Fact Checked by Doctor NameWhat are Solvent Free?
Solvent-free cannabis refers to cannabis extracts and concentrates that are produced without the use of solvents.
Typical solvents used for cannabis extractions include butane, propane, CO2, and ethanol.
Going solvent-free avoids any risks of residual solvent being left behind in the final product.
The main solvent-free extraction methods are:
- Ice water hash – Trichome-rich resin glands are separated from plant material using ice water and filters/screens. This method preserves more terpenes and cannabinoids compared to other techniques.
- Dry sift – Plant material is agitated on screens to make trichomes fall through and separate from the plant. Keeps the trichomes intact without using water or ice. Simplest solventless method.
- Rosin press – Heat and pressure are applied to cannabis plants or concentrates to extract oils and resins. Makes full-melt hash and solventless dabs. Requires minimal equipment.
Solventless extracts are valued for maintaining the widest spectrum of compounds from the original plant.
Terpene and cannabinoid levels are kept intact. Solvent-free products involve simpler processing without the risk of unhealthy residual solvents.
However, yields tend to be lower than solvent-based methods. But purity and quality are preferred by many consumers.
