What Is BHO Extraction?

The BHO extraction method is among the most popular among cannabis manufacturers. But what is BHO extraction exactly? Before attempting to utilize the method, you must understand its process.

In this article, we will explore the inner workings of BHO extraction, its benefits, and drawbacks. Let’s start!

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What Is BHO Extraction?

BHO, or butane hash oil, is a solvent-based extraction method for producing cannabis extracts in the hemp industry. BHO cannabis extracts are made with the hydrocarbon solvent butane. Butane is a solvent that helps separate the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material (buds or trim).

Since the BHO extraction method utilizes flammable chemicals, the process requires sophisticated equipment. The concentrates produced by BHO extraction manufacturers infuse in products like pre-rolls, vape cartridges, etc., with state-of-the-art automated machines.

Process Overview: Butane as a Solvent for Extraction

The BHO extraction process is sensitive due to the use of butane. Butane is a highly flammable and colorless gas that can be easily liquified. It is a non-polar solvent that separates the wanted compounds in extracts more effectively than ethanol.

The concentrates created with BHO extraction are potentially more potent than flower cannabis or other extraction methods. Depending on the consistency of the extracted concentrates, the BHO method produces various product types:

• Shatter

• Dabs

• Live resin

• Wax

• Honeycomb

The BHO Extraction Process: Closed-Loop vs. Open-Loop Extraction

There are two BHO extraction ways: open-loop and closed-loop. Open-loop extraction is widespread among users attempting to use butane extraction themselves. However, open-loop extractions might be incredibly dangerous. 

The danger is that during open-loop extractions, users place the plant material in an open metal or glass tube and pour the flammable solvent over it. Even a single spark has the potential to cause an explosion as the butane builds up in the tube.

Moreover, the evaporated butane gas is released into the atmosphere. Due to the dangers of open-loop extraction, manufacturers use a closed-loop extraction system.

With closed-loop extraction, there are no openings for potential gas leaks, so the danger of explosion is minimized. Plus, the utilized butane is recycled and reused for further extractions instead of being released into the atmosphere.

Equipment and materials needed for BHO extraction

In order to achieve a high-quality and potent result with the BHO extraction method, you need to use the necessary equipment and materials. So, BHO extraction requires the following equipment and materials: 

• High-quality plant material (cannabis flower or trim)

• Butane (100% or 95% n-butane)

• Extraction tube

• Closed-loop hydrocarbon extractor

• De-waxer

• Filtration

• Vacuum pump

• Vacuum oven 

• Collection tank

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Step-by-step guide for BHO extraction

1. Preparing cannabis material for extraction

The quality of the product depends on the plant material you choose. Using a high-quality strain is vital for extracting a concentrate high in cannabinoid and terpene content. After choosing the cannabis material, either buds or trim, you should load them into the extractor.

2. Extracting Cannabinoids and Terpenes

The next step in the extraction process is to cover the plant material with the butane. The solvent helps separate the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis material.

The liquid mix is then collected in the collection tank, where it is frozen. This is known as winterization, and it separates fats and waxes from the rest of the liquid. Winterization allows these components to be easily removed.

3. Purging residual solvents 

After winterization, there may still be residual butane in the extract. The extract goes in a vacuum oven to purge the remaining solvent traces. In the vacuum oven, the residual butane evaporates due to a mix of heat and pressure.

The rest of the mix is distilled in a liquid form. Hence, the result is a highly concentrated extract that can be utilized in the production of various cannabis products.

Types of BHO Products

Shatter 

Shatter, one of the concentrates made with BHO extraction, has a clear and glass-like consistency. The name of the concentrate is due to its firm texture, requiring the consumer to break off pieces for consumption. 

Shatter concentrates range in color from dark brown to golden yellow. Also, you can vape, dab, and include it in edibles.

Budder 

Budder is a concentrate with a sticky consistency that you can achieve by whipping the hot concentrate after it is purged. The concentrate changes color from dark brown to light amber.

Wax 

Wax is an opaque concentrate ranging from dark brown to light yellow, with a waxier consistency than shatter. Wax textures range from slightly soft (crumble) to firm (honeycomb wax). Moreover, the concentrates are usually dabbed or vaped.

Live resin 

Live resin concentrate is extracted from plants cryogenically frozen right after harvest instead of dried ones. Freezing the plant preserves its oils, cannabinoids, and terpenes that may be lost during curing.

The result is an extract with a more intense and complex flavor and smell profile than other concentrates. And you can dab or vape live resin. 

Advantages and Limitations of BHO Extraction

The biggest advantage of BHO extraction is the complex cannabinoid and terpene profile it helps achieve. BHO concentrates are available in a range of consistencies and potencies. The concentrates can be used in vape cartridges, pre-rolls, topicals, edibles, etc. 

The BHO equipment cost is another reason many manufacturers use this extraction method over others. For example, CO2 extraction systems are not only more expensive but also more time-consuming. 

While the extraction cycle for CO2 takes 8 to 10 hours on average, the BHO extraction cycle is less than one hour. So, investing in a BHO extraction system is more cost-effective and profitable for your business. 

As for the limitations, BHO is more suitable for smaller extraction capacities due to nationally stipulated butane quantities. Manufacturers may store or use only the MAQs (Maximum Allowable Quantities) in an industrial facility.

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Conclusion

What is BHO extraction? This extraction method utilizes butane to separate the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis material. The concentrates extracted with the BHO method are highly potent with complex cannabinoid and terpene profiles. 

Overall, you should always prioritize safety considerations. Also, know the potential risks of any extraction method, especially those involving flammable solvents.