# Solvent-based extract

> A solvent-based extract is a cannabis concentrate made by dissolving cannabinoids and terpenes out of plant material with a solvent such as butane, propane, ethanol or CO2.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/solvent-based-extract.html
- Also written: solvent extract, BHO, PHO, hydrocarbon extract, CO2 oil, CO2 extract, ethanol extract
- Glossary category: Processing · Evidence: Established
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

A solvent-based extract uses a solvent to dissolve the resin out of cannabis, after which the solvent is removed. Common solvent classes are hydrocarbons (butane, propane: BHO, PHO), alcohols (ethanol) and supercritical or subcritical [CO2](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/co2-enrichment.md). The resulting crude can be sold as is or refined further into products such as shatter, wax, [badder](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/badder.md), sauce, diamonds, [distillate](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/distillate.md) or isolate.

## In practice

These extracts dominate the commercial concentrate market. Regulated markets require residual solvent testing on them. Solvent extraction, particularly with hydrocarbons, is hazardous: amateur attempts have caused explosions, fires and serious injuries. It belongs in licensed facilities with engineered, certified equipment. GenetixBay gives definitions only and no extraction methods, solvents handling or settings. Legality varies by jurisdiction; check local rules.

## Don't confuse with

- **Solventless**: [mechanical separation](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/solventless.md) only.
- **Distillate**: a refined product that usually starts from a solvent extract.
- **Tincture**: an alcohol-based liquid preparation, not normally a concentrate.

## Related terms

[Solventless](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/solventless.md), [Residual solvents](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/residual-solvents.md), [Live resin](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/live-resin.md), [Shatter](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/shatter.md), [Distillate](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/distillate.md), [Concentrate](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/concentrate.md)