product.
Rosin is a golden sap, resembling the look and feel of honey, but this is probably one that Winnie the Pooh will want to avoid! This substance is loaded with cannabinoids and terpenes, giving it a tantalising aroma and packing plenty of flavour.
What sets rosin apart from other concentrates?
So, we know that there are a huge variety of concentrates that you can get hold of, but what is so great about rosin? And why is it suddenly what everybody is talking about? The answer is one word: solvents. Most other concentrates are prepared using solvents such as butane, propane and CO2 but rosin doesn’t use any of these, meaning that you have a chemical-free form of high potency cannabis. And even better, it can be made from the comfort of your own home. In minutes. Yes, minutes. It will probably take you from start to finish around 15 minutes to create a personal stash of your own rosin.
Live rosin or live resin? What the heck?
You may have come across live rosin and resin, just to confuse things a little. But, make no mistake, they are very different. Although they look very similar as a finished product, and both made using the natural resin of the cannabis plant, they use very different extraction techniques. Resin is formed using chemicals, so it is a solvent-based concentrate, and rosin is a solventless concentrate.
Live resin is made by flash freezing the cannabis plant directly after harvest, skipping a dried and cured procedure, regularly used when making weed. Because of this, more of the plant’s terpene is retained. Next, the cannabis goes through an extraction method using solvents. At the final stages of the process, the solvent is removed. However, there is never a guarantee that some solvent residue won’t be found in the final product. This process is very skilled and uses highly flammable products. On the other hand, live rosin is a natural alternative. It is made using heat and immense pressure, without the use of chemicals. It can be considered the cheaper product out of the two, as the process is considered less labour intensive.
What are the benefits?
So, we know what it is, but is it worth actually making rosin? It sure is. Check out these benefits:
- It’s ridiculously simple
Making rosin with a rosin press is super quick and the perfect introduction to making cannabis from concentrate if you’re an amateur. Sure, the machine looks slightly formidable, looking like you need a master’s degree in science, but don’t let that put you off. It might be large, but it is actually very simple to operate. A rosin press controls the pressure, temperature and time, giving you control over the quality of the end result.
- It’s perfectly safe
Using a rosin press is, straight up, one of the safest ways of making concentrated cannabis. Other forms of concentrated cannabis use highly flammable chemicals such as butane, alcohol or carbon dioxide. There is a serious risk of explosion when using these materials, and there have been incidences where people have been injured during the process. A rosin press eliminates any risk of such incidences, making it a safe way of extracting cannabis from the comfort of your own home.
- You will get high yields
Once you get to grips with using a rosin presser you can be confident that you will be generating higher yields. A yield is the percentage weight that is collected from your original material. The yield you can expect is dependent on an array of factors but generally speaking, pressing a flower, which is a popular option, for example, will give you a 15- 30% yield.
- It has a high potency
You know that wonderful high you get when you ingest cannabis? Well, that’s thanks to high levels of THC. Rosin has an incredibly high cannabinoid concentrate and it is a pure form of cannabis.
- It’s highly adaptable
What’s great about making rosin, is it can be made from any type of cannabis. Depending on what you use, whether it be kief, hash or the flower, you can expect a different colour, texture and flavour.
- It just works financially
Making rosin is going to be far cheaper than buying rosin, and that’s even accounting for the initial investment of a rosin press. Plus, the whole set up is far cheaper than a solvent based set up.
How do you make rosin?
There are several wild and wacky ways of producing this substance, demonstrated on the internet, including using everyday items such as hair straighteners. But if you fancy keeping your fingers intact and producing more than a hint of rosin, then your best bet is to invest in a rosin press machine. A rosin press machine uses immense pressure from two heated plates, extracting the essential oil from the plant material to create solvent-free concentrated cannabis.
Simply place your chosen form of cannabis between two heated plates. If you choose kief or hash it is heavily recommended to place it in a rosin bag. If you are using the flower or plant, you can feel free to skip this step. Next, preheat your rosin press and select the temperature. For higher yields, try experimenting between 220- 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally speaking, lower temperatures give you a flavourous, honey consistency product, and higher temperatures will have less flavour and terpenes but a larger yield.
Once hot, place between the plates and apply pressure on the plates. As the temperature takes hold you will start to see rosin being extracted onto the parchment paper. Wait for it to cool and transfer immediately to a container. It’s as simple as that!
What do you need to factor in when using a rosin press?
Some key points you must take into consideration are:
- Use high-quality cannabis
The hard and fast rule is; you get what you put in. If you start with a good quality batch of cannabis, then the rosin is going to be high in quality too.
- Use a decent rosin presser
Put away those hair straighteners. If you want a batch that is made using the correct and optimum level of heat and pressure, no other method is going to work for you. Shop our excellent range of rosin pressers here.
- Get the temperature just right
Too high and you will have rosin that will just taste burnt. Too low, and you just won’t get enough product. Opt for between 210- and 220-degrees Fahrenheit, to begin with. It can be a bit of trial and error at first.
- Use the right amount of pressure
Again, the pressure needs to be just right, or you may face a rosin bag blowout. A flower needs around about 600- 100 psi and kief or hash between 300- 800 psi.
- Store it properly
Rosin needs to be stored in an airtight container in a cool dark place, away from harmful UV rays.
Which rosin press should you buy?
All of sudden there seems to be an influx of rosin presses on the market and it can be hard to decide which one to choose. Added to that they look slightly formidable so purchasing one can feel a tad daunting. But rest assured, a good quality rosin press is very easy to use. We just can’t emphasise enough how important it is to invest in a decent model. After all, what you use is going to have a significant impact on your finished product. Our range of rosin pressers cater for a range of needs including:
The Pollen Pincher 1T Manual Rosin Press
£275
Looking for an affordable, simple and effective rosin press? Our 1T manual rosin press uses physical input to create maximum output. Offering a 1-tonne compression force, full temperature control and an extraordinary 25% yield, this is the ideal choice if you are looking for a rosin press for personal use. A mechanical rosin press may not have all the gadgets of a hydraulic press but by using it often you will develop a sense of output and have hands-on control of the final product. This press also has a small footprint meaning it will fit comfortably in your home and is light enough to transport with you.
The Pollen Smasher 8T Hydraulic Rosin Press
£620
Let this impressive machine do the heavy lifting for you. This 8T hydraulic rosin press packs a serious punch and it is easy to see why it is one of our best sellers. Conveniently compact and ultra-lightweight, this 8000-tonne force machine has adjustable heat and timing giving you all the pros of high technology without any of the confusion. With hydraulic assistance, extraction is made into a smoother and easier process, and you can expect an impressive 27% yield.
The Pollen Crusher 15T Hydraulic Rosin Press
£1150
If you mean serious business, then you can’t let this rosin press pass you by. This impressive model is able to exert 15 tonnes of compressive force, giving you a phenomenal yield output. With a precision temperature gauge and digital heat control, you can rest assured your weed is in extremely capable hands.
All of our Rosin presses come with a 2-year no hassle guarantee. Plus, we have a 24/7 lifetime helpline open and available to assist with any questions- no matter how big or small.
Is it worth making your own rosin? It sure is. If you invest in a decent rosin presser, you will reap the rewards and create your own stash of highly potent concentrated cannabis. You can rest assured that your cannabis is pure and solvent free, giving you a high-quality product without any fear of nasty chemicals. With our rosin pressers starting from just £275, you can purchase affordably, and you will be rapidly on the road to enjoying your own homemade, hassle-free rosin.
