SOLVENTLESS EXTRACTION: Key Definitions & Why They Matter

Introduction

Understanding solventless extraction starts with knowing the parts of the plant we're actually working with. From trichome heads to terpenes and micron filtration, these aren't just technical terms — they're the foundation of premium ice water hash and live rosin. Whether you're consuming for therapeutic reasons or exploring recreationally, having a firm grasp of this vocabulary helps you recognize quality and make informed decisions as a cannabis consumer.

Trichomes: The Plant’s Resin Factories

Trichomes are the crystal-like structures that give high-quality cannabis its frosty, sparkling appearance. More than just eye candy, trichomes are the plant’s natural chemical factories, responsible for producing:

• Cannabinoids (like THC, CBD, CBG)

• Terpenes (aromatic oils that define strain flavor and effects)

• Flavonoids (lesser-known compounds that add complexity)

  
  

There are three main types of trichomes on the cannabis plant:

• Capitate Stalked: The most prominent and valuable type. These are the large, mushroom-shaped glands we target in hash production.

• Capitate Sessile: Smaller and flatter, with less cannabinoid content.

• Bulbous: The tiniest type, usually found in trace amounts.

Heads vs. Stalks: What We’re Actually After

When extracting solventless concentrates, not all parts of the trichome are treated equally.

• The trichome head is the round, oil-rich bulb at the tip of the trichome. It contains the highest concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes.

• The stalk is mostly structural, made up of cellulose and other plant fibers with minimal active compounds.

In high-end hash making, the goal is to isolate only the heads and leave behind the stalks and other contaminants. The more intact heads you collect (without plant matter), the higher the melt quality and the smoother the experience.

• Full melt hash (5-6 star) is composed almost entirely of unbroken trichome heads and melts cleanly with little to no residue.

• Lower quality grades contain more stalks, broken heads, and plant matter.

  
  

Preserving intact heads is what separates a true artisan wash from a mediocre one.

Microns: The Mesh That Separates Quality

In solventless processing, bubble bags or screen filters are used to separate trichomes by size. These are measured in microns (µ), a metric unit equal to one-millionth of a meter.

Trichome heads generally range from 73 to 159 microns, depending on cultivar and maturity. Bags typically used include:

• 45µ: Smallest usable heads, often lower-yielding but can carry unique terpene profiles.

• 73µ: Known for excellent melt quality.

• 90µ – 119µ: Considered the "cream of the crop" in many strains. Highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.

• 160µ and above: Often contains contaminants or large broken heads.

Photo credit: Hempton Farms https://hemptonfarms.com/blog/terpenes-guide/

Terpenes: Flavor, Aroma & Effect

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give each cannabis strain its distinct scent and flavor. They also contribute to the entourage effect — the theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work synergistically to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Common cannabis terpenes include:

• Limonene – citrus aroma, elevating effects

• Myrcene – earthy/musky, calming

• Caryophyllene – spicy, anti-inflammatory

• Linalool – floral, relaxing

Why terpenes matter in solventless:

• Highly volatile – easily lost during drying or high-heat processing

• Preserved better in live rosin because the flower is never dried

• Contribute heavily to flavor complexity, aroma, and experience

Photo credit: https://www.drugtargetreview.com/article/102042/the-case-for-improving-absorption-for-cannabinoids-using-ethosomes/

Cannabinoids: The Chemical Core

Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis that bind with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). There are over 100 known cannabinoids, but the most common include:

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): Psychoactive, euphoric, analgesic

• CBD (cannabidiol): Non-psychoactive, anti-inflammatory, calming

• CBG, CBN, and others contribute to minor effects and potential therapeutic outcomes.

In solventless extraction, the goal is to:

• Preserve cannabinoid diversity, not just high THC numbers

• Deliver a full-spectrum product, meaning all active compounds remain in their natural ratios

• Maintain acidic precursors (like THCa) when unheated for specific medical applications

This is what makes live rosin more than just a potent concentrate—it's a faithful preservation of the cultivar's entire expression.

In Summary

The terms covered here—trichomes, heads, stalks, microns, terpenes, and cannabinoids—aren't just jargon. They're the language of quality, transparency, and intention in the world of solventless extraction. Whether you're dabbing a cold cure rosin or comparing jars at a dispensary, knowing what these terms mean empowers you to appreciate the craft, understand the label, and choose products that truly align with your preferences.

Stay tuned for Post 3: Agitate, Collect, Rinse, Repeat – Washing Hash Explained.