Hash oil
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Hash oil is a resinous matrix of cannabinoids produced by a solvent extraction of cannabis. Hash oil is a concentrated product with a high THC content, which generally varies between 40% and 90%.[1] Related honey oil is a specific type of hash oil made from the more potent parts of the cannabis plant. Hash oil is traditionally a dark, viscous liquid.[2][3]
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[edit] Usage
Hash oil can be consumed in various ways, including smoking, vaporization, or may be consumed orally.[4]
[edit] Solvents
The most common solvents used are butane or isopropanol. Hash oil extracted with butane is often referred to as butane honey oil, or BHO and cannabis oil extracted from isopropanol is named Iso Oil
Methyl alcohol, methanol, wood alcohol (boiling point 64°C). This solvent is commonly employed and, if used correctly, does a fine job. Methanol is available at many pharmacies and in larger quantities at industrial chemical supply companies. It is also available as paint thinner, but it is seldom very pure in this form. Methanol fumes are toxic and explosive. Inhalation of these fumes makes one sick, with pronounced body ache. Continued inhalation of even small amounts may cause permanent damage. Any traces of the solvent remaining in the oil product will be hazardous to the consumer. Methanol evaporates at auniform temperature (approximately 190°F) and does not extract a lot of thewater-soluble tars, which are not psychoactive. A method for removing traces of the solvent will be discussed later.
Rubbing alcohol (most rubbing alcohol is 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water). There are several advantages to using isopropyl rubbing alcohol. It is available in many stores at a low price and is much less toxic and explosive than methanol. Unfortunately, because it contains water, many of the watersoluble, non-psychoactive substances are also extracted. The oil yield using rubbing alcohol is twice that of methanol, and is proportionally less potent. Water-soluble tars may also give the oil undesirable taste and burning qualities. If the oil is to be reextracted later with a more selective solvent, however, it matters little what it is like at this point. The water in the mixture also causes it to evaporate at a much higher temperature than methanol. Once the alcohol is completely evaporated, the water that was in the solvent remains with the oil. This takes a long time to evaporate in a boiling water bath. An oil bath may be used. The temperature of the oil in the bath is kept slightly higher than the boiling point of water. Water that gets into the oil bath may spatter; this is a hazard.
Ethanol, ethyl alcohol, pure grain alcohol (boiling point 78.5°C). This is a very desirable solvent. It has extraction properties very similar to methanol, but is not as toxic. It is very difficult to obtain, however, as it is a major active ingredient in liquor and is heavily taxed. Pure ethanol may be produced from either liquor or fermented material. Denatured ethanol, which is available in hardware stores and pharmacies, contains non-removable poisons which evaporate at the same temperature as pure ethanol. This makes the ethanol unfit for drinking.
Petroleum ether (boiling point 30—60° C). Petroleum ether is a light solvent much more selective than any of the alcohols. Extracting with petroleum ether produces an oil that is twice as potent by weight as oil extracted with alcohol. The cannabis material may be extracted directly with ether but, due to petroleum ether’s highly explosive nature, the oil is first removed from the plant material with alcohol and then reextracted with ether. This requires a much smaller amount of the dangerous solvent. Petroleum ether is usually available only through chemical supply companies.
[edit] Dangers
There are a wide variety of dangers associated with use of chemical solvents. The most common danger is from flammability. Structure fires and severe burns have been caused when production accidents occur.[5]
[edit] Legality
US Federal law classifies cannabis as a schedule I controlled substance, and possession constitutes a crime.[6]
[edit] Images
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Hash oil
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Honey oil
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Golden cannabis oil
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Honey oil
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Butane honey oil evaporating
[edit] Related articles
[edit] References
- ^ "UNODC - Bulletin on Narcotics - 1980 Issue 4 - 005". http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/bulletin/bulletin_1980-01-01_4_page006.html.
- ^ King, Leslie A. (2003). The Misuse of Drugs Act. Royal Society of Chemistry. pp. 75–76. ISBN 978-0854046256.
- ^ Mamakind (December 4 2003). "Honey oil made easy". CANNABIS CULTURE MAGAZINE. http://www.cannabisculture.com/v2/articles/3083.html. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
- ^ Kuhn, Swartzwelder, Wilson, Wilson, Foster, Cynthia, Scott, Wilkie, Leigh Heather , Jeremy (2003). Buzzed. W. W. Norton & Company; 2 Rev Upd edition. pp. 139–140. ISBN 978-0393324938.
- ^ Reverend Damuzi (September 13 2004). "Hash oil explosions". CANNABIS CULTURE MAGAZINE. http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/3518.html. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
- ^ "Drug Scheduling". United States Drug Enforcement Agency. http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/scheduling.html. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
[edit] External links
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