What Is Cannabis Rosin Oil & How to Make It at Home

Cannabis extracts have taken the world by storm, offering consumers more potent and pure experiences with the plant. One extract that has gained popularity is rosin oil. Unlike many other cannabis concentrates, rosin oil is known for being solventless, meaning it's made without any chemicals.

In this article we will explain what cannabis rosin oil is and how you can make it at home so you can enjoy the benefits of this solventless extract.

What is Cannabis Rosin Oil?

Cannabis rosin oil is a type of cannabis concentrate that is extracted without using any solvents or chemicals. It's a relatively pure, clean, and potent extract that retains many of the plant's natural flavors, aromas, and cannabinoids. Rosin oil is popular among consumers looking for a more natural product because it involves a simple extraction process that only uses heat and pressure to squeeze the resinous sap out of cannabis buds, hash, or kief. The result is a thick, sticky, amber-colored oil that can be used in various ways, including dabbing, vaping, or adding to joints.

How is Rosin Oil Made?

The process of making rosin oil is quite straightforward compared to other cannabis extracts, which require solvents like butane or ethanol. Here's a simple breakdown of the rosin-making process:

1. Preparation: Start with high-quality cannabis flower, hash, or kief. The better the quality of your starting material, the better your rosin will be.
2. Heat and Pressure Application: Place the cannabis material between two pieces of parchment paper. Using a heat source (like a hair straightener) and pressure, squeeze the bud. The heat and pressure will cause the resin within the cannabis to liquefy and seep out onto the parchment paper.
3. Collection: Once the pressing is done, carefully remove the parchment paper and collect the rosin oil using a dab tool or scraper. The collected oil will be sticky and thick, similar to honey or thick syrup.

Because the process is free from solvents, it preserves the terpenes and cannabinoids found in cannabis, delivering a flavorful and potent product.

What is the Difference Between Rosin and Resin?

While the terms "rosin" and "resin" are often used interchangeably, they refer to different types of cannabis extracts. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

• Rosin: As mentioned earlier, rosin is a solventless extract made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis. It retains much of the plant's original flavor and aroma because no chemicals are used in the extraction process. Rosin is often considered a "clean" product due to its simplicity and purity.
• Resin: Resin can refer to several types of cannabis extracts, including "live resin," which is made using fresh, frozen cannabis that is extracted with solvents like butane or propane. The extraction process helps capture a broader spectrum of the plant's terpene profile, resulting in a more flavorful product. However, because solvents are involved, resin extracts require purging to remove any remaining solvents, which adds another step to the process.

In summary, rosin is made without solvents and focuses on purity and simplicity, while resin is made with solvents and can sometimes offer a broader flavor profile but requires additional processing to ensure safety.

How to Make Cannabis Rosin at Home

Making cannabis rosin at home is surprisingly easy, and you don't need any fancy equipment to get started. Here's a step-by-step guide to making rosin at home:

What You'll Need:

• Cannabis Flower, Hash, or Kief: Choose a high-quality starting material to ensure the best results. Fresher, stickier buds tend to produce better rosin.
• Hair Straightener or Rosin Press: A hair straightener is perfect for beginners, while a dedicated rosin press is ideal for those looking to make rosin regularly.
• Parchment Paper: This is essential for collecting the rosin oil. Make sure to use unbleached parchment paper to avoid any chemical contaminants.
• Dab Tool or Scraper: This is used to collect the rosin from the parchment paper. If you don't have a dab tool, then a butter knife will do the job.
• Heat proof gloves: It's a good idea to use heat proof gloves to protect you from burning your hands as you squeeze the hair straighteners or press.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Cannabis: Break your cannabis flower into smaller, nug-sized pieces. If you're using hash or kief, you can skip this step.
2. Preheat Your Hair Straightener: Set the hair straightener to a low heat setting (about 200°F to 250°F). If you're using a rosin press, follow the manufacturer's instructions for temperature settings.
3. Press the Cannabis: Place a piece of cannabis between two pieces of parchment paper. Carefully press the parchment paper with the preheated hair straightener or rosin press. Apply firm pressure for about 15-30 seconds. The resin will start to ooze out from the cannabis onto the parchment paper.
4. Collect the Rosin: Once you see enough rosin has been extracted, carefully remove the parchment paper and use a dab tool or scraper to collect the rosin. Store it in a glass container or a silicone jar for later use.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Use Fresh, Sticky Buds: The fresher and stickier the bud, the more rosin you'll get. Dry or old cannabis may not yield as much.
• Experiment with Pressure and Heat: Finding the right balance of pressure and heat is key to getting the best results. Too much heat can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes, while too little pressure may not extract much rosin.

What is Live Rosin?

"Live rosin" is a type of rosin made from fresh, uncured cannabis flowers that have been frozen immediately after harvest. Unlike traditional rosin, which is made from dried and cured cannabis, live rosin aims to capture the plant's full terpene profile, delivering a more aromatic and flavorful experience. The process of making live rosin involves first creating "live hash" from fresh-frozen cannabis, which is then pressed to produce live rosin.

Because live rosin is made from fresh cannabis, it tends to have a more vibrant flavor and aroma compared to rosin made from dried material. It's considered a top-tier product among cannabis connoisseurs who value taste and purity. However, live rosin can be more expensive due to the additional steps required in its production and the need for high-quality starting material.

Conclusion

Cannabis rosin oil is a fantastic option for those seeking a clean, potent, and flavorful cannabis extract without the use of solvents or chemicals. The simplicity of its extraction process makes it accessible for home enthusiasts, while the purity of the final product appeals to those looking for a natural experience. Whether you're making your own rosin at home with a hair straightener or investing in high-quality live rosin from a dispensary, the world of rosin offers something for everyone. Happy pressing!