How many times have you seen the words “distillate” or “live rosin” and thought they were the same? These two very popular cannabis “concentrates” are often mistaken for the same thing, but each has very distinct differences. Both cannabis distillate and live rosin are notable for their different production methods, potency, and characteristics. Let's refine these terms further to distinguish their unique differences in production, expected effects, and how consumers can apply distillate or live rosin in their cannabis use.

What is Distillate?

Cannabis distillate, or sometimes referred to as “liquid gold,”  is a clear or amber-colored, odor-free, tasteless, oil-like substance. It's known for its high THC potency, ranging from 90%-99%. To make distillate, Cannabis flower goes through a heating process that involves solvent extraction or liquid-liquid extraction, which removes terpenes, flavonoids, and other unnecessary plant material. The cannabis flower is then ground up, mixed with a solvent like CO2, ethanol, or hydrocarbons (butane), and is slowly heated. This process extracts or separates the cannabis vapors, isolating the targeted cannabinoids like THC or CBD, and is then cooled down. During the cooling process, the condensed “liquid gold” or distillate is collected and used in various products.

Distillate is quite versatile; it can be smoked by adding it atop a bowl or pre-filled in a disposable or cartridge, etc. It can also be used in your favorite foods by adding it to butter or oil and then baked into the goods of your choice. Distillate even has therapeutic uses by adding it to topicals, like creams and lotions, to help with those sore, achy muscles.

Here is an example diagram of one of the cannabis distillate processes curtesy of Extra KT Lab:

What is Live Rosin?

Live rosin, or sometimes referred to as “wax or honey,” is known for its opaque-like color, thick texture, rich terpene profiles, and smooth smoke qualities. Live rosin has different potency levels depending on the temperature of the press. Let's grind this down a little more to understand the two processes to make live rosin, their potency ranges, and why live rosin is different from cannabis distillate.

First cannabis flower is chilled or frozen in preparation for hot or cold pressing, depending on the desired outcome for specific products. The first method is cold-pressed, where the press temperatures range from 130°F-170°F. This desired temperature will produce a lighter color rosin with potency ranging from  65%-85%. This does mean a lower rosin yield, but this process preserves more of the flowers’ terpenes and natural flavonoids, in turn also producing a sought-after jam-like consistency.

The second method is hot-pressing the cannabis flower. The press is heated to 180°F- 220°F; this process produces a slightly darker colored rosin than the cold-press method. Hot-pressed rosin also preserves the flowers' terpenes and natural plant properties like cold-pressed, with similar potency ranges, but this method will increase rosin yield, making it ideal for larger-scale production.

Live rosin is still considered high potency, depending on the strain that is chosen, and is considered full-spectrum for retaining its terpenes and natural flavors. This makes live rosin the more preferred concentrate by some users due to its rich, authentic cannabis experience. It can be enjoyed in various ways, such as through a dab device or vape, infused into high-end edible products for a premium experience, or sprinkled on top of a bowl or in a joint to enhance flavors and elevate the overall experience.

See below for an example of what a hot and cold press machine can look like:

Cannabis distillate and live rosin are often confused, but they differ significantly in their production methods and final outcomes. Whether you are seeking a high-potency appeal of cannabis distillate or robust, full-spectrum profile of live rosin, you know you can always “sesh” with North Star Canna. Stay on “high” alert for fresh new articles on our website to stay “elevated” with us!

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