What Is Hash Oil & How to Make Your Own at Home

The search for a stronger and healthier cannabis hit will undoubtedly lead you to hashish oil or hash oil. Many want to taste it, vape it, and spread it all over but are confused about it. What is hash oil exactly, and how does it differ from other cannabis concentrates?   

Here you’ll learn the highlights and warnings about hash oil, also the way to make your own at home, risk-free! 

So, let’s skip the trivia and dive into all you need to know before trying hash oil. 

What Is Hash Oil?

In short, hash oil is a form of concentrated cannabis made directly out of cannabis resin or out of hash. A very powerful thick liquid, if we may say so. It is known under many names like butane hash oil (BHO), honey oil, or weed oil.  

Ingredients

Basically, hash oil is a cannabis resin mixed with some kind of solvent (butane, alcohol, petroleum ether, etc.) in order to turn it into an oil. 

Consequently, it contains CBD and plenty of THC, which makes the question is hash oil legal quite logical. The answer, though, is not always yes. Hash oil’s legal status is usually in sync with that of cannabis across different states.

But besides THC and CBD, hash oil also contains all other cannabinoids and terpenes found in the resin. But the exact content depends on the resin used and the way it is made.

Names

Hash oil also goes by the name hashish oil, marijuana oil, or honey oil. Obviously, the latter got its name due to the golden appearance, but that doesn’t mean all hash oils look that attractive. 

The names usually refer to the looks or extraction method. Other similar names are BHO oil, weed oil, cannabis oil, etc.  People often confuse it with hashish, but they are different types of products.

So, in another one of our guides, we delved into what is hash and all the forms this concentrated-resin substance can have. 

Looks 

Hash oil’s looks vary greatly. From not so attractive dark nuances over to golden yellow and even close to pure white. 

The color depends on the extraction process, i.e. what ingredients are left out or not. For example, white hash oil is the most purified and the strongest weed oil there is. Another thing you should know is that white hashish oil is actually pale yellow, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the white product. 

Black hash oil, on the other hand, contains some impurities such as chlorophyll. These give black and shades of brown or green color to the hash oil. Still, fear not! Chlorophyll is harmless to consume. These dark variants are usually extracted with alcohol. 

Given this, the honey variant of hash oil is pretty self-explanatory.  

Texture

What is hash oil texture like? Well, hashish oil is nothing like CBD oil or CBD paste. As a matter of fact, it may not look like oil at all. Hash oil is very, very thick and sticks to everything it gets in touch with. It can ruin clothes and adhere to most things it comes into contact with. 

The only thing that will take it off your skin or countertops is isopropyl alcohol of at least 91% or a similar solvent.

How to Make Hash Oil  

Even this “easy” process is far from being a piece of (hash) cake, as it can even be potentially dangerous. Still, the end result is more than satisfactory. Those who master hash oil making skills can even completely get rid of the solvent and end up with a pure concentrate. 

Safety First

Prior to starting with any experiments, bear in mind that making hash oil takes both patience and precaution. Do not speed up the process and remember it’s better to give up and go to a dispensary if you think the following instructions could get you a bit over your head.

Speaking of safety, make sure you are well-acquainted with the local state laws. Otherwise, you could be facing a huge penalty for trying to do this on your own or even just consume it.

How to Make Hash Oil with Alcohol

There are two types of alcohol used for the purpose, hence the two extraction methods:

• The QWISO method (quick wash isopropyl alcohol)
• The QWET method (quick wash ethanol)

In the beginning, the processes look the same, but they separate at some point. Nevertheless, for both of them, it is important not to have a source of fire, sparks, or heat near the alcohol, as well as to keep children and pets at bay.

So, this is how it goes.

Step 1

First, for this hash oil recipe, you will need at least 7g of first-class buds if you’re looking for the highest potency.

Break the plant parts, but don’t grind them! Grinding would only make it harder to clean the whole extract later. 

Also, even though you’ll be soaking the buds, they should be as dry as possible prior to freezing. If they aren’t dry enough, place them in the oven at 194℉. This way, cannabinoids will lose their acidity and become more psychoactive. 

If the bud is crumbling in your hands, you did it right! 

