#105: From Mishap to Masterpiece: The Accidental Birth of Rosin

An accident, a new trend, and a leap in technology – these three elements are the perfect recipe for innovation. This was precisely the case with rosin, a solventless method of extracting cannabis concentrates that has taken the industry by storm. In just a few years, rosin has become the go-to extract for cannabis enthusiasts and connoisseurs, thanks to its purity, potency, and versatility.

From its humble beginnings in 2015, when a DIY (do-it-yourself) enthusiast accidentally discovered the method, rosin has evolved into a sophisticated extraction technique. Today, various types of rosin are on the market, from traditional flower rosin to live rosin, hash rosin, and more.

But what sets rosin apart from other extraction methods? And why has it gained such popularity among cannabis consumers? Before we dive into the details, let's first introduce the man behind the innovation – Phil "Soilgrown" Salazar.

Meet Phil Salazar

When Phil Salazar, a California native, started his company Soilgrown Solventless in Pasadena, he had no idea that he would be the catalyst for one of the most significant developments in cannabis extraction since the popularization of BHO (butane hash oil).

But it was a happy accident that led Salazar to discover rosin. After a 2009 trip to Amsterdam, he became fascinated with hash-making and started experimenting with different techniques. Phil would produce 5-6 star full-melt hash, a potent form of hashish that melts completely when heated.

One day, to thin out his full-melt hash for easier handling, Phil pressed it out using a hair straightener. He noticed the separation of the oils from the dry matter but didn't think much of it. A few months passed, and one day, when he was looking to dab some full-melt, a light bulb went off in his head.

He immediately decided to press some hash again, separating the oil from the dry matter. He collected the shiny oil and gave it a dab. Much to his surprise, it fully melted and tasted amazing – he just had made the first-ever rosin! A few days later when he ran out of hash to press, Phil grabbed some flower and tried the same process, and it worked! Flower rosin was born.

It was around January 2015 (coincidentally when Herbal Dispatch was born) that Phil started experimenting with rosin and by February of that year, he shared his technique online. His newfound technique spread like wildfire, and soon after, the rosin revolution was underway.

The evolution of rosin

Since Phil's discovery of rosin, the solventless extraction market has exploded. More and more cannabis users are seeking out this pure and natural form of concentrate, free from any residual solvents or chemicals. Rosin can be made with just a hair straightener, parchment paper, and some heat – making it easily accessible for home use.

As the popularity of rosin grew, so did the innovation and techniques used to produce it. Today, precision control, specialized plates, better temperature control, and even automated presses have been developed to deliver high-quality rosin efficiently.

But it's not just the accessibility and purity that makes rosin so appealing. Rosin offers a wide range of flavours and profiles, depending on the starting material and pressing technique. Terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in cannabis, are preserved during the solventless extraction process, resulting in a more flavourful and diverse product.

Today, rosin is not just limited to flower pressing. Concentrates such as live rosin, made from fresh frozen flower, and cold cure rosin, aged at low temperatures, have become increasingly popular. The versatility of rosin also extends to edibles, topicals, and even beverages.

Rosin products worth trying

There's no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a rosin product. If you're new to the world of rosin or a seasoned dabber looking to try something new, here are some recommendations to get you started.

The Hive Live Rosin: Brindle Farms, a stalwart in the rosin game, offers a Honey Banana x Papaya live rosin that is not to be missed. Made from fresh-frozen single-strain flower, this rosin boasts a ripe fruit and sweet honey flavour profile. If you're a connoisseur of flavour, this is a must-try.

Live Hash Rosin RSO: Herbal Dispatch's Live Hash Rosin RSO is the perfect product for those seeking therapeutic benefits from rosin consumption. Fully activated, this RSO is made from a blend of fresh-frozen flower that is decarboxylated to provide a potent and pure experience. Take orally or add to your favourite recipe for a boost of cannabinoids.

Sudz Live Hash Rosin: Indulge in grape candy and a gassy profile with this masterpiece from Island Genetics. With its Soap x Runtz genetics, this live hash rosin is a crowd-pleaser for its flavour and relaxing effects. A true connoisseur's choice, it's a must-have for any rosin enthusiast.

Venom OG Live Rosin: Straight out of Lillooet, British Columbia, this live rosin by Earthwolf Farms is a gassy masterpiece. Made from ice water hash and pressed at low temperature, this rosin retains its terpene profile for a truly unique and aromatic experience.

Cannonfire Rosin Vapes: Cured to perfection and extracted with precision, these rosin vapes by Cannonfire pack a punch. With a minimum 79% THC, they deliver a smooth and flavourful experience that are a delight for the senses. High quality, affordable, and available in multiple strains.

Blast Live Rosin Gummies: Blast off to the cosmos with these uber-delicious live rosin-infused gummies. You'll get a nice hint of cannabis flavour balanced with a fruity kick from the gummies themselves. Available in a range of flavours, these gummies contain 10mg of THC per piece and are perfect for on-the-go dosing.

Glenn's Live Rosin Gummies: "Yum" and "wow" are two words that come to mind when describing these gummies. Made from organic live hash rosin from Cedar Organics, these gummies are bursting with flavour and pack a punch with 10mg of THC per piece. Bet you can't eat just one!

Hash Rosin Chocolates: We couldn't make a best-of list without including some chocolate, and this one is a winner. A-Ha's Hash Rosin Chocolate Cups contain 10 mg of THC derived from fresh-frozen Orange Tingz live hash rosin. The rich chocolate and smooth rosin create a delectable combination that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

There are so many ways to enjoy rosin, and these are just a few examples of what's out there. The options are endless, and with the growing popularity of rosin, we can expect to see even more innovative and delicious products hitting the market. Dab it, vape it, eat it - the choice is yours.

The lasting impact of rosin

When Phil Salazar accidentally discovered rosin, little did he know at the time that it would become one of the most sought-after forms of cannabis. Rosin has taken the cannabis industry by storm, offering a solventless and pure extraction method that maintains all the qualities of the plant. This is one concentrate that truly captures the essence of the cannabis plant. For those looking for a clean and flavorful high, rosin is the way to go. Give it a try and experience the difference for yourself. 

 

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