Butane Hash Oil (BHO): What It Is, How It’s Made, Safety & FAQs

BHO

Also: Butane Hash Oil, Butane Honey Oil

A cannabis extract that's created by using butane in the extraction process. Commonly referred to as BHO, butane hash oil comes in a variety of consistencies and textures depending on equipment and techniques used in the extraction process.

Butane hash oil, otherwise known as BHO, is the generic name given to a cannabis concentrate that was made using a butane solvent during the extraction process. BHO extracts can vary in appearance and texture, but they are all quite potent and can reach as high as 90% THC.¹

BHO concentrates are made through a solvent-based extraction process that uses butane to pull cannabinoids, terpenes, and other desirable compounds from cannabis plant material. Since butane is highly flammable, it requires specialized equipment used by professionals in a controlled environment.²

In licensed production facilities, BHO is made using a closed-loop extraction system, which safely circulates butane through cannabis plant materials without releasing solvent into the air. After extraction, the raw oil is purged of any trace solvents and tested for safety.³ 

Since BHO is a type of cannabis concentrate, you’ll need to decide your preferred smoking method ahead of time and purchase the proper tools.

Dabbing

If you want to try dabbing BHO, you’ll need to get yourself a dab rig or dab pen. Simply apply the BHO concentrate to the dab nail and wait for the rig to heat it. 

Vaping

Viscous BHO concentrates like live resin and sauce can be purchased in the form of a 510-thread vape cartridge. Simply screw the cartridge onto your vape battery, and you’re all set!

Twaxing / Infused Pre-Roll

Twaxing is when you combine your cannabis flower and BHO concentrate into a single joint. You can make them at home, but it’s not recommended for inexperienced rollers as it can be a messy process. You can always buy an infused pre-roll at a dispensary.

Do you have questions about butane hash oil? You’re not alone. We’ve compiled a few of our most commonly asked questions about BHO, so you can find some of the answers you’re looking for: 

Can you smoke BHO?

While butane hash oil (BHO) is a cannabis concentrate, it is not typically smoked on its own. Most BHO products are designed to be consumed through dabbing or vaping, which allow the concentrate to vaporize at controlled temperatures rather than burn.
 

Is BHO legal?

Yes, but only in states where recreational marijuana and/or medical marijuana are legal. Elsewhere, as a marijuana product, it is illegal.
 

Is BHO the same as live resin?

Yes and no. Live resin can be a type of BHO—that is, live resin can be made using a butane extraction method. While live resin can be a BHO, the term BHO encompasses many products.

Is BHO the same as shatter?

Again, yes and no. Shatter is one type of BHO, meaning it’s made using the butane extraction method—but there are many types of BHO. This means that while shatter is a BHO, BHO is not just shatter. 

Is BHO stronger than flower?

Yes, BHO is stronger than flower because it contains a highly concentrated amount of THC. For context, cannabis flower can have up to 30% THC while BHO can have up to 90% THC.⁴

Purchasing Butane Hash Oil

There are so many BHO products to choose from. This means you’ll not only be able to try new things but you’ll be able to find new favorites you might not have considered before. If you’re unsure of what to look for when you step into a dispensary, ask one of our budtenders. They know the ins and outs of our products and will be able to help you find the perfect BHO extracts for you.