Solvent vs Solventless

Exploring the Difference Between Solvent & Solventless

Table of Contents

  1. Solvent vs. Solventless
  2. Solvent-based
  3. Solventless
  4. Common Varieties of Rosin
  5. Common Varieties of Solvent-based Extracts

Solvent vs. Solventless

If you’re a cannabis concentrates enthusiast, you’re likely familiar with the diverse range of product options available. For those new to concentrates, navigating through items like wax, shatter, budder, bubble hash, and rosin might seem like a daunting task.

Regardless of the specific concentrate in question, they all fall into two broad categories based on how their active ingredients, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, were extracted from cannabis or hemp plants: utilizing solvents or abstaining from them.

Solvent-based extractions involve the use of chemical solvents like butane, carbon dioxide (CO2), or ethanol to separate cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds from plant material. Products like wax, shatter, and budder often result from this process. On the contrary, solventless extractions rely on mechanical processes to extract resin-filled trichomes from the plant.

In recent times, solventless concentrates have become increasingly popular, particularly among medical patients and individuals seeking to avoid potential residual solvents. However, it’s worth noting that properly and thoroughly purged solvent-based extractions typically contain only minimal residuals, with most states enforcing stringent regulations on residual solvent content.

Solvent-based

Butane Hash Oil (BHO) production involves the use of butane, propane, or hexane, which are highly flammable and potentially hazardous chemicals.

There may be health risks associated with BHO due to the potential for residual solvents in the final product, and the long-term effects of inhaling these solvents are not yet fully understood by medical professionals.

Solventless

Hash Rosin extraction involves applying heat and pressure to dried hash. In order to extract the trichomes to press into hash rosin, fresh frozen flower is sifted through water, gently agitating & removing them from the plant.

Once filtered and dried, you’re left with untouched trichomes in their full character. The heat and pressure cause the trichomes in the hash to release their oils, creating a concentrated, high-cannabinoid substance.

Common Varieties of Rosin

Water Hash (Bubble Hash) 

  • This cannabis concentrate is created by freezing the plant, then separating the plant matter and trichomes using ice water and physical agitation.
  • This mixture is poured through mesh bags to filter out any non-resinous plant material, where it is dried and jarred.
  • Known by various names such as bubble hash and ice water hash, this concentrate is typically used, and best experienced, dabbing.
  • Its quality is assessed on a scale of one to six stars, reflecting its refinement and how well it melts, with one star representing low quality and six stars indicating the highest of quality.

Fresh Press Rosin

  • Fresh press rosin is a solventless cannabis concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash.
  • This mechanical extraction method releases essential oils, cannabinoids, and terpenes, creating a sticky resin.
  • Unlike solvent-based extractions, rosin doesn’t use chemical solvents, making it a popular choice for those who prefer concentrates without potential residues.
  • The end product is a flavorful and aromatic concentrate that preserves the natural characteristics of the cannabis strain used.

Cold Cure Rosin

  • Cold curing is the method by which fresh press rosin undergoes a transformation in its texture due to the interplay of terpenes and cannabinoids within an enclosed setting.
  • This process typically commences at temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and can continue for a period ranging from one to three days, sometimes extending to a week or longer.
  • Cold Cure rosin offers a different expression of terpenes than found in fresh press, along with an easier-to-handle consistency, making it a popular option among concentrate enthusiasts.

Rosin Diamonds/ Rosin Lava/ Rosin Sauce

  • The consistency of diamonds and/or lava/sauce is achieved through means of cold curing rosin with strategic, slight heat application in order to form diamonds.
  • The result is a stable concentrate that can be stored at room temperature, with a flavorful terpene profile and easy to handle texture.

Common Varieties of Solvent-based Extracts

Shatter

  • Shatter derives its name from its rigid, glassy texture which often fractures or shatters upon manipulation.
  • This concentrate is crafted through diverse production techniques, commonly involving solvents such as butane or hydrocarbons.

Sugar Wax

  • Sugar wax is a variant of cannabis concentrate characterized by its texture akin to damp sugar or sugar amalgamated with a liquid, yet not fully dissolved.
  • Typically exhibiting hues ranging from bright yellow to deep amber, sugar wax is crafted through various methods, commonly via chemical extraction processes like BHO.

Crumble

  •  Crumble, sometimes likened to ‘honeycomb’ because of its visual resemblance, stands out as one of the driest forms of concentrate available.
  • It is produced using an extraction process similar to that of shatter, employing chemical solvents such as butane, propane, or CO2.
  • This distinct dry texture distinguishes it from other concentrates, making it a preferred option for individuals who like to enhance joints or sprinkle it on bowls.

Budder

  • Budder is a cannabis concentrate known for its creamy, butter-like texture.
  • Produced through solvent-based extraction, it is rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.
  • The extraction process involves using solvents like butane or CO2, followed by purging to remove any remaining solvents.

Sauce

  • This concentrate is known for its high terpene content, giving it a saucy or liquid consistency.
  • The extraction process involves using butane to strip cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant, resulting in a potent and flavorful concentrate.
  • The term “sauce” highlights the liquid or viscous texture, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking a robust and aromatic experience.