Cannabis concentrates are becoming increasingly popular in the world of cannabis consumption, and while there are various ways to make concentrates, butane hash oil, commonly known as BHO, is one of the most effective ways to extract THC from cannabis. Making dabs with butane is pretty easy and can be done at home with the right equipment and following the proper precautions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make dabs with butane.
What You Will Need
Let’s start with the equipment you need to make dabs with butane.
- A glass extraction tube
- A tube cap
- A can of butane (make sure that it’s at least triple-refined and without any impurities)
- A double boiler or hot water bath
- A collection dish
- A scraping tool (preferably a silicone tool)
- Gloves
- A well-ventilated area
- Cannabis buds or trim
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1- Prepare the Cannabis
Start by grinding the cannabis buds or trim into small pieces. It is important to ensure that the cannabis is dry and free of any moisture, which can cause the butane to become contaminated. You can inspect the cannabis for moisture by pressing it between your fingers; if it feels moist or sticks together, it’s not dry enough to use. Place the ground cannabis into the extraction tube, but don’t fill the tube completely; leave about an inch of space at the top.
Step 2- Connect the Tube Cap
Once you have filled the extraction tube with cannabis, screw the tube cap onto the tube. Ensure that the tube cap is tight and secure to avoid any gas leakage.
Step 3- Perform the Extraction
Take the extraction tube outside or to a well-ventilated area to avoid any potential fire hazards. Insert the nozzle of the butane can into the small opening at the top of the extraction tube and turn it upside down. The butane should be released through the nozzle and should move through the cannabis in the extraction tube, stripping the THC along the way. Allow the butane to flow through the tube until all the liquid butane has passed through and the tube is empty.
Step 4- Evaporation
You will now be left with a dish containing a mixture of butane and THC. The next step is to evaporate the liquid butane so that all that’s left is the THC concentrate. Place the dish into a double boiler or hot water bath on low heat to allow the liquid to evaporate slowly. It is essential to keep the temperature low to avoid burning the THC. As the liquid evaporates, the THC concentrate will become more and more viscous.
Step 5- Scraping
The final step is to scrape the THC concentrate from the dish using a silicone tool. Ensure that you scrape the sides of the dish to get all of the concentrate. Once you have extracted all the concentrate, store it in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use it.
Safety Precautions
Butane is highly flammable and can be dangerous if not handled with care. Before starting the extraction process, ensure that you have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of fire. Only perform the extraction process in a well-ventilated area, away from any ignition sources like flames, cigarettes or sparks. It is also essential to wear gloves to prevent the liquid butane from coming into contact with your skin.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1- Use Triple-Refined Butane
Using triple-refined butane is highly recommended as it ensures that the butane you use is free of any contaminants. Impure butane can lead to contamination of your THC concentrate and may be harmful if ingested.
Tip 2- Use a Glass Extraction Tube
Using a glass extraction tube is highly recommended as glass ensures that you can see the process as it unfolds. Plastic extraction tubes may melt or be damaged during the extraction process which can be dangerous.
Tip 3- Use Quality Cannabis
Using quality cannabis for the extraction ensures that the THC concentrate is of high quality. Avoid using cannabis that is moldy or damp as it can lead to contamination of the THC.
Conclusion
Making dabs with butane is an easy and effective way of extracting THC from cannabis. Ensure that you follow the right safety precautions to avoid any accidents or contamination of your final product. With the right equipment and by following the right steps, you can create highly potent THC concentrates that are ideal for dabbing.
Common Questions and Answers
- Is it legal to make dabs with butane at home?
- How much cannabis do I need to make dabs with butane?
- Where can I buy a glass extraction tube?
- Do I need to decarboxylate the cannabis before extraction?
The laws on home extraction of dabs with butane vary depending on the state or country that you are in. It is essential to do your research and ensure that you are compliant with the laws in your area.
The amount of cannabis you need depends on how much THC concentrate you want to produce. A good rule of thumb is to use about an ounce of cannabis for every four to five grams of THC concentrate.
Glass extraction tubes are available from online headshops or retail stores that specialize in cannabis-related products.
No, decarboxylation is not necessary as the heat from the extraction process will activate the THC.
References
- How to Make Butane Hash Oil (BHO): Quick-and-Easy Steps, Dr. Dabber, https://www.drdabber.com/blogs/lifestyle/how-to-make-bho
- How to Make Cannabis Wax At Home, High Times, https://hightimes.com/guides/how-to-make-cannabis-wax-at-home/
- A Comprehensive Guide to Butane Hash Oil, Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/a-comprehensive-guide-to-butane-hash-oil/