Learning how to press without rosin bags may sound challenging, but it is possible. A rosin bag is a fine mesh bag used to contain the plant matter while allowing cannabinoids and terpenes to pass through while pressing. However, some people prefer not to use a rosin bag because it can sometimes negatively impact the yield or flavor of the final product. In this article, we’ll explore the process of how to press without rosin bags.

Before we dive into the process of how to press without rosin bags, let’s briefly discuss what rosin is and how it’s made. Rosin is a cannabis concentrate that is extracted by applying heat and pressure to the cannabis buds or plant material. This process causes the trichomes, which contain the cannabinoids and terpenes, to burst open and release their contents. The resulting liquid is then collected and cooled, creating a solid, sticky substance that can be used in a variety of ways, most commonly dabbing.

Now, let’s get into the steps for how to press without rosin bags!

How to Press Without Rosin Bags

Select High-Quality Cannabis Buds

The quality of your rosin is largely dependent on the quality of your starting material. Therefore, it’s essential to select high-quality cannabis buds that are free from mold, mildew, and other contaminants. Ideally, the buds should be fresh and sticky, indicating that they are high in resin content. The strain you choose will also have an impact on the flavor and effects of your final product.

Prepare Your Buds

Once you’ve selected your cannabis buds, the next step is to remove the stems and break the buds into small-to-medium sized portions. Use your hands to break them down into small pieces. However, be careful not to over-grind the buds, as this can cause the material to become too fine and result in lower yields. It is also important to make sure your buds are properly humidified. The ideal level is about 62% relative humidity. This can be achieved using humidity stones.

Preheat Your Rosin Press

Before you start pressing your cannabis, you need to preheat your rosin press. Set your press to the desired temperature, which will depend on the strain you’re pressing and your personal preferences. Generally, temperatures between 180 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit are used for pressing cannabis rosin. Again, this is a highly personal decision so it may take some experimenting to zero in on what works best for your set up. Generally, higher temperatures can mean higher yields, but you may sacrifice some quality. Allow your press to heat up fully before moving on to the next step.

Load Your Cannabis into the Press

Now it’s time to load your cannabis onto the rosin press plates. First, line your press plates with parchment paper (NOT wax paper). It can be helpful to use magnets to secure the parchment paper to the top and bottom plates. Now, take a small amount of your broken up buds and place them directly onto the center of press plates. Be careful not to overfill the plates, as this can cause the material to spill out during pressing.

Press Your Cannabis

Once your cannabis is loaded onto the press, it’s time to start pressing. Using your press, apply pressure to the plates, which will cause the trichomes to burst open and release their contents. Start with low pressure, just enough to hold the buds in place. Wait about 30 seconds to allow the buds to heat up. This can help to increase yields. Now, begin to slowly and steadily increase pressure over about a one (1) minute duration. Note: larger quantities on the press may mean they require more time than a minute to fully extract. Once you have reached max pressure, immediately release the pressure and remove the parchment paper with the rosin on it from the press plates.

Collect Your Rosin

After pressing your cannabis, you’ll notice that the rosin has spread out over the parchment paper that covers press plates. Use a dab tool or scraping tool to collect the rosin and transfer it to a collection container. Be sure to collect all of the rosin from the plates, as even small amounts can add up over time. If you find that your rosin has a runny consistency, it can be helpful to put the parchment paper into the refrigerator or onto a cold plate to solidify the rosin before collecting.

Placing your rosin into the freezer is NOT recommended as this can cause it to become a shatter-like consistency which is still hard to collect. Many find success using a rolling motion with the dab tool to aid in the collection process. The rosin already on the dab tool will more easily pick up other bits of rosin as they tend to stick together. 

Repeat the Process

Now that you’ve collected your first batch of rosin, you can repeat the process with the remaining cannabis material. Be sure to use fresh parchment paper between each press to prevent contamination and maintain the quality of your rosin. Sometimes you may find it is not worth pressing again, but it can’t hurt to try.

Tips for How to Press Without Rosin Bags

Here are some additional tips to help you learn how to press without rosin bags:

1. Use High-Quality Cannabis Material: The quality of your starting material will have a significant impact on the quality and yield of your rosin. Therefore, it’s essential to use high-quality cannabis material that is free from contaminants. As the old saying goes: FIre in, FIre out.
   

2. Use the Right Amount of Pressure: When learning how to press without rosin bags, it’s important to apply the right amount of pressure. Applying too much pressure can cause the material to spill out of the plates, while applying too little pressure can result in lower yields.
   
3. Experiment with Different Temperatures: The temperature at which you press your cannabis will have an impact on the flavor and effects of your rosin. Experiment with different temperatures to find the sweet spot that works best for you.
   
4. Clean Your Press Plates: Between each press, be sure to clean your press plates to prevent contamination and maintain the quality of your rosin.

Conclusion on How to Press Without Rosin Bags

Learning how to press without rosin bags is possible and can result in high-quality, flavorful rosin. By following the steps outlined above and experimenting with different temperatures and pressures, you can create your own unique cannabis rosin that is perfect for your individual needs and preferences.