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Live Rosin Gummies: Grön and Head Change Team Up

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Why Grön and Head Change Chose Live Rosin Over Distillate

While production processes may slightly change, many popular edible brands typically utilize some form of cannabis distillate in their gummy products. This is especially true for edible products that are manufactured from an initially liquid state, as it is only sensible to utilize a liquid distillate that has low viscosity in the production process. Distillate is easily measurable, so producers can keep their gummies compliant with present regulations while making sure the THC content is evenly spread.

However, two popular and established cannabis brands with operations in Missouri – Grön and Head Change – have recently teamed up to radically change not only their product lines but also the core ingredients used.  Most notably, ‘hash rosin‘, which is a type of solventless concentrate.

Hash Rosin vs. Distillate: How The Product Changes

The first products offered by the pair of companies to reflect the changes in concentrate use are called the ‘MEGA’ and ‘Pearl gummies’.  Interestingly, these changes led to a need to rethink the manufacturing process due to new extraction requirements.

  1. First, the hash-grade cannabis is harvested when its potency is highest and then sent straight to the freezers in order to save as much of the cannabinoid profile as they can.
  2. Then, an ice-water extraction method is used to slowly separate trichomes, while kief is pressed.  Notably, this occurs without the use of any solvents or additives.

Through this approach, the rich terpene profile of the rosin is preserved as perfectly as possible and not compromised or weakened during the manufacturing process.

“With distillate, you’re isolating a single cannabinoid, which strips away the flavor and nuance of the plant. Rosin, on the other hand, retains the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a richer taste, aromatic complexity, and a more balanced, authentic experience.” – Michael Thale, Chief Marketing Officer at Grön.

Feature Distillate Solventless Live Rosin
Extraction Method Solvent-based Ice-water & mechanical (no solvents)
Cannabinoid Profile Isolated (mostly THC) Full-spectrum (THC, terpenes, minor cannabinoids)
Flavor Neutral or artificial Rich, strain-specific
Cost Lower Higher
Onset Time Standard Varies (can be faster in some new formulations)

Grön and Head Change: Quite A Collaboration

The collaboration between Grön and Head Change initially began when Samuel Soong, Grön’s Chief Revenue Officer, was introduced to Peter Seay, CEO of Head Change, at a trade show they both attended in Missouri. Although collaboration between two popular cannabis brands is quite common across all state markets, examples involving brands that sell different types of products altogether are, admittedly, less common. Yet, the two developed a mutual respect for each other, and the business relationship naturally flourished from there.

With Head Change’s high-quality rosins and Grön’s diverse catalog of edible products, the two brands realized that they could not only collaborate for sales and marketing reasons, but also to enhance their products.

“Head Change brings a deep expertise in developing flavor-forward, high-quality live rosin. Their attention to terpene preservation and flavor expression is unmatched. Grön, known for its mastery in crafting delicious, effects-based edibles, was the perfect partner.

Together, they created a product line where the edible complements the rosin, not covers it up, resulting in a true full-spectrum experience.” – Michael Thale, Chief Marketing Officer at Grön.

The Unique Flavors and Flavoring Process

Unlike other edible producers who add random flavorings or tastes to their edibles regardless of the original terpene profile of the cannabis, Grön utilizes the data from those original terpene profiles to design innovative flavors for its products. Given the rich biodiversity of every individual cannabis strain, the cannabis and flavor pairings can get quite creative.  Thale stated,

“For example, the 100 mg Cherry Cola MEGA and 10 mg Dragon Punch Pearl were formulated to pair with the earthy, spicy notes of myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, found in Indica terpenes, resulting in a rare edible experience that feels and tastes like the plant it came from.”

Advantages of The Edibles Market

Although industry outsiders may likely think that the cannabis industry is entirely just flower sales, Thale mentioned all the numerous advantages that the edibles market and products have over other product types.

“Edibles offer several unique advantages that make them appealing to a wide range of cannabis consumers. One of the most significant benefits is precise dosing. Unlike flower or concentrates, which can vary in potency depending on how they are consumed, edibles are formulated with exact measurements. This allows consumers to better control their intake and tailor their experience to their desired effect.

Another major advantage of edibles is their discretion. Edibles can be consumed quietly and inconspicuously, without the smell, smoke, or equipment associated with inhalable products like flower or vapes. This makes them ideal for people who prefer a more private consumption method, whether at home or on the go.”

Thale also mentioned that from an access and demographic standpoint, the edible market would have the most familiarity with new consumers, given the familiar forms that many cannabis edible brands already come in; chocolates and beverages are a good example.

The Future of Edible Manufacturing

Using live rosin as opposed to traditional distillates is undoubtedly an innovative way to revamp the manufacturing process. Thale feels hopeful that this collaboration is just the beginning of many clever alterations to commonly held and implemented edible manufacturing processes throughout various popular brands, far beyond those under Grön’s umbrella.

“We’re already seeing advancements in cannabinoid formulations and speed of onset. Faster-acting edibles and novel cannabinoid combinations will continue to shape the next generation of products.

Collaborations like this one, where formulation is guided by terpene science and the full-spectrum of cannabinoids, are paving the way for more intentional, effect-driven experiences.”

Josh Kasoff is a journalist and writer living near Washington D.C. who covers all aspects of the cannabis industry — from law and politics to arts and entertainment, finance, retail operations, advocacy, and criminal justice reform. In addition to interviewing many of the most influential decision-makers and professionals across the U.S. cannabis industry, Josh spent six years working directly in Nevada’s cannabis sector, spanning packaging, manufacturing, marketing, and testing analysis.