Butane Extraction

Butane extraction is a solvent-based cannabis processing technique where liquid butane is used to separate cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds from dried cannabis material. The process typically produces concentrate products ranging from shatter to budder consistency, depending on post-extraction agitation and storage conditions. Butane extraction requires specialized equipment and safety protocols due to butane's flammability. The technique has been widely adopted in commercial processing because of its efficiency in isolating volatile compounds while maintaining terpene profiles. Residual solvent management and laboratory testing are critical considerations in modern butane extraction workflows. This classification reflects extraction methodology rather than a cannabis cultivar or phenotype.

Breeders and geneticists study butane extraction outcomes to understand how different cannabinoid and terpene profiles behave under solvent conditions—data that informs strain selection for concentrate production. Cultivars bred for high terpene retention or specific resin composition are often evaluated through butane extraction testing to predict commercial concentrate yields and consistency.