Honey oil, also known as hash oil, wax, shatter, BHO, or dabs, is a potent cannabis derivative that is known for its ability to produce a powerful “stoned” feeling. Honey oil can be inhaled using a vaporizer or added to food. It is also possible to add a few drops of honey oil to a joint or bong.
What It Is
Honey oil is an amber-colored oil that’s produced by extracting essential compounds like terpenes, CBD, THC, and others from dried cannabis flowers. The extraction process creates a more concentrated and potent product that contains a high concentration of THC. Normally, a dried cannabis flower has a THC content of 20 percent or more. However, when extracted into honey oil, the final product can have a THC concentration of 80 percent or more.
Methodology & Supplies
There are two methods for making honey oil at home: the QWET method and the QWISO method. Both methods use alcohol solvents, but they differ in the type of alcohol used. The QWET method uses quick wash ethanol, while the QWISO method uses isopropyl alcohol. The supplies you’ll need for either method are finely ground herb (not powder), alcohol solvents, two mason jars, a Pyrex dish or tray, a pot for boiling water, a tray, and coffee filters. If you’re using butane as your solvent, you’ll also need a bee extractor and at least two cans of high-quality butane. The honey oil manufacturing process is time consuming, but the results are worth it. Just be patient and avoid rushing the process. And because the solvents used are highly flammable, it’s best to do this outdoors rather than indoors.
Alcohol Extraction
To make cannabis oil, you will need:
– A 195-degree Fahrenheit oven
– 2.5 ounces (74 milliliters) of your chosen alcoholic solvent
First, break the buds into small pieces (but don’t grind them). Grinding would make it difficult to extract the fine particles from the oil. Next, heat the oven to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. This will cause the cannabinoids to lose their acidity and become psychoactive. Place the dried pieces of bud into one of the mason jars, close the lid, and place the container in the freezer. Take the other bottle and do the same with your chosen alcoholic solvent. Measure 2.5 ounces or 74 milliliters. As soon as the temperature of the alcohol drops to -62 degrees Fahrenheit, pour it into the masonry jar with the buds. The alcohol should cover the herb buds by about an inch. Let the mixture rest for a while.
Depending on the type of alcohol you used, the third step will differ. If you used isopropyl alcohol in the QWISO method, stir the mixture for 20 seconds before straining. However, if you used quick wash ethanol in the QWET method, gently stir the mixture and return it to the freezer. After three minutes, remove the mixture and strain it through coffee filters. For a higher purity, strain the liquid again at this time.
Once you have filtered your solution, pour it into a Pyrex dish or tray and place it in a water bath. At this point, you should be able to see the golden brown color of honey oil. The water should be bubbling as it boils, with a temperature between 158 and 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Since alcohol evaporates quickly, you will soon only have your precious oil left. Alternatively, instead of a water bath, you can leave the tray in the sun. The heat will cause the alcohol to evaporate, leaving only hash oil on the tray.
Congratulations! In just a few steps, you’ve made your own honey oil. Use it however you like.
Butane Extraction
With this method, safety and precaution are of the utmost importance. The butane is highly flammable, so the process must be done outdoors where there is ventilation. Butane is also heavier than oxygen, so it can linger on surfaces and your skin.
You will need a metal, glass, or plastic tube that can hold 14 grams or half an ounce of liquid. Make a hole at one end and five small holes at the other. The big hole is for the butane while the small holes are for the THC oil pouring. Insert the dried cannabis buds into the tube and place a coffee filter at one end, inside the cap.
Take the tube and hold it up to two centimeters above the plate where the oil should flow. Then, attach the butane nozzle to the upper hole of the tube and release the gas. For the 7 grams of weed, 10 ounces or 300 millilitres of gas should be enough.
The butane and oil extractor will do its job quickly and efficiently; you’ll see a greenish or pale yellow liquid slowly seeping out of the smaller holes. All you need to do is blow into the tap hole or gently tap the tube to get rid of any last drops of butane.
Once the butane has evaporated, either naturally or by placing the dish in some warm water, scrape off the residue from the capsule. Congratulations, you now have your honey oil!
Conclusion
No matter which method you use, you should end up with a tacky, golden brown substance. Scrape it off and store it in a glass jar. Be sure to store your oil properly to keep it fresh for longer. It will lose its potency over time if not stored properly.
