Live resin extract is post-processed into a variety of on-the-shelf concentrate products, such as badder, sugar, sauce, or diamonds. When opting to purchase concentrates, it is important to learn how to store live resin.
Proper handling will extend the longevity of potency, flavor, aroma, and overall effectiveness. In this article, we will go over the best practices and provide suggested storage set-ups for your live resin and other cannabis concentrates.
Live resin is a cannabis concentrate made from fresh flower. The freshies are placed in a vacuum-sealed bag (ideally within 20 minutes from harvest) and then flash frozen. The freeze is set to cryogenic temperatures, below -30 to -40 degrees Celsius.
Once properly frozen, the next step in live resin production is called closed-loop extraction. In this process, the cannabinoids and terpenes separate from the plant to create crude oil. Then, residual solvent is removed from the crude oil, and… voilà!
A new cannabis concentrate is born. On average, live resin contains up to 80-90% THC, and maintains a high level of terpenes (which is atypical in other forms of concentrate).
Like flower, live resin also undergoes a process of degradation. Well-cured bud is said to have a shelf-life of about six months, whereas concentrate products can be stored for longer periods of time. Preservation of cannabis extracts is similar to preserving cannabis flower.
The primary sources of wear and tear on live resin concentrates are going to be environmental elements and time. For prolonged usage, you must learn how to store live resin properly to it is important to minimize negative environmental effects.
Environmental factors that contribute to the degradation of live resin are exposure to air, sunlight, high temperatures, and moisture. Because of this, live resin – and other forms of weed – is a product that should be stored in cool and dark places.
Too much air exposure will harden your extract. Sun exposure on concentrates has been debated, and further peer-reviewed research is needed; but it is said that the exposure to sunlight speeds up the process by which CBD vs THC converts into CBN, a cannabinoid compound.
Storage of live resin at high temperatures is also known to accelerate the conversion of THC to CBN. When extracts are left in the heat for too long, it can change the consistency and texture of the concentrate.
Any moisture within a cannabis concentrate container should be promptly removed; otherwise, the wetness can develop into mold. Inhalation of mold can cause serious respiratory illness and could need medical attention.
The best storage place is within an airtight container and in a drawer, fridge, or even the freezer. However, be careful when storing in the freezer because if there is too much humidity in the container, moisture could persist. To counter this, it is a good idea to vacuum seal your product or at least place your airtight container in a resealable bag.
When it comes to the actual storage containers, the primary concerns are the useability and quality of the air seal. One container may be better than the other, depending on the consistency of the concentrate. For example, some concentrates stick to glass containers and make it difficult to get the live resin out.
There are various storage method options that will keep your cannabis extracts, no matter the consistency, from sticking to a glass container. While silicon containers are most commonly used because they are easy and convenient, we advise cannabis consumers to avoid using them.
Unfortunately, the silicon material has been known to break down the terpenes and their respective effects. In general, the most effective and proper storage method for live resin concentrates is the original storage containers they come in. It’s best not to remove the concentrate.
However, if there is a time when you have to remove the live resin concentrate from the original jar you can try using parchment paper. Parchment paper has a waxy, scrapeable surface, allowing any concentrate to be easily removed.
As live resin begins to harden, as it will naturally do, parchment paper will keep it accessible. Nevertheless, make sure the storage container lids are screwed on tight or the parchment paper is folded properly and placed in a ziplock bag. Use a plastic straw to remove the hard-to-get live resin.
What if you need to know how to store live resin for varying periods of time? How long you can store your live resin depends on what your storage practices are. If you can effectively keep your dabbing session from exposure to the elements, then your only battle will be time.
The easiest/best short-term storage method uses a medical-grade silicone container. In comparison, long-term storage calls for airtight jars, probably parchment paper, and quite possibly a cool storage location.
When storing live resin with our short-term set-up (a silicone container), life expectancy is around a month or two. Keeping your extract airtight and in the refrigerator offers more than six months of consumption. Storing in a freezer guarantees a year of good product. Just make sure to do your due diligence and store it in the correct containers.
Preserving the shelf-life of live resin is not that hard to do. It’s worth taking the extra handling care if you want to consume better quality dabs for longer. Frankly, these storage methods are so easy and necessary if you’re going to get the most bang for your buck.
What else are you going to do? Store your fresh dabs in a ziplock bag? That doesn’t sound like a good idea! Just try to remember not to leave your container open on the coffee table, and you should be a-okay for most set-ups.
Knowing how to store live resin will not only prolong the consumable duration of your product. These practices will also save you some cash, are healthier and preserve your extract’s quality of taste and aroma.
Cannabis consumers can say goodbye to having to throw away dabs that have turned rock solid—no more throwing away containers that are impossible to work with. And no more yucky, sour-tasting hits!
The benefits of knowing how to store live resin properly far outweigh the short lifespan of concentrates when neglected. Even the short-term silicone set-up will go a long way in preserving your resin.
Try to think of it as an investment; that small silicone container will save your dabs from going bad too early. It will save you from having to run out to the dispensary a week earlier than you would otherwise need to. Good concentrate storage equals money saved!
The average beginner of live resin is probably coming from smoking flower. Many new (and many experienced) live resin dabbers do not know that there are important differences between flower and concentrate storing practices. Fortunately, it turns out that the preservation of cannabis extracts is easier than flower… It just takes getting past the initial learning curve attributed to concentrates.
Just remember to keep your live resin away from the elements. Store them in a cool and dark place. As for containers, silicone will be your best friend for ease of use, and parchment paper is great for any airtight sealed jars.
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