Cannabis resin: Uses and Effects

It is a natural substance that develops on the trichomes of mature cannabis plants. Trichomes are tiny, crystalloid structures that serve as a defense mechanism for the cannabis plant. The resin works as a protective barrier between environmental threats and the plant, preserving the properties of THC, CBD, and many of the terpenes that are responsible for the various effects we experience with cannabis, as well as the smell of cannabis when consumed.

The resin forms as the trichomes build in layers and the trichomes are separated from the plant material through and in combination of several methods of extraction. The traditional way of collecting cannabis resin is to hand roll fresh cannabis buds and collect the sticky resin left on your fingers, but other methods of extraction include using ice water, dry sift, and solvent methods, all of which create the best quality concentrates.

Effects and Potency

Weed resin normally comes with THC levels from about 20% all the way up to 60% potency. Compared to dried flowers, levels of high-quality dried flowers can range anywhere from 15-25% potency. The potency difference increases the psychoactive effect of cannabis resin considerably, because the high intensifies and starts to hit the smoker more quickly and lasts longer than the high from smoking standard cannabis.

It is so potent that even small amounts deliver a more pronounced experience, but users will have to pay close attention to dosage, for both novices and experienced users. Patients in legal jurisdictions tend to prefer cannabis resin for chronic pain, severe nausea and sleeplessness because cannabis resin typically offers longer lasting relief.

For the “entourage” effect to occur, cannabis resin is preferred when using quality cannabis resin because the preserved terpenes will work with the cannabinoids to provide a nuanced experience between invigorating cerebral highs and heavy body effects, depending on the characteristics of the strain used.

Contemporary Uses

Cannabis resin tends to be used for many medical purposes today, including epilepsy, PTSD, cancer symptoms, inflammation, etc. 

Modern consumption of cannabis has shifted away from traditional smoking to include vaporizing cannabis, when you are also protecting the delicate terpenes and removing dangerous by-products created by burning the plant. Dabbing high-end resin concentrates at a controlled temperature means you are able to preserve maximum flavor and potency while impacting fewer harmful properties on the respiratory system.

Quality and Safety

The point you will know if cannabis resin is considered quality or not will be if it is solid to solid, amber to dark amber in color, with a texture consistency and pleasant aroma of the associated strain for consumed cannabis.

Storing cannabis resin in a cool, dark place will maximize quality and potency, while limiting degrading factors. Good containers will make sure the cannabis resin is not contaminated and will also help preserve the delicate strain-specific terpenes found in high-quality cannabis resin in comparison to the matrix or placeholder resin in cannabis.