Cannabis concentrate extraction is a complicated and frequently misunderstood process. Understanding the distinctions between butane hash oil (BHO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction is crucial if you work in the cannabis sector. This article will assist you in determining which approach is best for your company – BHO vs CO2. Looking to try something new? Check out this.
WHAT IS BHO?
It’s butane hash oil, created by removing the resin glands called trichomes from the plant material after it has been extracted, that makes up 99% of all cannabis extracts. Regular hash attempts to do so, but traditional and ancient techniques have certain drawbacks.
Cannabis plants are subjected to various types of processing in order to produce hash. Hash-making techniques include smashing the plants and collecting the trichomes in a container. In Morocco, the trichomes will be filtered and graded according on quality. Top grade hash will be prepared with fine kief while the rest is compacted into a brick and sent abroad.
Crystals from India are hand pressed and feet molded, resulting in a far darker color. Whatever the method, there are several pollutants that go into the mix. Everything from dirt to insects to human skin is included in the finished product, which gives hash its dry-putty dough-like consistency.
The concept of extracting BHO using butane is quite beautiful. Butane, a non-polar solvent, is used to run through the weed. All resin glands are immediately dissolved as it passes through cannabis plant material. The appeal of it is that all resin glands are dissolved. No chlorophyll or other plant matter remains behind because no chlorophyll or other plant matter was carried along with the butane-oil mix. You collect the butane-oil mixture in a container, and in theory, the butane will evaporate into the air completely, leaving no residue except for that pure, golden THC-rich goo.
It works, if and only if you use the right materials and respect the process. If you do not, it can be both dangerous and health hazardous.
BHO vs. CO2 Extraction: What’s the Difference?
For the previous several years, we’ve seen an increase in cannabis extraction techniques. Butane hash oil (BHO) and carbon dioxide extraction are the two most popular forms.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO) is one of the most popular solvent-based concentrates. This extract is made by using butane, a light hydrocarbon solvent, to remove resin from cannabis plants. Closed-loop extraction equipment and specialised training are required for this technique; we do not recommend it for amateurs or at-home use.
CO2 extraction is a common method for producing oil used in vape cartridges. It’s accomplished with a high-pressure form of carbon dioxide as the solvent. Again, to guarantee the safety of your staff, you’ll need specialized equipment and training.
Cannabis Products From Extracts
There are several new consumer-friendly cannabis extracts-infused goods on the market. Wax, shatter, badder, and oil are just a few of the most popular kinds of cannabis consumption. When “hash” was the only type of concentrate accessible ten years ago, none of these were known.
There are a few myths swirling around about the oil that is processed to produce cannabis concentrates. To extract THC and other cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material, BHO and CO2 Oil are created using solvents (butane or carbon dioxide in its “critical” or liquid state).
Make sure to be Safe: Is Butane Toxic?
I feel you need to be aware of the risks associated with BHO production, and that you’re better off buying it from a dispensary. The entire process is playing with fire—literally. And people have died while producing BHO. Only use a lab or an area with excellent ventilation (i.e., outside) to make BHO.
You should also follow the instructions for extracting properly, as well as wearing the proper personal protection equipment (PPE), most notably rubber gloves, safety glasses, and flame-resistant clothing. It’s also an excellent idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand while extracting. Make sure you comply with your local and state laws before making BHO.
Butane isn’t only dangerous for you; it’s also extremely flammable. If your concentrates aren’t fully evaporated, you risk smoking butane.
SOLVENTS: PROPANE AND BUTANE GAS
Sourcing high-purity solvents is critical when producing BHO concentrates. Depending on your taste and skill level, you’ll pick the solvent type and grade, usually 100% N-butane, 95% or more.
The quantity of butane you’ll require depends on the amount of material you wish to extract and your storage capacity. The ratio of solvent to biomass is also determined by how the biomass is compacted. Is the stuff packed loose or densely? The structural integrity of your packed column has an impact on its effectiveness.
Butane and propane are odorless and colorless. Butane has a boiling point of 30.2°F, whereas propane’s boiling point is -43.6°F, allowing you to use low temperatures. Some BHO extraction experts prefer butane/propane mixes (70%/30%), as well as other solvent blends (70%/30%). You’ll need to compensate for greater pressures when using butane/propane mixtures or solely employing propane as a solvent.
BIOMASS GRINDER
For the most effective BHO extractions, cannabis should be finely ground ahead of time. To produce a homogeneous and uniform substance, the biomass must be crushed. Plant grinders for industrial Cannabis are easy to use and quick to operate.
A biomass grinder can process a lot of biomass in a short amount of time, whether you’re working with frozen buds during a nug run or dry trim and leaves. A biomas grinder can handle whatever you throw at it, including frozen bud.
