BHO 101: What Is BHO, How to Use BHO Extract, & More

When it comes to some of the most potent cannabis concentrates, BHO concentrates are by far a top pick among consumers. These highly potent extracts come in quite a few different varieties, each with its own perks, such as wax, badder, shatter, crumble, and more. Plus, with BHO extracts, you truly do get a lot of THC for the price paid. What is a BHO concentrate? Here is a full guide on BHO, how it’s used, and more.

What Is a BHO Concentrate?

BHO stands for Butane Hash Oil. A BHO concentrate is less a specific product and more a type of cannabis product. Any cannabis concentrate that is made using a butane-solvent extraction process falls under the BHO umbrella or category. So, in short, when you pick up a concentrate at the dispensary that says “BHO,” you know that product was created using a solvent-based extraction process that involved the use of butane. BHO extracts can be one of the most potent categories of cannabis concentrates with a THC content of as much as 90 percent.

BHO is made in different ways—different manufacturers may use different equipment and processes to create the BHO. The goal is to extract as much THC from the plant material as possible. Therefore, the general process relies on techniques that separate the desirable components of the plant and then purify the end product.

Once the BHO has been extracted, it is sometimes further processed to achieve end products with certain consistencies. Or, the extraction technique itself can create an end product that has a unique consistency. This is why there are so many products labeled as BHO, and they can all have unique appearances, colors, and textures.

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The Different Types of BHO Extract

Part of what makes BHO so fascinating to explore is the fact that you can find so many types of BHO extract. Each type has its own consistency and appearance, which also affects how the product is used, stored, and tastes. The four primary types of cannabis concentrates made utilizing a butane extraction process include:

• Shatter – Shatter has the consistency of hard candy—its hard, clear, and smooth—and it “shatters” into fragments when broken
• Badder – Badder is soft and creamy, much like creamy frosting or cake batter
• Crumble – Crumble is kind of waxy with a crumbly texture that breaks apart easily
• Sauce – Sauce is super thick and sticky, almost like melted hard candy

The BHO Extraction Process Explained

The BHO extraction process varies to some degree depending on what equipment the manufacturer is using or the methodologies they follow. It is important to note butane is a highly flammable gas, and dangerous to work with when you don’t have the proper tools and experience. And, if the process is not done properly, you can end up with an extract that contains a hazardous amount of butane. This isn’t just hazardous to your health, it carries the risk of igniting the butane when you try to use it.

The general process used to create BHO may look something like this:

1. Cannabis flower is packed into a tank or column
2. Oxygen inside the tank or column is purged
3. Chilled butane is blasted through the plant material to remove trichomes
4. Heat is used to force the butane to turn to vapor
5. The trichomes are removed and the vaporized butane is recollected

From here, the extract is further processed depending on the desired outcome and to further eliminate any remaining solvent.

How to Use BHO Extracts

BHO extracts are cannabis concentrates, which are most often used as “dabs.” Dabs are smoked using a dab rig or dab pen. Dab rigs are like water pipes with a few additional features like a small, flat surface where the heated extract is vaporized. Basically, the extract is heated to the point of vaporization, and you inhale the vapors. Some BHO extracts are also suitable for twaxing, which involves adding a tiny amount of the extract to a joint or blunt, or mingling some of the extract with flower in a bowl on a bong.

BHO Concentrates – FAQs

Is BHO safe to use?

The biggest risk with BHO is the risk of there being lingering butane in the extract, but this can be negated with proper manufacturing techniques. When you purchase BHO extract from a reputable dispensary that sources extract from a high-quality manufacturer, the product will have been tested for residual solvents. Butane faces residual solvent limits that have been established by the FDA, so when a product tests below those limits, it is considered to be generally safe.

What are the benefits of BHO?

Consumers like BHO for several reasons. First and foremost, you get a higher THC content than flower, which means you don’t have to smoke as much to feel the effects. Depending on how the BHO was extracted, the flavors may also be more intense because terpenes may be more concentrated than with cannabis flower. BHO is sometimes cheaper than solventless extracts simply because using butane for extraction can be cheaper than some of the more advanced extraction techniques. Therefore, those savings are passed on to the end consumer.

How should BHO be stored?

Just like fresh cannabis, BHO extract can be vulnerable to light, temperature variances, and humidity. Therefore, if the product is not stored properly, it can change as far as consistency, flavor, effects, and what it looks like. For this reason, always opt for an airtight storage container, tuck that container away from direct sunlight, and keep it in a spot that stays relatively cool but not freezing.

How much BHO should I use?

BHO extracts are very potent, which means they are meant to be used in small quantities. At THC concentrations of 90 percent or higher in some cases, you only need a tiny fragment most of the time. Of course, how much you choose to use can rely on your personal preferences, but if you are new to BHO, always start with a tiny piece about the size of a grain of rice.

Where to Buy BHO Concentrates in Washington

If you want to try BHO, be sure to buy these solvent-based concentrates at a trustworthy dispensary. Take a look at the HWY 420 dispensary menu to find various BHO extracts.