BHO: Butane Hash Oil
Butane Hash Oil, or Butane Honey Oil, is a concentrated cannabis extract, that typically contains around 80% to 95% THC.
This cannabis concentrate is extremely popular due to its high potency. But, the efficacy, quality, and safety of these products greatly depends on the production process, and the purity of the ingredients used.
Butane Hash Oil is not currently offered as a cannabis based therapeutic option often here in the UK.
What does BHO look like?
Butane Hash Oil is most commonly available in a sticky, thick oil consistency and is typically inhaled through a vaporiser. The colour of BHO can also vary depending on the cultivar of cannabis it was extracted from, although, products do typically stay within a honey-based colour scheme - hence its other name, butane honey oil.
How is BHO made?
To make butane hash oil, cannabinoids like THC and terpenes like myrcene are extracted in a resinous form from the trichomes. This process usually takes place in a laboratory using a closed-loop extraction system.
During this process, pressurised butane gas is forced through an enclosed environment containing cannabis. This causes a chemical reaction, where the trichomes are separated from the plant material, leaving a thick substance containing cannabis’ most valuable ingredients. This substance is then filtered, or purged, to remove any traces of butane so that it can be formulated into BHO products.
What are the risks associated with BHO?
Due to the highly flammable nature of butane, there are dangers and risks involved in the formulation of butane hash oil, and it should only be carried out by professionals in a controlled environment.
Do not attempt to make butane hash oil at home, and don’t consume illegally produced BHO products because there is a risk they have not been properly filtered and may still contain butane.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.