Cannabis concentrates such as shatter, wax, sauce, and distillate are booming in the market. The debate between CO2 supercritical extraction and hydrocarbon extraction comes down to quality, safety, and efficiency.
CO2 extraction preserves cannabinoids and terpenes without introducing residual solvents.
Full-spectrum oils
Solvent-free concentrates
Medical-grade extracts
Hydrocarbons effectively dissolve plant compounds but require purging.
Shatter and wax production
Terpene-rich sauce extracts
Quick bulk processing
| Factor | CO2 Supercritical Extraction | Hydrocarbon Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | Very High | Moderate (requires purging) |
| Versatility | High (selective extraction) | High (full-plant extraction) |
For medical-grade cannabis concentrates, CO2 supercritical extraction machines provide solvent-free, high-purity extracts, making them the superior choice.
READ MORE:
Supercritical CO2 vs Hydrocarbon Extraction: Scalability Comparison
CO2 vs Hydrocarbon Extraction: Equipment Requirements and Considerations
Supercritical CO2 vs Hydrocarbon Extraction: Efficiency Comparison
Supercritical CO2 vs Hydrocarbon Extraction: Yield Comparison
CO2 vs Hydrocarbon Extraction for Live Resin: Which Method is Better?
Supercritical CO2 vs Hydrocarbon Extraction: Safety Concerns and Industry Risks
CO2 vs Hydrocarbon Extraction: Solvent Residuals and Purity Concerns