What Is Rosin?

You’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to cannabis concentrates. You already know what shatter, budder and wax are, but what is rosin? 

Sure, classic butane hash oil extractions such as the ones mentioned above are classic, timeless cannabis concentrates beloved by tokers and smokers the world over. But what if we told you that there was a new kind of cannabis concentrate that could be made without the use of any solvents? And that you could easily make it at home with a few household appliances? 

Pique your interest? We’re talking about rosin – and we don’t mean the violin rosin you apply to violin strings – we’re talking about a solventless, cannabis extract that uses nothing but simple heat and pressure to create it. 

Scroll down for our guide on what rosin is, how it works and how you can learn to make it at home.

Rosin Explained

Rosin is a new kind of cannabis concentrate that’s gaining popularity for its unique, solventless properties. Unlike most other cannabis concentrates, rosin doesn’t require the use of solvents such as butane, ethyl or carbon dioxide in order to make it. These solvents are used to extract the desirable compounds and elements out of the cannabis flowers and once they’re done their job, they’re removed and purged from the final product.

Many cannabis concentrate users enjoy dabbing for the unique flavours and high potency they can provide. That being said, many cannabis users are also wary of the possibility of low-quality shatter having leftover solvents in the final product, which can lead to some serious medical complications if consumed. 

Unlike butane hash oil concentrates such as shatter, rosin doesn’t use any of these solvents in its production – just heat and some intense pressure. Cannabis is simply pressed between 2 heated plates under high pressure until the cannabis plant’s essence is squished out of the plant, which gives rise to this concentrated alternate name, “squish.” 

Since making squish only requires a few household items and of course, no solvents, it’s possible to make a huge batch at home without running the risk of setting anything on fire. 

Here’s our guide on how to make rosin at home!

How to Make Rosin: What You Need 

Forget the butane and stove – to make rosin the only things you need are:

• Hair straightener (ideally with a digital thermometer)
• Parchment paper
• Oven mitts
• Wooden spoon 
• Cannabis flower
• Time
• Patience

Making Squish – Rosin Press

To squish rosin out of your cannabis, find a hair straightener than can heat up to between 95-150°C. One with a digital heat display will help you keep your temperature consistent. 

Preheat your hair straightener. Find some parchment paper and cut it into squares slightly larger than the width of your hair straightener’s heated plates. The rosin will run down onto the paper so be sure it’s wide enough to catch your yield. 

Once cut, prepare up to 7 grams of cannabis in the middle of your parchment paper and fold it over so both top and bottom are covered. 

Place your bud package in the middle of your hair straightener and clamp down firmly until you can feel some resistance. Depending on your hair straightener, you’ll need to press down anywhere from 5-10 seconds to a minute – until you see rosin being extracted out of your bud. 

Once rosin stops being extracted, remove the parchment paper from the hair straightener. At this point, you can take your flattened cannabis and fold it over itself and go for another round of pressing. Generally speaking, you can press cannabis 2-3 times for each 7g batch.

When you’re satisfied, remove the cannabis-parchment package from your hair straightener and use your wooden spoon to collect your rosin once it’s cooled.

Rosin vs Shatter: Is Squish Better?

With so much variety and choice in the cannabis concentrate world, it’s hard to say that one kind of extract reigns supreme over another. What’s more apt to say is that depending on the kind of experience, flavour and effect you’re after, there’s a cannabis concentrate out there that’s ideal for you.

High quality shatter is tasty, potent and just as safe as rosin to consume when purchased from a trusted and renown source. Shatter can also be more affordable than rosin due to its larger yields, making it a perfect option for budget medication. 

However, if you’re worried about any possibility of a solvent potentially entering into your lungs, then it’s best to pay the premium to get that peace of mind. 

Rosin vs Live Resin: What’s the Difference?

It’s confusing, but the word “live” doesn’t really mean anything that special. Live resin is another butane hash oil cannabis extract that’s made much the same way shatter is – with one exception – cannabis buds are flash frozen at the point of harvest and kept at freezing temperatures for the entire manufacturing process. 

What this means is that you’re getting a much more “fresh” taste since the cannabis used is neither cured or dried before being turned into an extract – just flash frozen. Live resin follows the same manufacturing process as regular rosin, just with frozen cannabis. 

Concluding Thoughts on Rosin

If you have an abundance of cannabis available at your disposal, a hair straightener and some parchment paper, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t give this solventless extract a chance. 

You won’t have to leave your windows open or circulate air to make sure your house doesn’t set on fire, you just need a little bit of elbow grease and patience to squish rosin out of your otherwise unused flower. 

The next time you’re craving something strong and potent, reach for the hair straightener instead of a trip to the local dispensary. You’ll be glad you did.