Sparks and flames coming out of a lighter

Butane Hash Oil (BHO): What Is It, How Is It Made, & More

If you’re a cannabis concentrate enthusiast, you’ve likely heard the term “butane hash oil” or “BHO.” However, you can’t walk into a dispensary and purchase BHO…why is that? In this guide, we’ll answer your questions about BHO, including: 

  • What is Butane Hash Oil?
  • How is BHO Made? 
  • How is BHO Consumed?
  • Butane Hash Oil FAQs
     

What is Butane Hash Oil?

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. Commonly consumed concentrates like crumble and shatter can be made using butane, and therefore, they each qualify as BHO. Among cannabis enthusiasts, BHOs are popular because they may be more affordable than products made using different extraction techniques, while still offering higher concentrations of THC than products such as cannabis flower

While concentrates have been made for thousands of years, butane hash oil is actually a fairly recent invention (if you consider the ‘90s recent). In 1999, John Henry Davis, aka Indra Gurung, published a digital article mentioning butane as a solvent for extraction. Unfortunately, some cannabis enthusiasts followed his instructions and accidents occured because of the volatility of butane. We do not recommend trying this method at home! 
 

How is BHO Made?

Before we get into how butane hash oil is made, it’s important to note that BHO extraction is not something you should do at home. Butane is a flammable gas capable of causing explosions if the right equipment isn’t used. It should only be used in a controlled, closed-loop extraction system by trained professionals. This method involves special equipment that keeps the gas contained while the extraction process takes place. 

Prior to the invention of closed-loop systems, BHO was created using an open blasting technique or open-loop extraction. This process requires butane to be released into the air, and just a single spark could cause deadly accidents. 

In short, if you’re looking for a type of BHO, buy it from a licensed dispensary.

How is BHO Consumed?

The most popular ways to consume BHO involves either vaping or dabbing. These methods tend to be beginner friendly as well, though it’s worth mentioning that when consuming concentrates, you should always start with a low dose and consume slowly.


Dabbing: If you want to try dabbing BHO, you’ll need to get yourself a dab rig. Simply apply some concentrate to the nail and wait for the rig to heat it. Then, you consume the vapor. 

Vaping:  There are many types of vape pens available on the market. If you’d like to vape a BHO, you just need to purchase a pen that can process concentrates. Then, vape as you would any other product. 

Some cannabis enthusiasts also enjoy adding BHO to a pre-roll - also called a “joint” - to enhance the psychoactive experience when consuming cannabis. With so many options for consuming a BHO, you’re sure to find one that works best for you.
 

Answering Butane Hash Oil FAQs

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: 

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. Live resin can also be made using a CO2 extraction method to create CO2 oil.

 

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. 

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. 


Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.