Step 2

In order to get to hash oil extraction, put the dried buds into a jar with a lid and into the freezer. Do the same with the chosen alcohol. You’ll need some 2.5 oz/74 ml for 7g of cannabis. 

When the temperature is –62°F, add the alcohol to the jar with the buds so that they are covered by alcohol by about one inch. Let it rest for some time (depending on the alcohol).

Step 3

This is where making hash oil with alcohol goes in separate ways:

• If you’re using the QWISO method (quick wash isopropyl alcohol), stir the mixture for 20 seconds and then strain to get your marijuana oil.
• The QWET method (quick wash ethanol) requires that you stir the mixture gently, put it into the freezer, and after 3 minutes, stir it again a couple of times. Next, strain the mixture.

Step 4

Straining can be done with a simple coffee filter if you haven’t got something else (vacuum and laboratory filters, resin drying screens, etc.). “Why is my hash oil black?”, you may wonder. In that case, you should repeat the process for extra purity.

Step 5

When you get the filtered solution, put the tray in a water bath. If you do it right, you will see the color you desire. 

The water temperature should be about 158–176°F and spread out evenly so that bubbles appear. The alcohol will evaporate quickly. Alternatively, you may leave the dish in the sun for the alcohol to evaporate.

Step 6

Once the alcohol disappears completely, you should be left with the final product. A sticky substance you can use as you wish (more on this later)!

How to Make Hash Oil with Butane

There are even scientific studies on butane extraction of hash oil, but it isn’t as complicated as one may think. Just follow the instructions closely, and you should be safe, sound, and high. 

Safety First

When the time comes for you to actually use butane, you have to do it outside. Why do so many accidents happen indoors? That’s because butane is heavier than oxygen, and after you use it, it will linger around the stove for some time if you’re indoors. And your body. Get the picture? 

To make hash oil safely, do it outside where butane can evaporate more quickly. Or else…

Step 1

For this one, you don’t need the glass jar, but some kind of a plastic, metal, or glass tube (make sure you handle it with a towel—it will get hot and messy). It should be big enough to hold half an ounce (14g).

On one end, you should make one hole. When making your hash oil, this is where you should put the butane nozzle. On the other, make five small holes for the THC oil to start pouring into the dish. Then, put dried marijuana into the tube, and a coffee filter on the inside of the lid.

Step 2

If your space has all the requirements (outdoors, clean, no obstructions or open flames), it’s time to learn about making hash oil using this method.

Take the tube and hold it some two inches over the dish where the oil is supposed to go. Next, place the butane gas can nozzle right into the top hole, and dispense the gas. The can should be about ten fluid ounces (300ml/ 10oz) for this amount of pot.

Step 3

The butane and your hash oil extractor will do their job. You should be getting the pale yellow or greenish liquid at the bottom. The process usually lasts for a few minutes.

Step 4

When you notice there’s a drop every few seconds, it’s time to end the extraction process. Butane will be almost spent, so gently tap or blow into the tap hole to push the last butane out.

Step 5

Now, allow the butane to evaporate from the dish. You allow the evaporation to happen naturally, or hold the dish in your hands to warm it up. To speed up the process, you can also put the dish in warm water.

Finally, scrape the finished product off the dish. Learning how to make butane hash oil isn’t too difficult if you stick to the instructions rigorously.

To summarize, whichever method you go for, you can store the end product in a glass vial. Also, bear in mind that hashish oil loses its potency over time even when it’s stored in the best possible way. It can hardly be at its best after a year of proper storage.

How to Smoke Hash Oil

Can this oil be eaten? Sure, you can add it to your marijuana edibles. However, it may be easier to smoke or vape it. Here are some ways to do it, but remember moderation is key and there’s no need to join grim smoking statistics:

• Joint — the good old way. Simply add a tiny amount (a few drops) to your pre-rolled joint, or make a new one with a bit more weed, roll it, and light it up!
• Bong — when smoking hash oil, it’s best to use a smaller bong than you would normally use. 

Remember, this marijuana wax is very potent. Also, don’t forget to use the best quality bong. After all the effort or paying a steep hash oil price ($30 or $50 per gram for a high-THC oil) you probably wouldn’t want a speck of it to go to waste!

