Solventless Extraction: Types and Comparison With Solvent-Based Extraction

Solventless Extraction: Types and Comparison With Solvent-Based Extraction

25 November, 2025
What Is Solventless Extraction?

The days of subpar extracts with harsh chemicals and messy solvents are gone thanks to solventless extraction, the purest, cleanest way to enjoy cannabis. 

Now, this type of extraction isn’t new – ancient cultures have been using it for centuries with methods like hand-pressed hashes. But today, it’s getting a high-tech makeover with innovative, game-changing methods. Our live resin gummies and everything else in our catalog (except our lotion and gel) is a perfect example of this.

We use Cellular Deconstruction Technology (CDT)™, which relies on physics rather than harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures. It preserves the plant in its purest form so you get the true-to-strain experience you deserve, with cannabinoids and terpenes fully intact.

Our delta 9 gummies for sale are the best online because of this extraction method. They’re also Nano-ionized™ which means they kick in faster so you’re not waiting for relief. Experience the difference between solvent vs solventless extraction today! 

Solventless Extraction vs Solvent-Based Extraction at a Glance

Category

Solventless Extraction

Solvent-Based Extraction

How It Works

Mechanical or physics-based separation (no chemicals)

Uses CO₂, ethanol, butane, or propane to dissolve compounds

Types

Rosin, Dry Sift, Ice Water, CDT™

CO₂, Ethanol, Hydrocarbon (BHO/PHO)

Residuals / Safety

No solvent residue; zero contamination risk

Potential trace solvent “fingerprints”; requires heavy testing

Temperature

Low heat; CDT™ never exceeds ~90°F

Often high pressure and/or higher temps

Purity

Exceptionally clean; no chemicals to remove

Depends on purge quality; purity varies

End Result

Cleaner, more natural extract with strong effects

High-potency extracts but can alter composition

Plant Profile

Preserves full cannabinoids + terpenes (Whole-Spectrum™)

May lose delicate terpenes; ratios can shift

What is Solventless Extraction?

Extraction refers to the process of separating the active cannabis compounds from the plant - which include cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

It mechanically separates the active ingredients like cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plants without any chemicals or solvents.

It is considered the cleanest and purest since the cannabis trichomes never come in contact with harsh chemicals. The trichomes are packed with cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other beneficial plant compounds.

Some of the most common types of solventless extraction techniques are:

  • Rosin Pressing: Resinous trichomes are extracted from the plant material, resulting in rosin using heat and pressure.
  • Dry Sift Hash: Plant material is sifted through fine mesh screens to collect kief, which is further compressed into hash.
  • Ice Water Extraction: Ice water is used to break off trichomes due to its extreme cold temperature. This allows the trichomes to sink, which are later collected and dried to create bubble hash.

These have been used forever, but there’s a more advanced type of solvent-free extraction you need to know about - Cellular Deconstruction Technology (CDT)™

Cellular Deconstruction Technology (CDT)™: The Most Advanced Approach to Solventless Extraction

 

Cellular Deconstruction Technology

 

CDT is revolutionizing solventless extraction as we know it. It relies on physics rather than chemicals to extract the highest quality, and purest extracts which preserve the Whole-Spectrum™ of plant compounds.

The trichomes are never subjected to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, which can damage the cannabinoids. Cell walls are gently ruptured with 16 million joules of energy to safeguard delicate cannabinoids and terpenes from extreme temperatures or chemical exposure. The temperature during this process never exceeds 90°F.

This process makes the cannabinoids nano-ionized, down to about 28nm. Typically, the cannabinoids extracted from other methods are 2000 nano-meters in size. But what does this mean in practice? 

You feel effects faster when you use the end product, be it our THC gummies for pain, THC gummies for sleep, or THC gummies for energy!

A lot of our customers notice something happening as soon as 20 minutes after taking their gummies compared to the typical 60-90 minute waiting period with standard gummies.

