For cannabis extraction, you can choose between solvent-based and solventless techniques, each offering unique advantages. Still, for commercial operations, solvent-based extraction methods are widely used because of their ability to process large quantities. Among these, butane hash oil (BHO) and CO2 extraction are two techniques that are closely compared.
If you are stuck with the BHO vs CO2 decision, this article will guide you in making the right choice. Here, we are exploring each method’s intricacies, pros and cons, and the science behind each process. We will also discuss the impact on the final product and the various factors that influence the choice.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO) extraction is a cannabis extraction technique that uses butane as a solvent to separate cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. BHO extraction is highly effective in producing high-potency concentrates with excellent flavor profiles. As butane is a non-polar solvent, it can efficiently dissolve non-polar cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis.
Process overview: How BHO extraction works
A typical BHO extraction process involves these steps:
- Preparation: The first step is to prepare the cannabis plant material for extraction by putting it in a sealed tube or vessel.
- Solvent Wash: Liquid butane is passed through the plant material and temperature is maintained at -40°F (-40°C). As the solvent moves through the plant material, it dissolves the trichomes that contain cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Collection: The butane-cannabinoid solution is collected in a separate container.
- Solvent Removal: The solution is then purged of butane, typically using heat at 90°F and 115°F (32°C and 46°C) and vacuum. This process ensures no residual solvent remains in the final product.
- Final Product: What’s left behind is a concentrated cannabis extract.
Types of products made using BHO
The BHO cannabis extraction method is ideal for producing several types of concentrations, including:
- Shatter: A glass-like, translucent THC concentrate is produced using BHO extraction. This extract is known for its high potency (60-80% THC) and long shelf life.
- Wax: A softer, opaque concentrate with a waxy texture, it can have a THC level as high as 99%. While wax is highly potent, it may degrade faster due to increased surface area.
- Budder: A creamy, butter-like concentrate, it is also a potent THC concentrate that is known for its smooth consistency and rich flavor profile.
- Live resin: Made from fresh-frozen cannabis plants, live resin is known for its flavorful and aromatic composture. It can have THC levels between 65-95% and preserves more terpenes than other forms.
- Sauce: A terpene-rich liquid extract often containing THCA crystals, it is prized for its high flavor and potency.
Advantages of BHO extraction
BHO extraction can be chosen for several reasons:
- Potency: BHO extracts usually reach extremely high cannabinoid concentrations, often exceeding 80-90% THC.
- Flavor Retention: Due to the low boiling point of butane (31.1°F or -0.5°C), most volatile terpenes are preserved, resulting in flavorful concentrates.
- Efficiency: BHO extraction is relatively quick and can be scaled for commercial production without requiring specialized equipment.
- Versatility: It can produce a wide range of concentrate textures and consistencies.
Potential risks and safety concerns
While BHO extraction has several benefits, safety is a significant concern. Butane is highly inflammable and explosive, so its storage and handling pose a safety risk. Also, the extraction process can be potentially dangerous if not performed in a properly equipped facility by trained professionals.
Also, the risk of residual solvents is a concern. Ingesting butane can be very harmful, making it mandatory that the final product be purged of any residual butane. Environmental concerns exist about using hydrocarbon solvents like butane, a fossil fuel derivative.
What Is CO2 Extraction?
CO2 extraction utilizes carbon dioxide as a solvent in a supercritical state to extract compounds from cannabis. The supercritical state of CO2 is achieved by pressurizing it to 73.8 bar (1,071 psi) and heating pressurized CO2 to 31.1°C (87.98°F). Supercritical CO2 has liquid and gas properties, allowing it to effortlessly penetrate plant material and dissolve compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes.
Process overview: How CO2 extraction works
The CO2 extraction process involves several steps:
- Pressurization and Heating: CO2 is pressurized and heated until it reaches its supercritical state in a special container.
- Extraction: In the extraction chamber, supercritical CO2 is passed through cannabis plant material to dissolve the desired compounds.
- Separation: The CO2-extract solution passes into a separator where pressure is reduced, causing the CO2 to return to a gaseous state and separate from the extract.
