Solvent

A solvent is a substance used during concentrate extraction to dissolve and separate desirable compounds from plant material. Common solvents include butane, propane, ethanol, and CO2 — each produces concentrates with different characteristics.

Key features:

• Dissolves compounds from plant material
• Must be removed (purged) from final product
• Different solvents create different concentrate types
• Requires specialized equipment for safe use
• Professional extraction only — not DIY-safe

Different solvents extract different compound profiles. Butane is highly selective — it pulls desired compounds while leaving behind many undesirable elements, creating clean concentrates such as shatter and wax. Propane works similarly but operates at higher pressures and tends to extract more volatiles, which in turn influences terpene content. Ethanol is less selective — it extracts more broadly, pulling more compounds, including some you don't necessarily want, though it's food-safe. CO2 extraction uses supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2 under specific pressure and temperature conditions) for selective extraction without flammable solvents.

The extraction process requires closed-loop systems that safely contain solvents, professional equipment, proper ventilation, and expertise. This is not backyard chemistry — improper handling of solvents like butane and propane creates serious explosion risks. Professional extraction facilities follow strict safety protocols and operate with specialized equipment designed for the process.

Purging removes residual solvent from the extracted concentrate. Heat and vacuum pull solvent molecules out of the concentrate until levels reach safe limits (typically measured in parts per million). Quality concentrates undergo laboratory testing that verifies safe residual solvent levels. This is why sourcing concentrates from reputable producers matters — they have proper equipment and verification processes.

Solvents in your experience: As a consumer, you're not handling solvents directly — you're consuming the end product after extraction and purging. Understanding solvents helps you evaluate concentrate types and production methods. Butane hash oil (BHO) products, such as shatter and wax, are derived from butane extraction. Live resin often uses butane or propane on fresh-frozen material. CO2 oils appear in many cartridges. Ethanol extracts are sometimes found in full-spectrum products. Look for laboratory testing results that confirm safe residual solvent levels — reputable producers provide this documentation. The extraction method affects flavor, terpene preservation, and the characteristics of the final concentrate.