Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate made from fresh frozen cannabis plants. It goes through an extraction process to preserve the terpenes and cannabinoids from the living plant. This results in a concentrate with a strong aroma and flavor profile that is reminiscent of the original cannabis strain.
Live resin has gained popularity among cannabis consumers in recent years due to its intense terpene and cannabinoid content. However, there is some debate over whether live resin should be refrigerated or not. Some argue that refrigeration helps preserve the terpenes and prevents degradation, while others claim that cold temperatures change the consistency and flavor of live resin.
What is live resin?
Live resin is a high-terpene extract made from fresh frozen cannabis plants. Within hours of harvest, the cannabis flowers are flash frozen to subcritical temperatures as low as -292 degrees Fahrenheit. This quick freezing process helps lock in and preserve the chemical profile of the living plant.
The frozen cannabis material then undergoes extraction, usually with hydrocarbons like butane or propane. This separates the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant matter into a concentrate. Live resin has a wet or “budder” like consistency. It tends to be softer and more malleable than traditional cannabis extracts.
The freezing process allows live resin to retain high concentrations of monoterpenes. These are the essential oil compounds that give cannabis its aromatic and flavorful qualities. Live resin is often described as having a “fresh”, “pungent” aroma and flavor profile that is true to the original plant.
Benefits of live resin
There are several potential benefits that live resin offers compared to traditional cannabis extracts:
– More terpenes – The quick freezing process preserves volatile terpenes that would normally evaporate after harvesting. This results in a terpene concentration that can be 4 times higher than traditional extracts.
– Greater potency – The preservation of cannabinoids like THC and CBD means live resin tends to have a higher overall potency than cured flower extracts.
– Entourage effect – The diversity of terpenes and cannabinoids creates robust entourage effects as they work synergistically together. This may enhance the overall effects for consumers.
– Flavor/aroma – The complex mix of terpenes provides a robust flavor and aroma profile that is reminiscent of the fresh cannabis strain.
– Higher value – As a premium extract, live resin tends to have a higher market value than traditional extracts.
Should live resin be refrigerated?
When it comes to proper storage methods, there are two main schools of thought on whether live resin should be refrigerated or kept at room temperature. Here are the main arguments on both sides of the debate:
Argument for refrigerating
The main argument for storing live resin in the refrigerator or freezer is that the cold temperatures help preserve terpenes and prevent degradation of the extract:
– Preserve terpenes – Lower temperatures slow down the natural decay of delicate terpenes. Keeping them chilled prevents terpene evaporation.
– Slows oxidation – Cold conditions dramatically slow down the oxidation process. This helps keep live resin fresher for longer.
– Inhibits microbial growth – Refrigeration inhibits the growth of mold, fungi, and other microorganisms that could contaminate the product.
– Maintains consistency – Cold conditions keep live resin solid and prevent any melting or separating of compounds.
Argument for room temperature
On the other side, some argue that room temperature is ideal for properly preserving and enjoying live resin:
– Maintains flavor – The chilled state can mute or alter the flavor and aroma profile of live resin. Room temp allows the full spectrum of flavors to shine.
– Prevents moisture – Frequent temperature fluctuations from taking live resin in and out of the fridge can cause condensation to form and lead to degradation.
– Easy access – Keeping resin at room temp makes for quick, convenient access without having to wait for it to warm up to the right consistency.
– Lower cost – Avoiding refrigeration cuts down on electricity costs.
Proper storage guidelines
If you decide to refrigerate live resin, there are some storage guidelines to follow for best results:
– Use an airtight, non-reactive glass or silicone container. Metal and plastic can impact the flavor.
– Minimize oxygen exposure by keeping the extract as full as possible in the container.
– Avoid opening and closing the refrigerator frequently as this can cause temperature fluctuations.
– Maintain a consistent temperature between 35-40°F.
– Let the extract slowly come up to room temp before handling to prevent condensation.
– Consume refrigerated live resin within 6 months for best quality.
If storing at room temp, follow these tips:
– Keep in a cool, dark place away from direct light and heat.
– Use an airtight, child-proof container. Amber glass helps block UV light exposure.
– Consume within 1-2 months before terpene decay advances substantially.
– Check for signs of degradation like drying out, clouding, and changes in aroma/flavor.
– Avoid temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight which accelerate terpene breakdown.
Signs of poor storage
Here are some signs that live resin may have degraded from poor storage methods:
– Loss of terpenes – Aroma and flavor become less pungent.
– Darkening color – The extract changes from translucent amber to an opaque, darker color.
– Dries out – Live resin loses its characteristic sticky, “budder” like consistency due to moisture loss.
– Separation – The extract begins separating into layers rather than maintaining a homogeneous consistency.
– Cloudiness – Extract loses clarity and transparency, becoming opaque and cloudy.
– Growth of microbial contaminants – Visible mold, fungi, or other growth.
Catching degradation early allows you to remove the live resin from storage conditions leading to decline in quality.
Impact of heat and light exposure
Two of the biggest factors that can degrade live resin over time are exposure to heat and light:
– Heat – High temperatures increase the rate of terpene evaporation and oxidation of compounds. Even brief heat exposure, such as leaving resin in a hot car, can impact quality.
– UV light – Ultraviolet light catalyzes chemical reactions that alter the cannabis compounds, leading to a decline in potency and flavor.
Both heat and light exposure degrade live resin in the following ways:
– Loss of monoterpenes which provide aroma/flavor
– Conversion of THCA to THC which reduces potency
– Oxidation of compounds leading to off-flavors and aromas
– Formation of CBN (cannabinol) from THC breakdown
– Browning color change as chlorophyll breaks down
– Potential growth of harmful microbial contaminants
Proper storage by refrigerating or keeping in a cool, dark place minimizes heat and light exposure to maintain live resin integrity.
