Cannabis extraction has become one of the most important steps in producing high-quality concentrates, oils, and infused products. Whether you're a consumer curious about how your favorite products are made or a business owner exploring extraction options, understanding how cannabis is processed can help you make smarter choices.

At MidsFactory, we believe high-quality cannabis starts with clean, consistent, and expertly executed extraction methods. In this guide, we break down the best cannabis extraction techniques used across the industry—what they are, how they work, and which products they’re best suited for.

What Is Cannabis Extraction?

Cannabis extraction is the process of separating valuable compounds—like cannabinoids (THC, CBD) and terpenes—from the raw plant material. These extracted compounds are then used to create concentrates, vape oils, edibles, tinctures, live resin, and other popular products.

Great extraction aims to:

• Preserve natural cannabinoids and terpenes
• Maintain product purity
• Remove unwanted plant materials
• Deliver potency, flavor, and consistency

Different extraction methods achieve these goals in different ways, and choosing the right one is key to producing exceptional products.

Best Cannabis Extraction Methods Explained

Below are the most trusted and widely used extraction techniques in the US cannabis market today.

1. Hydrocarbon Extraction (BHO) – The Gold Standard for Flavor

Best for: Live resin, shatter, badder, crumble, sauce, high-terpene extracts

Hydrocarbon extraction uses solvents like butane or propane to separate cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. This method is popular because it preserves delicate flavor compounds better than almost any other technique.

Why It’s Considered One of the Best

• Excellent terpene retention
• Produces a wide variety of concentrate textures
• Highly efficient extraction process
• Great for fresh-frozen cannabis (used for making live resin)

How It Works

The plant material is soaked in a hydrocarbon solvent, which dissolves cannabinoids and terpenes. The solvent is then safely removed through controlled heating and vacuum purging.

Why MidsFactory Prefers This Method for Many Products

Hydrocarbon extraction allows us to capture the authentic aroma, flavor, and full-body experience of premium cannabis strains. It creates rich, terpene-packed concentrates that customers love.

2. CO₂ Extraction – Clean, Precise, and Solvent-Free

Best for: Vape oils, tinctures, capsules, broad-spectrum extracts

CO₂ extraction uses highly pressurized carbon dioxide to pull compounds from the plant. It’s known for producing clean, consistent extracts without residual solvents.

Benefits of CO₂ Extraction

• Safe and environmentally friendly
• Leaves no chemical residue
• Ideal for large-scale production
• Highly customizable pressure settings for precise extraction

How It Works

CO₂ is turned into a “supercritical” state—meaning it behaves like both a gas and a liquid—allowing it to act as a solvent without being one chemically.

Why It’s Great for the US Market

CO₂ extraction is widely trusted by health-conscious consumers who want clean, versatile cannabis products.

3. Ethanol Extraction – Efficient and Highly Scalable

Best for: Edibles, distillate, infused products, large-batch oils

Ethanol extraction is a highly efficient and scalable method commonly used for products that require high purity and consistent potency.

Why It’s Popular

• Removes cannabinoids and terpenes quickly
• Cost-effective for large operations
• Produces clean, high-potency distillates

How It Works

Cannabis is soaked in food-grade ethanol, which extracts cannabinoids. The ethanol is then evaporated, leaving behind a refined oil ready for further processing.

Where It Excels

Ethanol extraction is one of the best options for producing distillate, a base ingredient found in many edibles, vape oils, and wellness products.

4. Ice Water (Solventless) Extraction – Pure and All-Natural

Best for: Hash, bubble hash, rosin, connoisseur-level products

Solventless extraction uses ice, water, and mechanical agitation to separate trichomes from the plant—no solvents, no chemicals.

Key Benefits

• 100% solvent-free
• Clean, natural, artisan-quality results
• Celebrated by purists who want rich, full-spectrum effects

How It Works

Cold temperatures and gentle agitation cause trichomes to break off the plant. These are then collected, dried, and sometimes pressed into rosin.

Why It’s Special

Solventless extracts offer one of the most authentic and natural cannabis experiences, making them a favorite among enthusiasts.

Which Extraction Method Is the Best?

There isn’t a single “best” method. Each extraction technique excels in different areas. Here’s a quick comparison:

At MidsFactory, we use the method that best matches the product we’re crafting—prioritizing purity, flavor, safety, and consistency every time.

Why Proper Extraction Matters

Choosing the right extraction process ensures:

• Higher potency
• Better flavor preservation
• Improved safety and purity
• More consistent and reliable products

Consumers in the US market are becoming more knowledgeable than ever, and they deserve products made with care, innovation, and quality at every step.

Final Thoughts:

Cannabis extraction isn’t just a technical step—it’s the foundation of a product’s final quality. Whether it’s a flavorful live resin, clean vape oil, or artisan hash, the extraction method determines everything from taste to purity.

At MidsFactory, our commitment to high-quality extraction ensures every product is crafted with precision and care. By understanding the science behind extraction, consumers can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into the cannabis products they enjoy every day.