Resin

In cannabis culture, resin refers to the sticky, viscous secretion produced by the glandular trichomes on marijuana flowers. Trichomes are the frosty looking crystals coating buds, and resin contains the therapeutic cannabinoids and aromatic terpenes secreted by these trichomes. High quality cannabis strains produce an abundance of resin, signaling high potency. Handling sticky, resinous buds will leave fingers coated in the residue. Top shelf flowers drip with resin, announcing pronounced effects ahead. However, resin can also refer to the black tarry buildup that accumulates in pipes and bong bowls after smoking.

This combustion byproduct can technically be collected and consumed, but will taste harsh and contain fewer cannabinoids than the trichome resin itself. This pipe resin results from burned plant matter and cannot compare to the pure, terpene-rich secretions flowing from fresh trichomes. So in summary, resin can signify either: 1) The gooey, crystal-filled exudate associated with dank, top-shelf buds or 2) The nasty tar residue leftover from smoking that gunks up pipes. When it comes to consuming either resin, most cannabis enthusiasts will stick to the unadulterated resin flowing from fresh, sticky flowers for maximum effects and flavor.