How Cannabis Concentrates Are Made. Let's Solvent!

Cannabis concentrates are made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant using either solvent-based or solventless methods. Solvent-based methods use butane, ethanol, or CO₂ to chemically separate THC, while solventless methods rely on heat, pressure, or ice water to isolate the compounds naturally.

The final product varies in texture, potency, and purity, creating different types of THC concentrates like shatter, wax, rosin, and distillate.

There are two primary ways to make cannabis concentrates:

• Chemical manufacturing (solvent-based extraction) – Uses substances like butane, CO₂, or ethanol to isolate cannabinoids.
• Mechanical manufacturing (solventless extraction) – Uses heat, pressure, or water to extract THC without chemicals.

Each method affects potency, purity, and flavor, which is why there are so many different types of THC concentrates on the market. Below, we’ll cover exactly how to make cannabis concentrates, what tools are used, and how a THC concentration tester ensures product quality and consistency.

What Are Cannabis Concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts that contain high levels of THC and terpenes without excess plant material. These extracts can reach THC concentrations of 60-90% or higher, compared to the 15-30% typically found in cannabis flower.

Why Do People Use Concentrates?

• Higher potency – Small amounts deliver stronger effects.
• Better flavor – Many concentrates preserve terpenes for enhanced aroma and taste.
• Fast-acting effects – Absorbed quickly when vaped or dabbed.
• Less consumption needed – A small dab equals multiple hits from a joint.

Types of Cannabis Concentrates

There are two primary categories of THC concentrates based on how they are made:

1. Solvent-Based Concentrates (made using butane, propane, ethanol, or CO₂)

• Shatter
• Wax
• Budder
• Live Resin
• Distillate

2. Solventless Concentrates (made using heat, pressure, or ice water)

• Rosin
• Bubble Hash
• Kief

Each type of concentrate has a different texture, potency, and method of consumption.

How to Make Cannabis Concentrates: Solvent-Based Methods

Solvent-based extraction uses chemicals to dissolve cannabinoids and terpenes before purging the solvent to create a high-potency extract. These methods require specialized equipment and are primarily used in commercial production.

Butane Hash Oil (BHO) Extraction

BHO extraction is one of the most common ways to make cannabis concentrates. It uses butane or propane to strip cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, leaving behind a highly potent resin.

Process:

• Cannabis is packed into a sealed tube.
• Butane or propane is forced through the material, dissolving THC and terpenes.
• The solvent is removed through vacuum purging, leaving behind shatter, wax, or budder.

Common BHO Products: Shatter, Wax, Budder

CO₂ Extraction

CO₂ extraction is a safer and cleaner method that preserves more terpenes. This method is often used for vape cartridges, THC oils, and distillates.

Process:

• Carbon dioxide is compressed into a supercritical state (a state where it behaves as both a gas and liquid).
• CO₂ is passed over cannabis material, pulling out cannabinoids and terpenes.
• The extracted compounds are refined and distilled into oils or vape liquids.

Common CO₂ Products: Vape cartridges, THC distillate

Ethanol Extraction

Ethanol is a food-grade solvent commonly used to create full-spectrum cannabis oils and tinctures.

Process:

• Cannabis is soaked in ethanol to dissolve THC and other cannabinoids.
• The ethanol is evaporated, leaving behind a concentrated oil or extract.
• The product is sometimes further refined for purity.

Common Ethanol Products: RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), Tinctures

How to Make Cannabis Concentrates: Solventless Methods

Solventless extraction does not require chemicals and can be done both commercially and at home.

Rosin Press Extraction

Rosin is made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash to squeeze out a THC-rich resin.

Process:

• Cannabis is placed between parchment paper.
• Heated plates press the material, extracting pure THC oil.
• The collected resin cools into rosin.

Common Rosin Products: Rosin, Live Rosin

Bubble Hash (Ice Water Extraction)

Bubble hash is created using ice-cold water and agitation to separate trichomes from cannabis.

Process:

• Cannabis is placed in ice water and gently stirred, freezing and breaking off trichomes.
• The mixture is filtered through fine mesh bags to collect resin.
• The hash is dried and pressed into a solid concentrate.

Common Bubble Hash Products: Ice Water Hash, Dry Sift Kief

How to Test THC Concentration in Cannabis Concentrates

THC potency in concentrates can vary widely, so testing is essential for quality control.

Common Testing Methods:

• Chromatography Testing – Used in labs to measure exact cannabinoid levels.
• At-Home THC Test Kits – Provides a basic estimate of THC concentration.

A THC concentration tester is used in commercial production to ensure product consistency and legality, while home test kits offer a simpler way to check potency.

Choosing the Right Packaging for Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates offer exceptional potency, purity, and versatility, making them a go-to choice for many consumers.

Whether you're a fan of live resin, shatter, wax, or rosin, the quality of your product depends not only on how it’s made but also how it’s stored. Proper packaging helps preserve potency, prevent contamination, and maintain freshness—especially for extracts that are sensitive to heat, light, and air.

For brands and producers looking to protect their products and create a standout experience, high-quality cannabis packaging is essential. The right packaging ensures compliance, freshness, and premium presentation—all while reinforcing your brand’s identity.

FAQs

What’s the difference between live resin and distillate?

Live resin is made from fresh frozen cannabis, preserving its terpenes and full-spectrum effects. Distillate is a highly refined THC extract with almost no terpenes, making it ideal for edibles and vape cartridges.

Can you make THC concentrates at home?

Yes, but only solventless methods like rosin pressing or dry sifting are safe for home use. Solvent-based extraction (BHO, CO₂, ethanol) requires specialized equipment and safety precautions.

What’s the strongest type of THC concentrate?

THC distillate and isolates are the strongest, with THC levels reaching 90% or higher. However, live resin and rosin are preferred by many for their natural terpene content and flavor.

Are solvent-based concentrates safe?

When made professionally, yes. Proper extraction removes all solvents, leaving a pure, clean product. Always buy from trusted brands that test their concentrates.

What’s the best type of cannabis concentrate for dabbing?

Shatter, wax, live resin, and rosin are all great options for dabbing because they melt cleanly without excess residue.

How to make concentrated THC at home?

The safest way to make concentrated THC at home is by using solventless methods like rosin pressing or dry sifting. For rosin, you’ll need a rosin press or a hair straightener to apply heat and pressure, which extracts THC-rich resin from cannabis flower or hash.

Dry sifting involves using fine mesh screens to separate trichomes, which can then be pressed into hash. Solvent-based methods like BHO or ethanol extraction require specialized equipment and should only be done in licensed facilities for safety reasons.