Butane hash oil (BHO) extraction: Difference between revisions

This is a [[preparation|guide]] for the extraction of hash oil from [[cannabis]] using liquid butane (commonly referred to as '''B.H.O'''). The aim of this guide is to provide a simple, straight-forward and risk-minimized procedure for the home user to produce a personal amount of hash oil. It has been deliberately designed to use the simplest, most accessible materials and equipment possible while keeping the safety of the user in mind. Despite this, it still absolutely require the use of more advanced equipment such as a vacuum pump, and should not be performed if one cannot access these things.

Butane is a flammable gas that has no odor and accumulates indoors and in unventilated areas. The accumulation of enough butane gas in an area presents a significant risk of sudden explosions, which can be fatal, without any indication. Therefore, utmost care and caution must be used when working in an environment that involves the use of butane gas. '''Performing this extraction indoors significantly increases the risk of fires, explosions, and physical harm - it is not advised from a harm reduction point of view.''' Outside of a fully functioning fume hood, the production of BHO indoors carries with it a great inherent risk for explosions and bodily harm.  

A "well-ventilated area" is commonly used to describe the area that is ideal for butane extraction. Contrary to popular belief, however, a "well-ventilated area" is not simply a room with the window open, it is not a kitchen stove top fan turned on, it is not a garage with the door open to let some air in - these areas do have ventilation, but the movement of air is unpredictable and may lead to explosions if butane does build up in the room. To be well ventilated, an area must have a constant and steady supply of fresh air flowing through the area. '''Performing a B.H.O. extract in a "well-ventilated area" does not eliminate the flammability and explosion hazard associated with the process, it only lowers this risk.''' It is ''always'' safer to do outdoors (providing you take the proper precautions, however, such as having a fire extinguisher on hand).

* '''Ground [[cannabis]]''' - You can make batches with as little material as you like although it is recommended that at least a half ounce be used for technical and economic reasons. The yield is highly dependent on the strain, batch and overall quality of the material, but one can typically expect the end product to come out to around 15% by weight.{{citation needed}}

* '''Filtered butane''' - Butane is available in a variety of grades dependent on how many times it has been filtered for impurities. Generally speaking, the more times it has been filtered, the better, but at a certain point additional filtering something more times isn't going to make a qualitative difference, so be mindful of diminishing returns! There also exists n-butane and other blended gas solvents of various kinds. These are typically much more expensive but are thought to increase the quality of the end product. '''All gaseous butane solvents are highly flammable.'''

* '''Extraction tube''' - Thick glass is highly recommended although plastic and other types will work reasonably well.{{citation needed}} Glass is preferred due to the reduced probability of chemical leeching and byproducts associated with plastic equipment.

* '''Vacuum chamber and pump''' - A single stage pump is sufficient. Be wary of shorter chambers as the oil might bubble high enough to touch the lid.

* '''Coffee filter and rubber band or hose clamp''' - Be careful not to rip the coffee filter, especially when it is wet!

* '''Protective gloves and mask''' - This is needed to protect against the frozen tube and butane vapors - '''Wearing the proper safety equipment is imperative for properly performing a B.H.O. extraction'''.

* '''Lower temperature electric heat source''' - Avoid any open flame heat sources and heat sources that can cause flammable sparks as '''butane is unpredictable, highly flammable and explosive!''' An induction hot plate is a viable heat source option.  

* '''Laser thermometer''' - This greatly aids in monitoring and controlling temperature.