The Art of Making Live Rosin from Fresh Frozen Cannabis in Vermont
The Art of Making Live Rosin from Fresh Frozen Cannabis in Vermont
Vermont, with its lush landscapes and progressive cannabis culture, has become a hotspot for the craft cannabis movement. Known for its artisanal approach, the state’s cannabis producers have embraced the art of making live rosin, a premium concentrate prized for its purity, flavor, and potency. Live rosin is made using a solventless extraction method that preserves the full spectrum of the cannabis plant, allowing consumers to enjoy the most natural and vibrant experience possible.
In this blog post, we will walk through the steps of creating live rosin from fresh frozen cannabis, taking a look at how Vermont’s growers bring their dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability into the process.
What is Live Rosin?
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand what live rosin is. Unlike other concentrates that may use solvents like butane or CO2 to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant, live rosin is made through a solventless process. This means no chemicals are used, and the final product is made entirely from the plant’s natural oils.
The term “live” refers to the use of fresh frozen cannabis. Instead of drying and curing the plant material before extraction, live rosin is made using freshly harvested cannabis that has been immediately frozen to preserve its natural terpenes and cannabinoids. This method results in a concentrate that retains a vibrant and complex flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Live Rosin from Fresh Frozen Cannabis in Vermont
1. Harvesting and Freezing the Cannabis
The first step in the process is crucial: harvesting and freezing the cannabis. Vermont cannabis farmers often harvest their plants at their peak ripeness, ensuring the highest quality material is used for the extraction. The difference with live rosin lies in the immediate freezing of the plant material.
The fresh cannabis is cut and then immediately flash frozen to preserve its terpenes and trichomes (the resinous glands on the cannabis plant that contain the majority of cannabinoids and terpenes). Freezing prevents the breakdown of these compounds, which are volatile and degrade during drying and curing. Fresh frozen cannabis is the foundation of high-quality live rosin, and Vermont’s colder climate makes it easier to preserve the plant immediately after harvest.
2. Preparing the Material
Once the cannabis is frozen, it needs to be prepped for extraction. Farmers and extractors typically use a technique called “washing,” where the frozen cannabis is placed in a large mesh bag and gently agitated in cold water. This process helps to separate the trichomes from the plant material without damaging the delicate resin glands.
The water is kept at very low temperatures—around 32°F—during the washing process to ensure that the trichomes remain intact. Vermont’s cold climate, especially in late fall and early winter, is ideal for this stage, as the colder temperatures make it easier to prevent the degradation of these sensitive compounds.
3. Drying the Hash
After the trichomes have been separated, the resulting “hash” needs to be carefully dried. Hash is the term used for the collection of trichomes that has been extracted from the plant matter. In Vermont, many producers take extra care during this process, often air-drying the hash for several days in cool, controlled environments. It’s important to maintain low humidity and temperatures to avoid mold growth and ensure the hash is in its purest form.
Proper drying is a key part of the process, as moisture can ruin the final rosin. Vermont’s relatively dry air and temperature-controlled environments make it an ideal place for extractors to achieve high-quality results.
4. Pressing the Hash
Once the hash has been dried and is ready for the next stage, it is time for the pressing process, which is where the magic happens. Live rosin is extracted using a rosin press, which applies heat and pressure to the hash, causing the resin to release from the plant material.
The press operates at low temperatures (typically between 160-220°F) to ensure that the cannabinoids and terpenes are preserved while being extracted. The hash is placed between parchment paper and pressed with extreme pressure. The result is a golden, sticky substance that is the live rosin—pure, solventless, and full of flavor.
Vermont extractors are known for their expertise in this stage, often customizing their presses for optimal yield and quality. Precision is key—too much heat or pressure can burn off valuable terpenes, while too little can lead to low yields.
5. Collecting the Live Rosin
Once the hash has been pressed, the live rosin is collected from the parchment paper. This sticky, waxy substance is then carefully processed into its final form, whether that be a sap-like consistency, a more solid texture, or even a glass-like shatter, depending on the technique used and the starting material.
At this stage, Vermont cannabis producers often take extra steps to ensure purity by removing any excess plant material or contaminants from the rosin, leaving behind a high-quality concentrate that is as close to the original plant as possible.
6. Curing the Rosin
Some live rosins undergo a short curing process, where the concentrate is allowed to settle and mature for a few weeks. This allows the flavors and effects of the cannabis to stabilize, enhancing the overall experience. While not all producers cure their rosin, many in Vermont prefer to do so to help bring out the best in the final product.
Why Vermont?
Vermont's cannabis scene is a unique blend of nature and craft. The state’s cold climate is ideal for preserving the fresh frozen cannabis, and its growing community of farmers and extractors are committed to sustainable, small-batch production. Many Vermont growers prioritize organic methods, hand-harvesting, and eco-friendly cultivation techniques, ensuring that their live rosin is not only of the highest quality but also produced with respect for the environment.
Furthermore, Vermont’s strong cannabis community fosters a sense of cooperation between growers, extractors, and consumers. The attention to detail and passion that goes into every step of the process—from the fresh frozen cannabis harvest to the pressing of the final rosin—is a testament to the state's dedication to craft cannabis.
Conclusion
Creating live rosin from fresh frozen cannabis in Vermont is both an art and a science. It requires an intimate understanding of the plant, the right tools, and an unwavering commitment to quality. From harvesting and freezing to pressing and collecting, every step is essential to ensuring that the final product is as potent, flavorful, and pure as possible.
As Vermont’s cannabis industry continues to grow, expect to see more innovation and craftsmanship in the world of live rosin. Whether you’re a cannabis enthusiast or a connoisseur looking for the finest extracts, live rosin from Vermont offers a truly artisanal experience, showcasing the state’s dedication to quality and sustainability in every sticky drop.