Impact on consistency
The consistency and texture of live resin can be impacted by storage conditions:
– Cold temperatures – This causes live resin to take on a much more solid, shatter-like consistency. It becomes less malleable.
– Warm temperatures – Exposure to heat causes live resin to become more viscous and sappy. This can lead to a loss of terpenes as they evaporate.
– Temperature fluctuations – Frequent changes between cold and warm conditions can cause separation as compounds break down.
– Moisture loss – Dries out the live resin, resulting in a crumbly texture.
Proper consistent temperatures keep the original smooth, malleable texture intact. Any major changes to the look and feel of the extract indicate suboptimal storage conditions.
Refrigeration and flavor
There is some controversy over whether refrigeration mutes the flavor of live resin compared to storing at room temp. Here is a closer look at the impact of cold temperatures on live resin flavor:
– Preserves flavor – Lower temperatures dramatically slow the natural breakdown of volatile terpenes which provide flavor. This results in a more pungent, flavorful concentrate over time.
– Mutes flavor temporarily – The chilled state may subtly mute some notes but full flavor returns as resin warms to room temp.
– Freezing can alter flavor – Extremely cold temperatures below freezing (-5°F and below) could potentially damage cell walls causing some flavor change.
– Masks flavors initially – When initially consumed straight from the fridge, the chilled state may mask subtle aromas until warming occurs.
With proper cold storage between 35-40°F, live resin can maintain peak flavor significantly longer than storing at room temperature. Any flavor muting is temporary and reversible.
Other storage tips
Here are some other storage tips for maintaining live resin integrity:
– Handle gently to avoid breaking down the delicate trichome glands where the terpenes reside.
– Inspect for any signs of contaminants before use. Discard if mold or other growths are visible.
– Avoid plastic containers which can impart flavors. Use glass or silicone instead.
– After initial opening, fill each container as much as possible to limit oxygen exposure.
– When refrigerating, allow container to come fully to room temp before opening to prevent moisture condensation.
– Combine extracts into one container as empty space is filled to further exclude oxygen.
– Avoid placing live resin near odorous foods in the refrigerator as it can absorb smells.
Shelf life
When stored properly, here are the approximate shelf lives you can expect from live resin:
Refrigerated:
– Unopened – Up to 1 year
– Opened – 3 to 6 months
Room temperature:
– Unopened – Up to 6 months
– Opened – 1 to 2 months
The shelf life depends largely on storage conditions. Refrigeration provides the best way to maintain quality and potency over an extended duration.
Signs of expired live resin
Here are the main signs that your live resin has expired and reached the end of its shelf life:
– Loss of terpenes leads to diminished aroma/flavor
– Browning darkening color
– Dries out into a crumbly, powdery texture
– THC converts into CBN leading to sedative effects
– Harsh throat burn when smoking
– Visible microbial contaminant growth
– Separation into layers of compounds
Live resin may still be safe to consume after expiry but will have decreased potency and quality. The flavor profile will become flatter and more one-dimensional.
Safety
There are some safety considerations to keep in mind when dealing with stored live resin:
– Avoid mold – Discard any expired or contaminated live resin with microbial growth as mold spores can cause respiratory illness.
– No additives – Additives like vitamin E acetate have been linked to severe lung disease. Only smoke pure live resin.
– Equipment cleanliness – Dirty water pipes or rigs can promote bacterial growth. Change water frequently and clean regularly.
– Child safety – Always keep live resin safely secured out of reach of children. Accidental ingestion poses a poisoning risk requiring immediate medical help.
– Dosing – Start with small doses, especially when consuming older live resin as potency can change over time with degradation.
Properly stored live resin avoids most safety risks. But once expired, further breakdown can produce compounds with unknown side effects so delayed consumption is not advisable.
Fridge vs. freezer
Is there any difference between storing in the fridge vs. freezer? Here’s how they compare:
Refrigerator (35-40°F)
– Slows terpene breakdown sufficiently.
– Avoid risk of flavor loss from freezing.
– Lets live resin keep a spreadable consistency.
Freezer (-5°F and below)
– Dramatically slower decay of compounds.
– Suppresses microbial growth.
– Extract becomes solid and shatter-like.
– Potential for damaging cell walls and altering flavor.
For most consumers’ needs, refrigerator storage offers the ideal balance of preservation and ease of use. But the freezer can extend shelf life for those focused purely on long-term storage.
Reviving old live resin
If your live resin was not stored optimally, here are some tips for reviving older extract:
– Let it come fully to room temperature before opening. This prevents moisture condensation.
– “Whipping” techniques can restore consistency. Gently fold and knead resin to regain smooth, creamy texture.
– Add a hydrostone to the container to lower moisture content of dried out resin.
– For extreme drying, try gently warming the container to restore viscosity. Avoid excess heat.
– Consider adding a small amount of newer live resin to “freshen up” the overall aroma and flavor.
– Try mixing in a few drops of cannabis-derived terpenes to restore pungency.
– If severely degraded, use old live resin mainly for cooking/baking rather than smoking or vaporizing.
With some TLC and technique, older live resin can take on an improved consistency and flavor. But extreme degradation may only be salvageable for edibles.
Conclusion
In most situations, properly refrigerating live resin between 35-40°F in an airtight, UV-blocking container provides the ideal storage. This simultaneously preserves terpenes and prevents decay while keeping the extract spreadable and easy to handle. Storing at cool room temperature is second best for maintaining quality over a shorter duration.
Excess heat, light exposure, oxygen, and moisture should be minimized to prevent terpene loss and consistency changes. With optimal storage conditions, live resin can retain peak flavor and potency for an extended shelf life. And even less than perfectly stored resin can potentially be revived. Following these live resin storage and handling tips will help ensure you get the most out of each precious jar.
