Whether you’re a cannabis concentrate lover, or brand new to them, this article will explain the difference between solvent-based and solventless cannabis concentrates. By the end of this article, you may be ready to head to your favorite TFS budroom to explore our selection, or feel more equipped to strike up a conversation with one of our budtenders on the topic.
There are two general categories of cannabis concentrates: those that use solvents, and those that do not. The popularity of solventless concentrates has grown in recent years, likely because of the increased desire to live a healthier lifestyle and avoid chemicals altogether. You might find the price point to be higher on solventless products, and that is because the technique requires more intensive labor. Some solventless extraction methods use natural techniques such as ice water, heat, or pressure.
Solvent-based versus solventless
For solvent-based extractions, a chemical solvent like butane, carbon dioxide (CO2), or ethanol is used to separate cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds from the plant material. You can find solvent-based extractions in products like wax, shatter, and budder. Solventless extractions, on the other hand, rely on mechanical processes to remove the resin-filled trichomes from the plant. (Source: Weedmaps.com)
Terms to know
“Solventless” and “non-solvent” refers to cannabis concentrates that were made without the use of chemical solvents.
“Solvent free” refers to cannabis concentrates that were made using chemical solvents but that were purged from the final product.
“Hashish or hash” is the original solventless concentrate. You may also see “hash-infused” on edible packaging, which means the edible has been infused with a solventless extract.
“Rosin” refers to a solventless concentrate made by exposing cannabis flower, kief, hash, or frozen fresh buds to heat and pressure, which encourages the cannabinoid and terpene-rich resin inside trichomes to be released. (Source: Weedmaps.com)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Butane hash oil, or BHO, is a common method of solvent-based extraction. The solvent of choice is butane and it’s used to dissolve cannabinoids away from the actual plan material. “Solventless,” on the other hand, is a term used to describe a concentrate that is made without a chemical solvent.
There are many extraction methods to create solventless concentrates, including dry sifting, ice water, heat and pressure.
There are many different kinds of extraction techniques when it comes to making concentrates. Some of these techniques are solventless or solvent-based. Because solventless techniques do not use chemical solvents like butane, carbon dioxide or alcohol, it is said that this process is typically healthier for cannabis consumers.
TFS products to check out on your next visit
Tropicana Cookies Solventless Rosin Wax - Recreational
Glucifer X Golden Goat Solventless Budder - Recreational
Note that all links direct you to the Negaunee menu. Availability of items listed are subject to change.
