Cannabis Basics
What Is Live Resin?
Live resin is a cannabis concentrate, produced from flash-frozen freshly harvested cannabis plants using a solvent. It’s known for its high concentration of terpenes and cannabinoids.
Last updated July 30, 2025 | Published on February 24, 2021
Invented less than a decade ago, live resin is a golden-coloured cannabis concentrate that ranges from thin and granular to thick and syrupy in consistency, depending on variations in the method used to produce it. It’s known for its high concentration of terpenes and cannabinoids, as it’s made with freshly harvested cannabis that’s flash-frozen in a freezer or with dry ice or liquid nitrogen to preserve the terpene profile of the plant, including its flavours. (The heat, oxygen and light in the drying, or curing, process used to make other types of concentrates can destroy many of the terpenes.)
How is live cannabis resin made?
The “live” in live resin refers to the fact that it’s made with fresh, uncured cannabis. It’s produced in a similar way to butane hash oil (BHO) or a supercritical CO2 extraction.
- Freshly harvested cannabis is frozen quickly in a freezer or with dry ice or liquid nitrogen.
- The cannabis is processed in a machine that runs a solvent through the plant material, removing the resin-filled trichomes with it. (The solvent, cannabis and machinery are all kept freezing cold during the entire process.)
- The solvent is then dispersed with heat, leaving behind just the oily resin.
- Some manufacturers use different finishing methods that turn the resin into various textures for easier handling, while others allow it to settle into a crystalline material within a sappy liquid.
What do I need to know about consuming live resin?
Like many cannabis concentrates, live resin is a versatile product. It can be:
- vaped in a concentrate-specific vaporizer (or one that has a concentrate attachment)
- added to dried flower and smoked in a joint
- inhaled using a dab rig
If you are an occasional consumer or new to cannabis, dabbing is not recommended — it is a complicated process that can produce strong, immediate effects, and it may increase your risk of experiencing negative effects.
While the correct dosage for you depends on many factors, such as your genetics, age, personality and current mood, try starting with a pinch that’s less than the size of a lentil.
What are the pros and cons of consuming live resin?
Live resin is a concentrated cannabis extract that offers an alternative to inhaling dried cannabis flower, but like any cannabis product, it comes with both advantages and potential risks.
Pros of consuming live resin
- It’s a smoke-free option: When vaporized or dabbed, live resin produces a vapour that is inhaled, rather than smoked
- More flavour and aroma: Live resin tends to contain more terpenes than other cannabis products, potentially offering a more complex flavour profile.
Cons of consuming live resin
- Risk of overconsumption: Its potency increases the chance of consuming too much, especially for inexperienced users. Health Canada advises starting with a very small amount and waiting to assess the effects before consuming more.
- Health risks: Despite being smoke-free, live resin is still a cannabis product and may have associated health impacts.
What is the difference between live resin and cured resin?
Live resin is made from freshly harvested cannabis plants that are quickly frozen to preserve terpenes and cannabinoids, resulting in a flavourful, aromatic concentrate. Cured resin comes from cannabis that has been dried and cured, which can alter its terpene profile.
The main difference between the two is flavour — live resin offers a richer, more complex taste, while cured resin may have a more subdued profile. The choice depends on personal preference.
What is the difference between live resin and shatter?
Live resin and shatter are both cannabis concentrates, but they differ in their production processes and final consistency. Shatter is a butane hash oil concentrate that’s purged of solvents, resulting in a golden, glass-like texture.
The main difference is in texture and terpene content: Live resin is more aromatic and liquid, while shatter is more solid and contains fewer terpenes.
What is the difference between live resin and rosin?
Unlike live resin, rosin is a solvent-free cannabis concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to dried cannabis flower or hash. This method preserves cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, making it appealing to consumers who prefer a cannabis concentrate made without the introduction of butane or any other solvents.
What should I consider when shopping for live resin?
Because live resin is full of flavourful and aromatic terpenes, you may want to research the different types before making a purchase. Some consumers maintain that terpenes and cannabinoids work together in the overall effect of cannabis, producing “the entourage effect.” However, the impact of terpenes beyond flavour and aroma has yet to be scientifically proven.
Like all concentrates, live resin is unique in that it potentially contains a higher concentration of cannabinoids than other products. Health Canada recommends starting with a product that contains 10% (100 mg/g) of THC or less. (Note that concentrates available through the OCS that are meant to be inhaled contain no more than 1,000 mg of THC per package.)