Common Solvent-Based Extraction Methods

On the other hand, solvent-based extractions separate the active ingredients from the hemp and cannabis plants using different types of chemicals or solvents. Some of the commonly used solvents are:

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
  • Ethanol
  • Butane
  • Propane

There are different types of solvent-based extractions:

  • Hydrocarbon Extraction: This process uses Butane or Propane Hash Oil to extract various concentrates like shatter, wax, crumble and budder.
  • Ethanol Extraction: Also known as alcohol extraction as this process uses ethanol to create liquid extracts from plant material.
  • CO2 Extraction: This has been the standard extraction method for many brands and is cleaner and safer than other methods. Supercritical CO2 in liquid and gaseous form is used to extract a broad spectrum of compounds.

But, is solventless extraction better than these solvent-based methods? Let’s take a closer look at solvent vs solventless extraction to help you understand which aligns with your goals.

What’s the Difference Between Solvent and Solventless Extraction?

While both methods produce cannabis concentrates, they differ significantly in process, purity, and overall quality of the final product.

Solvent-based methods rely on solvents and harsh chemicals, which often leaves fingerprints i.e. residue in trace amounts. These chemicals can be dangerous and harmful to your health.

While versatile, these chemicals can alter the natural profile of the plant, and lead to uneven extraction - pulling more of certain cannabinoids and not enough of others.

Solvent-free extraction methods don’t use any solvents to separate the compounds from the plant, resulting in a cleaner, purer extract.

Methods like Rosin Pressing and Ice Water extraction avoid chemicals altogether and use temperature and pressure to exact the final product.

The extreme temperatures and pressures can also damage the delicate cannabinoids.

That’s where Cellular Deconstruction Technology comes in.

CDT avoids any and all chemicals, extreme temperatures or pressure.

Unlike traditional methods like CO2 extraction - CDT operates at relatively cool temperatures, never exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and avoids harsh pressure changes.

This makes it gentle on cannabinoids which doesn’t damage the cannabinoids and maintains the plant’s natural profile.

Moreover, this completely eliminates any risk of contamination and makes the final product cleaner, healthier extracts free from toxins.

So you can get the full benefits of hemp and cannabis as nature intended.

CDT's physical process achieves 99%+ extraction efficiency, ensuring minimal waste and maximizing the yield of valuable compounds.

Is Solventless Extraction Better Than Other Methods?

You’re probably starting to get a sense of which is better between solvent vs solventless extraction. One is just way cleaner than the other, and that matters for the end user.

Now, both methods have their merits. But solventless extracts, particularly those produced using Cellular Deconstruction Technology (CDT), are far ahead in terms of purity, preservation of the entourage effect, and overall health considerations.

Why take any chances with chemical residues? That’s always something you’ll have to wonder about when using solvent extraction. Solventless extracts on the other hand are completely free of residual solvents.

Plus, solvent-free extraction, especially CDT, preserves the whole spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant. You get not just CBN vs CBD vs THC but also minor cannabinoids such as CBC, CBG, and more. 

Entourage Effect suggests that all the cannabinoids, terpenes and other ingredients work together to maximize each other's benefits. In other words, you get to enjoy each individual strain as Mother Nature intended.

So, why settle for anything less than the best? 

Final Words on Solvent vs Solventless Extraction

So, you're wondering if solventless extracts are really better than solvent-based ones? Well, it depends on what you're looking for.

Solvent-based extracts are usually cheaper and widely available, but they come with serious health concerns. Solvent-free extractions, especially CDT, have a real edge. They can be a bit harder to find, you won’t find CDT extracts at your local dispensaries.

While they may be slightly pricier, the investment is in purity, safety, and a potentially more complete therapeutic experience. We think it’s well worth it, and over 50,000 customers who shop with us at Cannovia agree.

Our blog has more resources comparing live resin gummies vs regular gummies if you want to learn more about what separates Cannovia from the rest. Otherwise, we encourage you to shop now and discover the difference between solvent vs solventless extraction firsthand!