Cannabis Extraction Methods: Solvent, Solventless, Terpene

Cannabis extraction methods use a solvent such as butane, propane, ethanol or CO2, use no solvent at all (rosin press, ice water hash, dry sift), or distill or press out the terpenes alone. They differ in yield, cost and safety, and butane extraction has been tied to serious burn injuries. Our guide to cannabis distillate covers how it is made and what it is used for.

These extraction methods involve removing the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material and turning them into a concentrated form that can be used in different ways. For hemp, see our guide to how CBD is extracted with CO2 and ethanol. There are three main categories of extraction methods: solvent-based, solventless, and terpenes.

This guide explains how each method works and where its risks lie, as background rather than a how-to.

Solvent-Based Extraction Methods

Solvent-based extraction methods involve using a solvent to extract the active compounds from the cannabis plant material. The solvent dissolves the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, creating a concentrated oil or wax. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind the concentrated cannabis extract.

Examples of Solvent-Based Extraction Methods

Solvent-based extraction is used to pull many compounds from plants, not only cannabinoids. Here are some examples of solvent-based extraction methods:

Hydrocarbon Extraction

Hydrocarbon extraction involves using hydrocarbons such as butane or propane to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. This method is efficient and can produce high yields of concentrated cannabis extract. However, it can also be dangerous: explosions and burns are documented, with 29 patients admitted to a single Colorado burn center for butane hash oil burns in 2008 to 2014.

Ethanol Extraction

Ethanol extraction soaks plant material in ethanol, a type of alcohol, to pull out cannabinoids and terpenes. This method avoids pressurized butane but can be less efficient as ethanol can extract unwanted plant material and chlorophyll, affecting the final product’s flavor and quality.

CO2 Extraction

CO2 extraction pushes pressurized carbon dioxide through the plant material to dissolve and carry off the same compounds. CO2 is non-flammable, which removes the fire risk of butane, and it leaves no solvent behind. CO2 extraction can produce high yields of cannabis extract but can also be expensive as it requires specialized high-pressure equipment.

Solventless Extraction Methods

What Is Solventless Extraction?

Solventless methods separate resin glands, or their contents, from the plant with heat, pressure, water or screens instead of chemicals. These methods avoid solvent residue entirely, although contaminants in the plant itself, such as pesticides or heavy metals, can still end up in the extract.

Types of Solventless Extraction Methods

Rosin Press

A rosin press uses heat and pressure instead of a solvent. The cannabis plant material is placed between two heated metal plates, and pressure is applied, causing the active compounds to melt and stick to a collection surface. A rosin press is simple to use and leaves no solvent in the extract.

Ice Water Hash

Ice water hash, or bubble hash, involves using ice water to separate the trichomes, which contain the cannabinoids and terpenes, from the cannabis plant material. The cannabis plant material is agitated in ice water, causing the trichomes to separate and sink to the bottom.

Dry Sift

Dry sift does the same job without water, using a sieve or screen: the plant material is shaken over it, and the trichomes separate and fall through. The trichomes are then collected and dried into a fine resin powder.

Terpene Extraction Methods

Terpenes are a type of organic compound that is responsible for the unique aroma and flavor of cannabis. Researchers are studying whether terpenes have medical effects, including NIH-funded studies of pain, but those effects are not established in people. Terpene extraction methods isolate and concentrate these compounds from the plant.

Uses of Terpene Extraction

Extracted terpenes are used to restore flavor and aroma to concentrates. Some researchers think terpenes may change how THC and CBD act, which is the entourage idea, but a 2021 pain review said clinical studies are still required.

Terpene content does not tell you how much THC or CBD a product holds, so check the THC to CBD ratio on the label of any cannabis product you use.

Types of Terpene Extraction Methods

The most common terpene extraction methods use steam, heated water or mechanical pressure, and each has its own trade-offs:

Steam Distillation

In steam distillation, steam is passed through the plant material, and the heat releases the terpenes into the vapor. The steam is then cooled, which causes the terpenes to condense and separate from the water.

Hydrodistillation

Hydrodistillation is a process similar to steam distillation, but water is used to extract the terpenes from the plant material instead of using steam. The plant material is placed in a distillation flask, and water is added. The mixture is then heated, which causes the terpenes to evaporate and separate from the water.

Expression

Expression releases terpenes by mechanical pressing: the plant material is placed in a press, and pressure squeezes the aromatic oils out. It is best known for citrus peel oils.

How Do the Extraction Methods Compare?

Each family of methods trades off yield, purity, cost and safety in a different way.

Terpene extraction is a targeted method for producing concentrated flavor and aroma. However, this method only extracts terpenes, not other desirable compounds such as cannabinoids. Therefore, it is usually combined with other cannabis oil extraction methods to produce a full-spectrum product.

Solvent-based extraction can produce many types of concentrates. This method can remove undesirable compounds, such as chlorophyll, which can affect the taste and quality of the final product. Because butane and propane can ignite, solvent extraction belongs in licensed, inspected facilities rather than at home.

Solventless extraction makes concentrates without chemical solvents. The product is still a high-THC concentrate and carries the same cautions. These methods can also be time-consuming and need a significant amount of plant material to produce a small amount of concentrate.

Choosing Among Extraction Methods

No single method is best for every product. The choice of method depends on various factors, such as the type of plant material, the desired yield, and the available cannabis extraction equipment.

In Florida, processing marijuana for medical use is the job of licensed treatment centers, so none of these methods is a home project.

Last updated October 16, 2026 by the Dr. Green Relief Editorial Team.

Medical review

Medically reviewed by Achilles Kalnoky, M.D.

Reviewed on October 16, 2026.

He is licensed in Florida as a medical doctor, license ME115088, which you can check on the Florida Department of Health license lookup.

His review covers the medical statements in this post and the sources cited for them.

Different Types of Cannabis Extraction Methods

Solvent-Based Extraction Methods