Homogenization means combining different consistencies into one uniform consistency. In terms of cannabis concentrates, homogenization is creating a substance of the same texture throughout, as opposed to solid forms and liquid forms that exist together. For example, hash rosin often separates into solid crystalline structures surrounded by pools of liquid terpenes. Different methods can be used to combine these two distinct components of rosin into one uniform consistency.

Rosin can be transformed into a variety of consistencies. One consistency that’s the opposite of homogenized is “Diamonds and Sauce”, where THC crystals are suspended among pools or terpenes. The crystals of THC are referred to as diamonds, and the liquid terpenes are called the sauce. Diamonds and sauce can be made with a warm cure. Learn more about warm curing in our article Top 10 Rosin Warm Curing Tips. 

The mixture of different consistencies in Diamonds and Sauce makes it heterogeneous. Some people prefer this type of rosin, but other people like a more consistent texture throughout. To achieve a uniform consistency, you can homogenize rosin. 

In this article we’ll look at the benefits of homogenization and some of the techniques used to blend and homogenize both rosin and bubble hash. 

Benefits of Homogenization

There are several reasons why extractors would like to homogenize their rosin or bubble hash. 

Badder is not only more enjoyable, but it can have better stability over time. This makes badder ideal for a longer shelf life. This is another reason why some commercial extractors like to homogenize their rosin after production, so that it remains consistent and stable while it sits on dispensary shelves. This makes the customer experience more predictable with each purchase of the rosin. 

A great way to prepare rosin for making the badder consistency is to cold cure it for several days. Learn more about cold curing in the article Top 10 Tips for Cold Curing Rosin. 

Taffy is another consistency that’s homogenized. It’s similar to badder in the consistent texture, but it’s less like cake batter and more like candy taffy. Taffy also has a stability that’s ideal for a longer shelf life. 

Another reason to homogenize rosin is for making rosin vape cartridges. When rosin has hard THC crystals throughout it doesn’t vape well in carts. For carts to work properly, the rosin must remain in a consistent liquid form. You can heat rosin to make it a consistent liquid. Learn more in our article How To Make 100% Solventless Vape Cartridges. 

Aging bubble hash is another use case for homogenizing solventless concentrates. Once bubble hash is produced, it can be rolled with a hot rolling pin to homogenize the trichomes together into a solid mass. This is beneficial for the aging process. Aging allows transformations to happen over time, including enhanced taste and potency. When the terpenes, cannabinoids, trace chlorophyll, and trichome membranes are all homogenized, the aging process can occur more effectively. 

Methods of Homogenization

Now that we see some of the reasons that extractors like to homogenize rosin and the benefits that it brings, let’s look at the different methods that can be used. Depending on your use case for the cannabis concentrate and the desired outcome, you can choose a different method to fit your needs. Experimenting with each method is also a benefit to finding which one you prefer the most. 

Whipping

The downside of whipping is that it causes terpene loss. Terpenes are very volatile, and when you whip rosin some of these terpenes actually evaporate away. That said, whipping rosin is still a net positive for many extractors, given the benefits discussed above. 

Learn more about whipping rosin in our article What Are The Benefits of Whipping Rosin?

Plunging

Spinning

Spinning is another take on pushing rosin. Spinning is less intense than whipping and similar to pushing. But, instead of just pushing up and down, spinning involves pushing into the rosin with a dab tool, then spinning the tool around as it’s lifted out of the rosin. As the tool is spinning, it’s plunged back into the rosin and continues to turn. This effectively mixes and homogenizes the rosin without all the aggressive agitation of whipping. 

Stretching (Taffy Tech)

Heating rosin slightly during the taffy tech refinement process can be helpful to keep the rosin pliable throughout. The great thing is that you don’t need any extra equipment for taffy tech, just some gloves and your two hands. It can be a fun and meditative process too!

Liquid for Rosin Carts

Heating for rosin carts is another way to homogenize rosin, with a special use case. Homogenizing rosin for carts is the most passive way to homogenize rosin and all you need to do is heat rosin inside of a sealed glass jar. The heat and pressure created inside the jar creates a pure liquid consistency that vapes well in cartridges. This heating eliminates the crystals of THC and makes for a runny consistency. 

Learn more about heating rosin for carts in our article about making solventless vape carts. 

Heat Pressing to Age Bubble Hash

Homogenizing bubble hash creates an environment where the terpenes can act as solvents to actually dissolve the remaining chlorophyll and lipids. This enhances flavor and smoothness and makes for an overall better product. 

Heat pressing bubble hash for homogenization involves placing the bubble hash in a turkey bag and pressing it with a wine bottle filled with boiling water. The wine bottle is rolled over the hash several times, spreading it out into a thin pancake. Then the hash is folded back into several layers, then rolled out again, folded and rolled multiple times. The heat plus pressure helps break open the trichomes and homogenizes the hash. 

Learn more about heat pressing bubble hash for the aging process in our article Aging Bubble Hash 101.

Conclusion

Homogenization makes cannabis extracts more uniform throughout, and can change the look and feel of the concentrate. Homogenizing cannabis concentrates like rosin and bubble hash has several benefits, including transforming consistency, improving shelf life, and preparing for aging. Rosin is generally cold-cured first, then either whipping, spinning, pushing, or taffy tech is used to modify its texture and consistency. 

Homogenizing isn’t necessary but it does make a meaningful difference, depending on the final product that you’re looking for. Methods like Taffy Tech are easy and allows you to see the magical transformation of rosin right before your eyes. 

What’s your favorite way to homogenize rosin? Let us know in the comments!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is homogenization? 
Homogenization means making a substance a uniform consistency throughout? Badder is a type of homogenous rosin, while diamonds and sauce can be considered the opposite, which is heterogeneous. 

How do you homogenize rosin?
There are several techniques used to homogenize rosin, which include whipping, spinning, pushing, and taffy tech. 

How do you homogenize bubble hash?
Bubble hash can be homogenized for the aging process by pressing it with a wine bottle filled with boiling water. 

What are the benefits of homogenizing rosin?
The benefits of homogenizing rosin include making a badder consistency, giving the rosin a longer shelf life, and also preparing hash rosin for vape carts. 

Do you have to homogenize rosin before dabbing?
No, you don't have to homogenize rosin before dabbing. It is an optional stage of refinement.