Solventless vs. Solvent Extraction: A Clear and Comprehensive Guide
As New York’s legal cannabis market matures, consumers and brands are becoming more discerning about how concentrates and infused products are made. One of the most common questions we hear is:
“What’s the difference between solventless extraction and solvent-based extraction?”
Both methods can produce high-quality cannabis extracts, but they achieve different results in flavor, purity, price point, and product positioning. Understanding the distinction is essential for anyone developing a cannabis brand or choosing products on the shelf.
What is Solventless Extraction?
Solventless extraction uses ice, water, heat, pressure, and mechanical separation — no chemical solvents — to extract cannabinoids and terpenes.
How It Works
Fresh or cured cannabis is washed in ice water to separate trichomes.
The resin heads are filtered through micron screens to create ice water hash.
The hash is dried and then pressed at controlled temperatures to produce live rosin or rosin.
Why Consumers Value Solventless
No solvents involved in processing
True-to-plant flavor and aroma
Craft, small-batch appeal
Considered the pinnacle among connoisseurs
Common Products
Live Rosin (dab-able concentrates)
Solventless Vape Carts
Rosin-Infused Pre-Rolls
Hash or Rosin Gummies (luxury-tier edibles)
Brand Positioning: Premier, luxury, small-batch, craft.
What is Solvent-Based Extraction?
Solvent-based extraction uses a chemical solvent — such as hydrocarbons (butane/propane), ethanol, or CO₂ — to dissolve the cannabinoid and terpene-rich oils from the cannabis plant.
How It Works
Cannabis biomass is packed into a closed-loop extraction system.
Solvent is used to extract oils, terpenes, and cannabinoids.
The solvent is evaporated and purged, leaving a pure, clean extract.
Why Manufacturers Choose Solvent Extraction
Highly scalable + consistent
Allows targeted cannabinoid and terpene preservation
Ideal for high-terpene live resin
Common Products
Live Resin Concentrates (badder, sauce, diamonds + sauce)
Live Resin Vapes
Distillate Edibles
Infused Pre-Rolls
Brand Positioning: Accessible, flavorful, scalable, widely appealing.
How to Choose the Right Method for Your Brand
If Your Brand Focuses On…Choose:Luxury, craft, connoisseur experienceSolventless (Live Rosin / Hash)Wide distribution + consistent pricingSolvent-Based (Live Resin / Distillate)Flavor and terpene expression above all Either — but choose high-terpene cultivars
The most successful brands in New York often offer both, with clear tiering to meet different consumer needs.
How HP Wellness Supports Both Methods
HP Wellness is one of New York’s only woman-owned Tier 1 and Tier 3 cannabis processors, offering:
Solventless Production: Ice water hash + live rosin presses on premium fresh-frozen material
Hydrocarbon Extraction: High-terpene live resin, diamonds + sauce, HTE fractions
Private Label + Co-Packing: Pre-rolls, vape carts, gummies, edibles, and more
Distribution-Ready Compliance: Packaging, labeling, batch testing, METRC traceability
Whether you're creating a craft rosin brand or a scalable live resin product line, we help you get to market with precision and integrity.
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Market — With Care
Reach out to explore solventless, solvent, or hybrid product strategies for your brand.
