The difference between live and cured cannabis concentrates lies in the starting material used and the process of extraction. Let's explore each type:
1. Live Cannabis Concentrates:
Live cannabis concentrates are made using freshly harvested, uncured cannabis plant material. The term "live" refers to the fact that the plant is processed shortly after being harvested, before it has gone through the drying and curing process. This allows for the preservation of more volatile compounds, including terpenes, which are responsible for the aroma and flavor of the cannabis plant. Live concentrates are typically made using flash-freezing techniques that rapidly preserve the plant material's freshness.
By using live material, the resulting concentrates may have a more robust and vibrant flavor profile due to the higher concentration of volatile terpenes. These terpenes are often associated with specific strains and contribute to the entourage effect, enhancing the overall experience and potential therapeutic benefits.
2. Cured Cannabis Concentrates:
Cured cannabis concentrates are made using cannabis plant material that has gone through the traditional drying and curing process. After harvest, the plant material is dried slowly over a period of time to reduce moisture content and enhance flavor and potency. The curing process allows for the breakdown of chlorophyll and the development of desired aromas, flavors, and cannabinoid profiles.
Cured cannabis concentrates are often considered more stable and easier to work with during the extraction process. The curing process may result in a slightly different flavor profile compared to live concentrates, as some terpenes may degrade or change during the curing process. However, the levels of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, remain relatively consistent.
It's important to note that the choice between live and cured cannabis concentrates is largely a matter of personal preference. Live concentrates are favored by some individuals for their fresh and robust flavors, while others may prefer the more familiar and consistent profiles of cured concentrates. Additionally, the availability of live or cured concentrates may vary depending on local regulations and the specific extraction methods used by manufacturers.
1. Live Cannabis Concentrates:
Live cannabis concentrates are made using freshly harvested, uncured cannabis plant material. The term "live" refers to the fact that the plant is processed shortly after being harvested, before it has gone through the drying and curing process. This allows for the preservation of more volatile compounds, including terpenes, which are responsible for the aroma and flavor of the cannabis plant. Live concentrates are typically made using flash-freezing techniques that rapidly preserve the plant material's freshness.
By using live material, the resulting concentrates may have a more robust and vibrant flavor profile due to the higher concentration of volatile terpenes. These terpenes are often associated with specific strains and contribute to the entourage effect, enhancing the overall experience and potential therapeutic benefits.
2. Cured Cannabis Concentrates:
Cured cannabis concentrates are made using cannabis plant material that has gone through the traditional drying and curing process. After harvest, the plant material is dried slowly over a period of time to reduce moisture content and enhance flavor and potency. The curing process allows for the breakdown of chlorophyll and the development of desired aromas, flavors, and cannabinoid profiles.
Cured cannabis concentrates are often considered more stable and easier to work with during the extraction process. The curing process may result in a slightly different flavor profile compared to live concentrates, as some terpenes may degrade or change during the curing process. However, the levels of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, remain relatively consistent.
It's important to note that the choice between live and cured cannabis concentrates is largely a matter of personal preference. Live concentrates are favored by some individuals for their fresh and robust flavors, while others may prefer the more familiar and consistent profiles of cured concentrates. Additionally, the availability of live or cured concentrates may vary depending on local regulations and the specific extraction methods used by manufacturers.