Squishing Cannabis: How To Make Rosin

When Colorado and Washington legalized marijuana for recreational use back in 2012, marijuana extracts started to become increasingly commonplace with the products themselves becoming increasingly innovative. One of these innovative products is known as “squish,” a cannabis extract that’s made exclusively through “squishing” cannabis.

Also known as rosin, this solvent-free cannabis concentrate is quickly overshadowing the likes of shatter, budder and waxes and learning how to make rosin is as simple as 1-2-3. 

We’re not here for a cannabis concentrate history lesson, we’re here to answer all your questions concerning rosin, and no, not violin rosin. We are talking about the marijuana concentrate that is crafted from cannabis.

 Let’s begin!

What is Squish? Heated Pressed Cannabis 

As we briefly alluded to above, there are two commonly used types of rosin out there. One is applied to violin bows to produce a better sound, and the other will get you extremely high; we, of course, will be talking about the latter. 

Weed rosin produced from marijuana is made exclusively using heat and pressure, which is different compared to other methods used to make cannabis concentrates that use solvents like butane, alcohol, or CO2. 

This can be seen as an advantage because poorly made concentrates can leave traces of solvents behind, that are then ingested by the consumer. In contrast, since rosin only employs the use of heat and pressure to extract the concentrate, it doesn’t pose the risk of containing any harmful toxins, chemicals, or solvents — and it retains a much better flavor and aroma profile. 

This is because solvents degrade the terpenes and flavonoids of the plant, which in turn, degrades the flavor and fragrance somewhat. 

Consequently, most cannabis consumers prefer solvent-free options over the concentrates that use them, but keep in mind, that doesn’t mean it’s not without its risks. Smoking anything does cause damage and irritation to the lungs, so always be sure to smoke responsibly. 

How Do You Squish Out Rosin?

Rosin can be made on a large-scale with a machine press, or as a DIY project using a hair straightener and some parchment paper.

First, you’ll want to make sure you get the temperature right. Never go over 300℉, in fact, we recommend only using a hair straightener with a digital temperature display that lets you customize the temperature to between 245℉ and 280℉ (118°C to 137°C). 

If you don’t have access to a flat iron with a digital interface, you can switch it to the lowest setting to prevent the likelihood of burning or wasting your weed.

As your flat iron heats up — you’ll want to get your parchment paper cut into a piece that is larger than the size of the hot plates on your straightener — then fold it in half. 

Place your bud inside the folded piece of parchment paper, and place it in between the plates of the iron, and squeeze! Keep pressing the flat iron down over your parchment-covered bud until you hear a sizzle.

Once your rosin press DIY stops sizzling (that’s when the rosin stops leaking out), you’ll want to depress your hair straightener and  slowly open the parchment paper using your heat-resistant gloves. 

With your dropper or whatever tool you choose to use, carefully separate the expended weed from the liquid rosin, and place it in a jar or container to be enjoyed.

Rosin Press: How Is Squish Made? 

While DIY rosin presses can be effective, it can’t be compared to the quality and yield that a rosin press machine can produce. This specialized piece of equipment is designed to consistently apply the perfect amount of pressure and heat using heated presses that are meticulously calibrated to apply the perfect amount of pressure. 

Simply put, rosin presses guarantee the perfect environment is provided to produce large amounts of high-quality rosin — fast. When compared to other rosin harvesting methods, industrial rosin presses tend produce more extract when using the same amount of material. 

Concluding Thoughts on How to Make Rosin

It’s readily apparent that rosin reigns supreme regarding solvent-free concentrates out on the market because it’s so easy to make, and because it boasts such a good potency and flavor profile. 

If you’re considering making rosin at home, it’s important to note that the yield and quality won’t likely be on par with rosin you can buy from professional suppliers — but not always. With enough time, patience, and practice, home pressers can produce rosin that gives the professionals a run for their money, especially if you’re using high-quality bud that some manufacturers are more reluctant to use themselves due to prohibitive costs. 

All things considered, making rosin is as fun and easy as it sounds; you just need weed, a hair straightener, parchment paper, and some elbow grease. And no matter which method you choose (professionally pressed or DIY), they both produce a potent and tasty solvent-free concentrate.