Live rosin gummies are a new type of edible that reports to deliver a “Δ-9 smoker’s high” that has a 5-15 minute onset and 2-4 hour duration. What makes this product unique is that it is not developed from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) distillate, like most edibles. Instead, these edibles are made from live rosin.
What is THC distillate?
Most cannabis edibles on the market today are made from THC distillate, that is a highly concentrated, gooey product with an average THC level of around 70 percent. THC must be derived from tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which does exist in the trichomes of the living cannabis plant. THC is made when TCHA is exposed to heat and oxygen over time.
Further refinement of THC usually involves some form of distillation. Dried cannabis leaves are placed in a solvent, which binds to THC and extracts it out from the plant matrix. Then, the solvents are removed, leaving the distilled THC. What’s left behind is usually a refined, transparent goo or oil, called THC distillate. However, this process also removes the terpene profile from the original plant.
Why do terpenes matter?
Terpenes include all hydrocarbons having the general formula (C5H8)n. [1] There are tens of thousands of known terpenes produced by plants and responsible for the aromas and flavors found in nature. Scientific researches are still going on regarding the true neurochemical effects of various essential oils (i.e., lavender for relaxation) and some animal studies have suggested that the terpene profiles in essential oils may be responsible for some of their beneficial psychiatric effects. [2]
In the case of cannabis, it is still argument of research how terpenes interact with cannabinoids to produce some of the therapeutic and/or intoxicating effects of the plant. Called “the entourage effect,” research suggests that terpenes work in conjunction with cannabinoids. [2] So terpenes are important in cannabis products not just because of the associated taste profile, which can be important itself to the cannabis experience, but also because terpenes can enhance intoxicating and/or therapeutic effects of cannabinoids.
What are live rosin gummies?
Live rosin, in this case, does not refer to the same rosin that is typically derived from pine and other conifers. The name likely derives from the fact that resin, the gooey, syrupy, natural plant substance many of us have seen on trees, is composed of terpenes. Rosin is a form of solidified resin. So, a cannabis rosin suggests a terpene-rich cannabis product.
Currently, most makers add terpenes back to distilled THC. Most times, these terpenes come from other plants, which are easier to get. Chemically are the same and your brain can’t tell the difference between them.
It is possible to use flash-frozen cannabis leaves, which keeps them “alive” and thus preserves terpenes in the cannabis extract. When preparing gummies, it is possible to extract THC without organic solvents, using ice water, heat, and pressure. What’s left is the “live rosin” product that is a terpene-rich THC derived from a fresh-frozen cannabis plant.
Users of live rosin gummies do report a unique high, not experienced with other products. More study is needed to verify the exact science behind this reaction. Still, live rosin gummies represent an exciting new venture in THC edibles.
References:
[1] Breitmaier, E. Terpenes: Flavors, fragrances, pharmaca, pheromones. Wiley-VCH; 2006.
[2] Ferber SG, Namdar D, Hen-Shoval D, Eger G, Koltai H, Shoval G, Shbiro L, Weller A. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2020;18(2):87-96. [Journal impact factor = 7.363] [Times cited = 95]
