While cannabis concentrates aren’t new, there are always new developments that improve the accessibility, safety and quality of cannabis accessories and products, such as rosin pressing. People want products that are purer and healthier while offering some of the highest yields and greater results. This is exactly what solvent-free rosin pressing provides, and the good news is that’s it’s affordable and available nearby! Let’s learn more about the science and safety behind rosin pressing and see if it’s right for you.

How does it work?

Rosin is a high-potency, sticky, yellow/amber concentrate from the marijuana plant that is full of aromatic terpenes. Rosin can be extracted from the flower, kief, shake or even hash. The application of heat and pressure forces out the best part – the terpenes and cannabinoids that are part of the trichome glands of the plant. The better quality product you use, the higher quality rosin you can enjoy.

The key to producing rosin is in using the perfect combination of pressure and heat to best extract the oils from the flower while maintaining optimum humidity. While there are ways to DIY rosin pressing at home, the latest designs in hydraulic presses can apply 2 or more tonnes of pressure while keeping temperatures consistent and low – creating a potent, clean product.

Rosin vs. shatter

We are often asked about the difference between rosin and shatter, for which there are two major distinguishing features.

First, to make shatter, the process relies on the use of solvents to extract the cannabinoids from the marijuana flower such as butane, propane, alcohol or CO2 for example. These solvents often remain in residual amounts within the finished product, not only negatively impacting the flavour but also the overall safety of the consumer who may vape or smoke those leftover chemicals. Rosin, alternately, does not require the use of any chemicals so it’s a safer choice for savvy consumers.

Another difference between rosin and shatter is in texture and quality. While both are considered ‘dabs’, shatter typically has a more glass-like texture (hence the name) while rosin is more like a thick sap, with optimum flavour and aromas not found in the solvent-method extracts.

Rosin realities

Rosin is gaining in popularity because it has no chemicals, it’s safer to vapourize and it has higher quality and potency than other similar concentrates. Here are some helpful tips for anyone interested in rosin pressing:

• The fresher the better – use your freshly picked buds (including home-grown) for the best rosin.
• Quality over quantity – be sure to press only high-quality plants for higher potency and flavour.
• Start small – it’s important when using cannabis to find products that are best for you, including concentrates.
• Go with the pros – DIY or at-home rosin pressing often produces a poor-quality concentrate and can cause injuries and product waste. Bring your cannabis in to be professionally pressed using an industrial rosin press.

Whether you’re a seasoned ‘cannaisseur’ or ‘cannacurious’, there’s a lot to learn when it comes to the variety and safety of concentrate products and the science behind it. Here at Ignite in Barrie, we’re investing in our customers AND the latest technology by recently purchasing a 10-ton hydraulic rosin press. Bring in your cannabis and you can either wait or shop around while it’s being pressed or leave it with us. Our trusted, qualified staff can press up to 30 grams per sitting. We’re here to educate and support our community on the safe enjoyment of cannabis, so be sure to connect.

Still have questions about rosin pressing? Drop by Ignite today or leave your comments/questions below.