If you’ve ever heard about honey oil and wondered how to make it yourself, you’re in the right place! Honey oil, also known as hash oil, BHO, or dabs, is a potent cannabis concentrate prized for its rich amber color and high THC content. Making honey oil at home can be a rewarding project, giving you a concentrated form of cannabis that you can use in many ways, from dabbing to adding to edibles. Let’s walk through the process in a simple, friendly way.
What Is Honey Oil?
Honey oil is a thick, sticky cannabis extract that looks like golden honey—hence the name. It contains a high concentration of cannabinoids, especially THC, often reaching up to 80%, compared to about 20% in regular cannabis flower. This makes honey oil a powerful and efficient way to enjoy cannabis’s effects.
Why Make Honey Oil at Home?
Making honey oil yourself means you control the quality and purity of the product. Plus, it’s a fun way to experiment with cannabis concentrates without needing expensive equipment. Whether you want to dab, vape, or cook with it, homemade honey oil can elevate your cannabis experience.
What You’ll Need
Before starting, gather these materials:
– Cannabis buds (7 grams is a good starting amount)
– Isopropyl alcohol or ethanol (high-proof alcohol)
– Two mason jars with lids
– Coffee filters or fine mesh strainers
– A glass Pyrex dish or similar tray
– A grinder (optional, but helpful)
– A scraping tool (like a small spatula)
– A stove or double boiler setup (for alcohol evaporation)
– A freezer
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Honey Oil
There are two common methods to make honey oil at home: using alcohol or butane. We’ll focus on the safer and more accessible alcohol method here.
Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis
Raw cannabis contains THCA, which isn’t psychoactive until it’s heated and converted into THC. Decarboxylation activates the cannabinoids.
– Break your dry cannabis buds into small chunks (don’t grind too fine).
– Spread them on a baking sheet.
– Bake in an oven preheated to 230-250°F (110-120°C) for about 45 minutes.
– This step ensures your honey oil will be potent and effective.
Step 2: Prepare Your Materials
– Place your decarbed cannabis into one mason jar and seal it.
– Put the jar in the freezer to cool.
– Fill the second mason jar with your chosen alcohol (isopropyl or ethanol) and place it in the freezer as well.
– Cooling both helps improve the extraction process and reduces unwanted plant materials.
Step 3: Extract the Oil
– Once both jars are cold, pour the alcohol into the jar containing the cannabis, just enough to cover the plant material.
– Seal the jar tightly and gently shake or stir the mixture.
– Let it sit for about 12 hours in the freezer to allow the alcohol to dissolve the cannabinoids.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
– After resting, use a coffee filter to strain the liquid into a clean jar, removing all plant fibers.
– For higher purity, strain the liquid again through a fresh filter.
Step 5: Evaporate the Alcohol
– Pour the filtered liquid into a Pyrex dish.
– Place the dish in a double boiler or a water bath on low heat (158-176°F or 70-80°C) to gently evaporate the alcohol.
– Alternatively, you can leave the dish out in the sun to let the alcohol evaporate naturally, though this takes longer.
– Be very careful with heat and flames because alcohol is highly flammable.
Step 6: Collect Your Honey Oil
– After the alcohol evaporates, you’ll be left with a thick, sticky, amber-colored oil.
– Use a scraping tool to collect the honey oil from the dish.
– Store it in a clean, airtight container for future use.
Tips for Success and Safety
– Always work in a well-ventilated area, especially when handling flammable solvents like alcohol or butane.
– Never use open flames or sparks near alcohol vapors.
– Use high-quality cannabis for the best results.
– Patience is key—rushing the evaporation step can be dangerous.
– If you want to try the butane method, it must be done outdoors with extreme caution due to the high flammability of butane.
Different Methods: Alcohol vs. Butane
| Aspect | Alcohol Method | Butane Method |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safer, but still flammable | Highly flammable, requires outdoors |
| Equipment | Mason jars, coffee filters, stove | Butane extractor, cans of butane |
| Complexity | Moderate | More complex and risky |
| Purity of Oil | High with proper filtering | Very high, often more potent |
| Time Required | 12-48 hours (including evaporation) | Faster extraction, but more dangerous |
Honey oil is a fantastic way to enjoy cannabis in a concentrated form. With some care and patience, you can make your own at home using simple materials and methods. Whether you prefer the alcohol extraction or are curious about butane, always prioritize safety and quality.
Enjoy your homemade honey oil responsibly and explore the many ways it can enhance your cannabis experience!