How To Use Cannabis Resin

The cannabis plant has seen a wide range of uses throughout history, making its legalization subject to debate in most parts of the world. Notwithstanding, some products of this natural plant have gained more reception over time. Among these is the cannabis resin, widely considered a safe byproduct of the cannabis plant.

This substance is produced on the surface of the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, from glands called trichomes. Typically, their production is an evolutionary response to extreme environmental changes like UV rays, or biological action of pests, fungus, insects, and even larger animals.

Naturally, cannabis resins are rich in cannabinoids thanks to their presence in trichomes. These cannabinoids in turn are responsible for the psychoactive properties of cannabis products. Hence, like other popular cannabis products, cannabis resins are in high demand for their psychoactivity. However, their effect on a user depends strongly on the mode of administration. So what exactly is cannabis resin, and how is it used?

 

What Is Cannabis Resin?

Cannabis Resin is a sticky substance found on the surface of the cannabis plant. It usually appears light or dark brown and is rich in delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, a type of cannabinoid found in cannabis. The compound, more commonly called THC, is responsible for the intoxicating/psychoactive effect expressed after consuming cannabis-based products.

Most of this THC is housed in the resin, making it a highly desirable option for marijuana consumption. The cannabis resin occurs in various colors, depending on the plant strain, mode of extraction, or storage conditions. Likewise, its use also varies, from smoking directly to consuming them as supplements in other products. Again, the preferred method of use depends on the type.

 

What Are The Types Of Cannabis Resin?

As stated earlier, a range of factors determines the physical appearance of cannabis resin. Based on these factors, this substance is grouped into different types. Some of the more popular forms of cannabis resin include pipe resin, live resin, hash, rosin and CO2 oil among others.

Let’s briefly explore some of these types for a better understanding of how each could be applied to yield maximum high effect.

 

1. Pipe Resin/Reclaim

Ever found yourself craving a puff of that tarry resin collected at the bottom of the smoking tool after a good smoke? You’re probably not alone. That tarry substance is a form of cannabis resin called pipe resin, reclaim or weed tar. The bad news is this type of resin is simply a waste product after most of the THC has depleted during burning. Hence, it gives off a harsh smoke, which isn’t pleasant to taste and is not recommended for use due to its health risks.

 

2. Live Resin

Live resin is a form of cannabis resin extracted from cannabis plants subjected to flash-freezing. It is rich in terpenes and phytochemicals.

 

3. Hash

Hashish or simply hash is a form of cannabis resin produced by compressing the trichomes of the cannabis resin into a ball or brick. You can either eat it directly or mix it with other herbs and it kicks in instantly when smoked due to its high absorption rate.

 

4. Rosin

Rosin is a type of oil produced from cannabis resin, without the addition of any solvent. Hence, it is rich in terpenes. Rosin is extracted effectively through heat and pressure.

 

5. Butane Hash Oil

Sometimes called honey oil, butane hash oil is another type of oil extracted from the resin. Unlike rosin, its extraction requires the use of butane to separate the trichome resin gland from the plant, destroying most of the terpenes in the process. Notwithstanding, it remains one of the most popular forms of cannabis resin.

 

6. CO2 Oil

The CO2 oil is a type of resin extracted from the marijuana plant using carbondioxide. It also goes by the name CO2 cannabis oil or CO2 hash oil. Producing this type of cannabis resin is not as cost-efficient as the rest, hence, isn’t as common.

 

Different Ways To Use Cannabis Resin

As you might have guessed, the use of cannabis resin typically involves smoking, eating directly, or adding as supplements to other substances. These methods of using cannabis resin interact with your body’s system in their unique ways, ultimately determining the level of high you can achieve, how fast it is absorbed by your body, how long it remains in the body, the health benefits reaped, and the expected side effects.

 

Eating Cannabis Resin

A common method of consuming cannabis-based products is as edibles, and cannabis resins are no exception. However, utilizing this method would not produce a high, as THC must be decarboxylated before it can produce a high. Since heat is required to decarboxylate THC, eating cannabis resin raw would at best release its nutrient into your body without producing the intoxicating effect.

While cannabis resin is very much consumable, as mentioned, the exception is the pipe resin or weed tar. This cannabis residue, although burnt, contains unhealthy carbonized plant matter and chemicals that could potentially make your insides churn. Plus, it contains low levels of THC which could barely produce a high.

 

Smoking Cannabis Resin

Smoking is another popular method of consuming marijuana products like dry leaves, flowers, or resins. This way of consuming cannabis resin is effective and gives you an intoxicating effect within a shorter time than when consumed.

There are various methods employed for smoking resins. These methods are highly dependent on the type of resin in question. You can smoke this substance by using dry pipes, bong, hot knife, or dab rig.

• Dry Pipe

This is one of the most convenient and effective methods for you to smoke cannabis resin. It is a smoking method involving the application of heat to the exterior of a pipe to vaporize. The THC-rich vapor is then inhaled. This method is preferred for liquid cannabis resin concentrates such as rosin.

• Dab Rig

A dab rig works closely like a dry pipe, as the resin is rolled into lumps and placed in the dab rig. It is then heated at the base. However, in this case, concentrate vapor is filtered through the water at the base. It is advisable that you add fresh water before each use to maintain its pleasant taste.

• Bong

This smoking method involves you packing the cannabis resin into the bong bowl. As with the dab rig, the heat is applied to the base of the device and requires fresh water to filter the resin material. This, in turn, guarantees optimal safety.

• Hot Knives

The hot knife is a more advanced, less safe method of smoking cannabis resin mostly employed by dedicated cannabis users. This method, involving using two metal knives and resin from a dispensary, serves as a DIY dab rig. Since it is less effective, it is usually the last resort when no other equipment is available.

 

Final Thoughts

No matter the technique employed to utilize cannabis resin, it is important to bear in mind the purpose of consumption, the desired psychoactive effect, and the body’s tolerance to certain products. A more concise knowledge about the cannabis plant is a great place to start.