If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite cannabis vape oil ends up in a sleek cartridge, the answer starts with extraction. Extraction is the process of pulling cannabinoids and terpenes out of cannabis plant material, which are then refined into the concentrated oils found in vape products. Different extraction methods create different flavor profiles, potencies, and purities—knowing how they work can help you make better choices at the dispensary.

Below are the most common extraction methods used for cannabis vape oils today:

1. CO₂ Extraction

How it works: Supercritical CO₂ extraction uses carbon dioxide at high pressures and low temperatures to separate cannabinoids and terpenes from plant matter. It’s a favorite in the industry because it’s considered safer, more environmentally friendly, and allows precise control of which compounds are extracted.

Benefits:

• Produces a clean, high-purity oil.
• Allows preservation of more delicate terpenes, enhancing flavor.
• Leaves no toxic solvent residue.

Learn more: Leafly’s guide on CO₂ extraction

2. Hydrocarbon Extraction (Butane or Propane)

How it works: This method uses solvents like butane (BHO) or propane to strip cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. Once extraction is complete, the solvent is purged in a vacuum oven to remove residual hydrocarbons.

Benefits:

• Capable of producing flavorful, aromatic live resins and sauces.
• Popular for craft concentrates with bold terpene profiles.

Risks:

• If not purged properly, residual solvents can remain.
• Home extraction with butane is dangerous and illegal in most places.

Learn more: High Times’ explanation of hydrocarbon extraction

3. Ethanol Extraction

How it works: Food-grade ethanol (a type of alcohol) is used as a solvent to dissolve cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. The solution is then filtered, and the ethanol is evaporated off, leaving behind concentrated oil.

Benefits:

• Cost-effective and scalable for large producers.
• Effective at extracting both cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Ethanol is recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when properly purged.

Drawbacks:

• Can sometimes pull unwanted plant compounds like chlorophyll, which may affect taste.

Learn more: Cannabis Business Times on ethanol extraction

4. Rosin Press (Solventless Extraction)

How it works: This mechanical method uses heat and pressure to “squeeze” oil out of cannabis flower or hash, producing solventless rosin. Though less common for commercial vape oils, rosin is gaining popularity for small-batch, additive-free cartridges.

Benefits:

• Solventless, so no chemical residues.
• Considered the most natural extraction.
• Great for flavor and terpene preservation.

Drawbacks:

• Lower yields make it expensive for large-scale production.
• Usually limited to high-end, boutique cartridges.

Learn more: Royal Queen Seeds’ guide to rosin pressing

Final Thoughts

Choosing a vape oil isn’t just about strain or potency—it’s about how it’s made. Understanding extraction methods helps you pick a product that matches your priorities, whether you care most about flavor, purity, or avoiding solvents altogether.

When shopping, don’t hesitate to ask your budtender how the oil was extracted. Reputable brands will share this information on their websites or packaging, giving you transparency about what you’re inhaling.

Pro tip: Always look for third-party lab results, which verify there are no residual solvents or harmful contaminants left in your vape oil.