Cannabis concentrates such as shatter, wax, budder, oil and sap are made using a variety of marijuana extraction methods, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Hydrocarbons such as butane and propane, as well as ethanol and carbon dioxide (CO2) are popular solvents used to remove the desired compounds from marijuana flower buds.

Some manufacturers choose to use propane alone as a solvent to produce a range of concentrates known as propane hash oil (PHO). Propane’s unique chemical characteristics gives it a tremendous potential to reap a wide range of compounds including the aromatic terpene compounds found on the plant’s trichomes. Let’s take a deeper dive into PHO dabs, how it’s made, and its safety.

What is propane hash oil?

propane hash oil

Propane hash oil extracts

Propane hash oil, or “PHO” for short, is made using strictly propane as a solvent, which has a boiling point of -43.6ºF. Propane’s extremely low boiling point, compared to other solvents such as butane, allows extraction technicians to separate more of marijuana’s terpenes during the concentrate extraction and remove more of the solvent when purged.

PHO products can have an array of consistencies, but most PHO extracts have a budder-like consistency. Cannabis budder is a type of concentrate that has a creamy and pliable consistency that’s easy to dab. PHO can also come as other concentrate types, but consumers will most likely find softer consistencies of PHO. PHO can be consumed in a variety of ways including with a dab rig or dab pen, as well as in a joint or blunt.

PHO vs. BHO

Propane hash oil has a similar counterpart made from butane. Butane hash oil (BHO) is a type of cannabis concentrate made using the butane solvent instead of propane or any other solvent. Butane has a low boiling point (30.2ºF), but propane’s boiling point is considerably lower. PHO extraction also tends to run at higher pressures than BHO extraction, which helps preserve the strain’s terpenes and produce a lighter hue.

Some extraction artists have also noticed that 100 percent propane solvents extract fewer fats and lipids compared to butane extraction. Propane extraction can be more unstable, however, without the proper distillation and purging procedures. For a well-experienced extraction technician, propane can help produce a lighter and more flavorful concentrate.

BHO produces a wider range of concentrate consistencies including the hard shatter and wax consistencies. BHO can also make a full-spectrum product with a strain’s entire available compounds. Both solvents carry a similar risk of flammability, but can be safe for use under the appropriate conditions with approved equipment. As a result, some operators have chosen to blend propane and butane to achieve better yield and consistency.

How to make PHO

Making PHO dabs is very similar to making BHO concentrates since both solvents are hydrocarbons. The entire cannabis extraction process can take weeks and requires expensive extraction equipment and vacuum ovens to purge the residual solvent from the extracted product. Homemade PHO extraction can be dangerous since the proper ventilation and gas detection systems aren’t available and operators aren’t as skilled.

In a lab setting with specialty, closed-loop equipment, extraction technicians pass propane through a material column full of dried cannabis material ranging from whole-flower buds to trim and leaves. As the nonpolar propane passes over the plant, the solvent dissolves the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for the potency and aroma of a strain, and separates them from the rest of the harsh plant matter.

After separating the cannabis resin from the rest of the unnecessary material, the concentrate must undergo a post-processing purge in a vacuum oven to evaporate the product’s leftover solvent. Under normal atmospheric pressure, low temperatures help off-gas the propane into a vacuum pump and out of the PHO concentrate, leaving behind a pure and propane-free extract.

Is PHO safe?

Like many other solvents, there’s always a risk of a gas leak that can come into contact with a spark and lead to an explosion. Generally, PHO extraction is a safe endeavor for extract manufacturers operating in a licensed facility that meets all state building and fire codes. A closed-loop extraction system approved by an engineer ensures no propane leaks out and if it does, a failsafe system keeps the operators safe.

The systems are equipped with ventilation and gas detection systems to automatically turn off the equipment if a certain level of gas is detected in the room. The painstaking and time-consuming extraction and purging process produce a safe and effective product without any pesticides, heavy metals or residual solvent.

PHO concentrates from licensed producers who lab test their products for contaminants are safe to consume. Lab testing ensures residual solvent levels are below a state’s cutoff limits. Cutoff limits intend to keep consumers safe from inhaling toxic by-products. With the proper extraction and purging, PHO dabs are safe to consume.

How to smoke PHO

how to smoke propane hash oil

How to smoke PHO

PHO can be consumed in many different ways, but one of the most common ways is to dab the concentrate using a traditional glass dab rig or an electronic nail (eNail). A dab rig resembles a bong with a mouthpiece and heating surface, but instead of a bowl, a dab rig has a nail, which can be heated with a small blow torch.

Dabbing PHO can take a bit of practice to properly decarboxylate the extract’s cannabinoids. Applying too much heat to the nail can burn away the terpenes, while not applying enough heat can leave behind unvaporized PHO liquid in the nail. An eNail takes out all the guesswork by allowing you to heat the nail to an exact temperature, and uses a heated coil attached to a controller device capable of heating up a nail quickly and consistently.

A dab pen is a portable and convenient way to consume PHO without a bulky dab rig. Dab pens or cartridges filled with PHO can be easy ways to consume the product without having to use a blow torch. Finally, PHO can be added inside or on top of joints, blunts, or bowls to give the smoking session an extra kick of potency.

While PHO isn’t as popular as BHO or CO2 concentrates, a handful of extraction technicians are utilizing PHO’s power to separate as many of the plant’s compounds as possible. Consumers should always ensure a PHO product is lab-tested and purchase from a licensed retailer. As one of the most potent products out there, PHO can provide an intense and relaxing experience and a burst of flavor.

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  1. What is propane hash oil? (PHO)
  2. PHO vs BHO
  3. How to make PHO
  4. Is PHO safe?
  5. How to use PHO

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