Rosin: What Is It, How Is It Made, and How to Use It

Want to experience the cutting edge of cannabis extracts? Rosin is one of the purest, tastiest, and most potent ways to consume cannabis today. Before you take the plunge into this exciting extract though, it’s important to learn a little bit about it.

What is Rosin?

Originally, the term “rosin” referred to a type of substance made from pine tar that violinists used on their bows. However, the term has evolved significantly in the last decade or so.

Today, “rosin” is a form of cannabis extract. It goes by a few other names, including “hash rosin.” In basic terms, extracts are any type of manufactured cannabis product with plant matter (like chlorophyll) removed. With plant tissue gone, most of what remains consists of “goodies” like cannabinoids and terpenes.

It is a type of full-spectrum extract. That means extractors leave naturally occurring terpenes and cannabinoids within it. That’s in contrast to some extractors, who use only natural THC and CBD from a plant and replace its organic terpenes with artificial ones.

Solventless Extract: How is it Made?

Unlike many other popular forms of cannabis concentrates (which feature butane, alcohol, or other solvents), rosin doesn’t require any solvent during the extraction process. Extractors (and enthusiasts) claim this creates one of the purest, cleanest extracts available.

First, extractors make bubble hash. Also known as “full melt” or “dry sift,” bubble hash has existed since the 1980s. To create bubble hash, an extractor puts cannabis buds into plastic bags with tiny, microscopic holes in them. These holes allow cannabinoids and terpenes to pass through while holding back the majority of plant matter.

After making bubble hash, extractors apply heat and pressure to it using a rosin press. Some commercial extractors use industrial rosin presses to make huge batches of the extract, but that’s not necessary. In fact, it’s possible to make rosin with equipment as simple as a hair straightener.

Some extractors choose to forgo making bubble hash. Instead, they apply heat and pressure directly to cannabis flowers. This will still turn out a high-grade extract, but rosin made from bubble hash is a step above it.

How Can I Use It?

Fortunately for some enthusiasts, this extract is one of the easiest to consume. For maximum flavor and potent effect, you can vaporize it. In fact, rosin is so pure that you can dab it with a dab rig. It’s also great to use with vape pens.

That’s not all, though. You can also smoke rosin just like you would with flower. To smoke this extract from a bowl, place a small amount on top of a “plug nug” to close up the hole at the bottom.

You can also add rosin to joints or blunts. If you do, add it in small balls throughout the length of your chosen smoking implement. Or, roll one long tube to keep it rolling for the duration of a blunt or joint.

You can even use rosin as an edible! That’s because solvent-based extracts like BHO don’t usually undergo the decarboxylation, or heat-activation, process necessary for oral consumption. Instead, the heat and pressure typical of rosin means your body can absorb it orally.

Think you’re ready to explore rosin yourself? Stop by this Maryland medical marijuana dispensary to pick whatever high-grade hash, premium flower, and more that you need!