A small drop of oil on top of the marijuana in the bowl should suffice. Make sure the fire is close to the concentrate but doesn’t touch it. The heat will make the oil bubble, and you’ll get the elevation you wanted. Eventually, let the heat consume the oil and cannabis too.

• Dab rig — hash oil rigs or dab rigs are used for the so-called dubbing—a very popular method to inhale hash oil. Take a teeny tiny drop of oil and put it on the end of the dabber (basically, 1 millimeter away from it). 

Next, torch the nail until it’s red hot, then put it aside. Allow for the nail to cool so as to get the best temperature for feeling all those terpenes and cannabinoids from the oil. 

Apply the oil from the dabber to the inside of the nail. Inhale, exhale, and enjoy! BHO (butane hash oil) is the most common choice for dabbing.

• Smearing hash oil on a cigarette — simply spice up your cigarette with a small amount of hash oil. Dip the cigarette into the hash oil, or smear the oil onto the cigarette. Allow it to completely dry, and that’s it! 

You can smoke your hash oil-smeared cigarette just like a regular one.  

• Vaping — Unlike when vaping quality CBD vape oil, you’ll need extra small quantities to vape hash oil.

For this purpose, a hash oil vape pen seems to be a gift from the gods. It is so discreet and easy to fill. There are lots of pens and cartridges on the market, so you can take your pick. 

However, whatever you do, don’t overdo it! Especially if you’re not confident about the amount of solvent left in your homemade hash oil. Otherwise, you risk lung injury from hash oil. It is a risk connected to butane and terpene byproducts. 

THC Content

The reason why most people are interested in using it and why you cannot find hash oil on Amazon is its high THC content. Back in the 1970s, hash oil used to have only 10% to 30% of THC. However, as cannabis potency grew in regular strains, concentrates followed suit. 

So, nowadays you can find THC oil with 80% or even 90% of THC content.

Therefore, to really enjoy the effects of hash oil, you have to be tolerant to high THC and use it responsibly. Otherwise, you may end up regretting it. 

No one has yet died of a marijuana overdose, but the feeling of taking in too much cannabis is far from pleasant.

Hash Oil Benefits

Of course, the very first association is getting extremely high, but let’s go beyond that elevating feeling. Hash oil contains CBD, THC, different terpenes, and lots of other cannabinoids. In case your body responds well to THC, you may use the oil to:

• relieve pain
• feel cannabis benefits faster
• decrease depression and anxiety
• boost the immune system
• fight inflammations
• reduce cancer-related symptoms
• fight insomnia
• reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms
• prevent seizures, etc.

In short, what is hash oil beneficial for can be summed up in one sentence: it is good for all those conditions that are handled with full-spectrum CBD oil with a high THC percentage. 

All in all, how useful (or toxic) your homemade hash oil will be, depends on the resin you use, and how skillful your approach is.

Hash Oil Side Effects  

Like any marijuana product, hash oil can make you euphoric, paranoid, hungry, but since it’s concentrated, it can really knock you off your feet! Regardless of whether it’s butane hash oil side effects or some other oil, the complete list of adverse effects usually includes:

• paranoia
• hallucinations
• red eyes
• munchies
• sleepiness
• anxiety 
• memory problems
• dry mouth
• increased heart rate
• widening of blood vessels, etc.

As you can see, the list actually comprises all the downsides of high THC content. So, if you are intolerant to high THC concentrations you should avoid using it. 

Conclusion

People seem to always find new ways to enjoy cannabis and add one more chapter to the fun and interesting cannabis history. Hash oil is without a doubt primarily used for the euphoric feeling it creates, though it has medical benefits as well. 

What is hash oil going to be like in the future remains to be seen. Perhaps a new extraction method will appear, or a new way of consuming it. Whatever happens, we’ll make sure you’re the first to know!

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About the Author

Bojana Petkovic

A cannabis enthusiast, fascinated by the plant’s healing powers and the ever-changing world of the marijuana industry, trying to work out what is going on and let you know all the fun details — that’s my mission here. Keeping you high and healthy!

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