Hash heads often take it for granted that solventless cannabis extracts are superior to other forms of concentrates. We know that solventless extracts command a higher price point on dispensary shelves, and that eyes light up with the mention of live hash rosin. But why exactly do we consider solventless cannabis products to be superior?

Defining Solventless

Solventless extracts are cannabis concentrates made without the use of chemical solvents, such as butane and ethanol alcohol. Solventless extracts include both flower and hash rosin, dry sift, and bubble hash. 

Although pure water is technically a solvent, we still consider ice water hash to be a solventless extract, as pure water is completely non-toxic and will fully evaporate away from the final product. 

Butane hash oil, CO2 distillate, and ethanol extracts are common solvent-based cannabis extracts. Though they can pack a punch and be tasty to consume, extracts created without the use of chemical solvents to isolate the cannabinoids and terpenes are better for the following reasons. 

Therefore, the full spectrum experience of the plant trichomes shines through, and includes all components of the entire resin gland. This is superior to the extracts that often don't contain the whole array of therapeutic molecules found within the resin glands. 

Another major quality advantage for solventless is that there is no risk of chemical residual solvents being left in the final product. Solventless extracts are pure and potent, and free of any potentially unhealthy chemical contaminants. With solventless, there's no need to worry about ingesting chemicals, while at the same time allowing the fullest expression of the cannabis plant's therapeutic qualities to be captured.  

Versatility

Another reason that solventless is superior lies in the fact that solventless is extremely versatile. Bubble hash can be consumed as it is, or pressed into hash rosin. The same goes for dry sift, which can be incorporated into other cannabis products. Sometimes (if it's high quality), dry sift can be dabbed on its own. High quality solventless can even be made directly from pressing flowers into rosin. 

Once the rosin is produced, it can be cured into various textures and consistencies. This includes budder, diamonds and sauce, and even THC-A powder (THC-A requires more processing but it's still solventless). 

There are many different ways to go with rosin. Even the type of source material used (fresh frozen vs air cured flowers) is flexible. It's only up to the extractor's preference and access to material. 

Not only is the equipment needed very minimal, but there's no health hazard in using the equipment or working with the materials. Unlike BHO which requires an aggressive air exhaust system, technical equipment, and carries a high risk of explosions, there's minimal risk of something going dangerously wrong when creating solventless extracts. Dropping a pre-press mold on your foot, burning your hand on a rosin press plate, or straining your back while draining bubble bags are some of the things to go wrong. And this type of mishap is hardly unique to cannabis processing, and these injuries could happen anywhere. But this pales in comparison to the occupational hazards of working with solvent-based extracts.

Compared to the massive equipment and operational complexities of running a CO2 distillate lab, for example, producing solventless at home is accessible in a small space and modest budget. There's no comparison in the expense of setting up a solvent lab vs solventless lab. Solventless wins every time. 

You can even make rosin with some quality cannabis flowers and a hair straightener. 

Conclusion

It's easy to assume that solventless is better, and you'd be right. But beyond the assumptions, consider these advantages next time you consider dabbing or producing solvent-based extracts. There's really only one way to go if you want the best of the best, with an array of options in producing, curing, processing, and consuming cannabis extracts. It's solventless above all the rest. 

Thoughts? Let us know by joining our secret Facebook group. Hang out with a community of like-minded solventless heads like yourself. Ask our head extractor questions, share your latest press and learn from hobbyists and experts in the industry.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are solvents bad for your health?
Solvents like butane are not safe to consume. Although concentrates that are made with solvents can be properly purged and made relatively safe for consumption, cannabis extracts made without solvents are ideal. 

What are solvents?
Solvents are compounds like ethanol alcohol or butane that can be used to extract cannabis concentrates from plant material. 

Why do extractors use solvents?
Solvents are effective in making cannabis concentrates but they are not as safe as solventless methods. Solventless extraction methods also require less equipment to produce. 

What are the main solventless extraction methods?
Pressing rosin, dry sifting, and washing bubble hash with the ice water extraction method are the main ways to produce solventless cannabis concentrates. 

Is the quality of solventless cannabis concentrates better?
It depends on the source material and the skill of the extractor, but from a purity point of view, the quality of solventless cannabis products is better than products made with solvents.