- Collection: The extracted cannabis compounds are collected and then further filtering is done depending on the level of purity required.
- Recycling: The gaseous CO2 is recycled back into the system for reuse.
Types of products derived from CO2 extraction
CO2 extraction, due to its versatility, can produce a range of cannabis products:
- CO2 oil: A versatile cannabis extract used in vape cartridges and edibles. It can be further refined into other forms.
- Wax and shatter: Like BHO extracts, CO2 extraction can produce wax and shatter but with higher purity without hydrocarbons.
- Terpene isolates: Due to the precision of targeting specific compounds, this method is a highly efficient way of producing pure terpene extracts for flavor enhancement or aromatherapy.
- CBD isolate: Pure CBD crystals produced by CO2 extraction are of the highest quality and are often used in medical applications.
Advantages of CO2 extraction
There are several benefits of using CO2 extraction over other methods:
- Safety: As CO2 is a non-flammable and non-toxic gas, the cannabis extraction process is inherently safer than that of BHO extraction.
- Environmental Friendliness: CO2 is a naturally occurring compound that can be recycled in extraction, reducing environmental impact.
- Selectivity: This method can selectively target specific compounds by adjusting parameters like temperature and pressure, allowing for more precise control over the final product.
- Purity: CO2 extraction typically leaves no toxic residues, eliminating the need for extensive purging. Cannabis extracts produced through this method are highly pure.
- Legality: Due to its safety profile, CO2 extraction has fewer regulators and legal hurdles than BHO extraction.
Challenges of CO2 extraction
Despite its benefits, CO2 extraction faces some challenges:
- High Initial Costs: CO2 extraction requires specialized equipment for handling supercritical CO2, which can be significantly more expensive than BHO equipment.
- Complexity: The process requires significant expertise to operate equipment effectively. Parameters like pressure and temperature must be precisely controlled to achieve desired results.
- Time: CO2 extraction is more time-consuming than BHO extraction, potentially affecting production capacity.
BHO vs. CO₂ Extraction: Key Differences
Factor | BHO Extraction | CO₂ Extraction |
Purity & Safety | Potential for residual solvents and toxic nature of butane attracts strict safety protocols | Solvent-free end product; inherently safer process |
Full-Spectrum vs. Selective Extraction | Process typically results in full-spectrum extracts | Highly selective process and can target specific compounds |
Taste | BHO extracts better flavor due to full terpene profile; there can be challenged with handling chlorophyll residue which can affect taste | Loss of terpenes can affect overall flavor profile; more efficient at removing chlorophyll |
Terpene Content | Preserves terpenes due to lower boiling points | CO2 tends to degrade terpenes at higher pressures |
Efficiency & Yield | Higher yields in shorter time making it better for large-scale production | Lower yields as process can be slower but is more precise |
Environmental Impact | Usenon-renewable hydrocarbon solvents has potential environmental concerns | Uses recyclable CO2 making process environment friendly |
Initial Cost | Lower initial equipment cost | Higher initial equipment cost |
Best Uses | BHO is best for producing a wide range of product consistencies such as shatter, wax, budder, etc. Best for recreational products due to full-spectrum terpene profile | The range of products that can be produced is limited but the purity is very high making them ideal for medical use |
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Conclusion: Which Extraction Method Is Better?
Selection between CO2 vs BHO cannabis extraction methods depends on the outcome, as each method has its strengths and weaknesses. BHO extraction is excellent for producing high-potency concentrates with rich flavor profiles. The technique is cost-effective and more efficient for large-scale production that can create a wider variety of concentrated textures. The lower operating costs and higher yields make it attractive from a business perspective.
However, the significant safety concerns and potential environmental impacts make it challenging. CO2 extraction, on the other hand, is a cleaner, safer process with more precise control over the extracted compounds. The process is environmentally friendly and produces solvent-free extracts, which appeal to health-conscious consumers. However, manufacturers must consider the higher initial investment required for CO2 extraction.
If your end goal is to produce flavorful and versatile cannabis products at higher yields, BHO might be the preferred choice. Those focusing on purity, safety, and environmental concerns will find CO2 extraction ideal.
