What is hash oil? A complete guide

If you already enjoy cannabis in its natural state, it's worth looking into cannabis extracts. These unique products offer some special effects and sensations for you to explore. One of the most popular types of extracts is hash oil, an extremely concentrated product with high THC levels. This guide will provide an in-depth look at what hash oil is, how it works, and why you may want to try it.

Exploring hashish oil

What is hash oil? Simply put, it's any type of cannabis concentrate made from the natural oils found inside cannabis plants. It has more THC than fresh cannabis, and it can also contain unusual cannabinoid ratios or terpene balances.

For many years, hash oil was a niche product only used by a few enthusiasts with specialized equipment. Thanks to the creation of high-quality vaporizers, hash oil became more available to the public. Options like PAX Plus with concentrate insert make it easy to learn how to use hash oil without needing complex or homemade apparatuses. There are now countless ways to use hash oil and forms of hash oil to try.

Everything you need to know about this cannabis concentrate

Here are some basics that every cannabis connoisseur needs to know:

• Hash oil is very strong, with THC levels of around 90%.
• Most hash oils are made with butane, but solventless versions also exist.
• Hash oil is only vaporized at very high temperatures.
• It goes by many names including batter, budder, honey oil, shatter, and wax.
• You'll need a vaporizer or dab rig to try pure hash oil.

The benefits of hash oil

The primary advantage of hash oil is its high level of concentration. While natural cannabis plants usually contain around 12% THC, hash oil can be upwards of 90%. It also has highly concentrated levels of flavorful terpenes.

This makes it very useful for people who love cannabis but don't want to use a massive amount of flower to get strong effects. With just a small amount, you can enjoy a wide spectrum of intense sensations.

Uses of hashish oil

If you want to use pure hashish oil, you'll need something like a vaporizer or a dab rig that can reach high enough temperatures to turn the oil into a breathable vapor. However, some people like to use hash oil as a way to infuse cannabis with more flavor and strength. By mixing it with dried cannabis flower, you turn it into an extra aromatic and intense material that you can smoke in a joint or use in a dry flower vaporizer.

How is hash oil made?

The most popular way of making hash oil involves soaking cannabis plant matter in a solvent like butane. The solvent pulls plant oils out of the cannabis and then evaporates to leave behind the concentrated material. However, some methods can make hash oil without chemical solvents. Instead, they use ice, water, heat, and pressure to remove beneficial cannabis compounds from the plant.

Hashish oil vs. other cannabis products

Compared to plain, natural cannabis, hash oil is much stronger. It also differs from some other concentrates. Unlike tinctures and cannabutter, hash oil doesn't automatically process the THC into an edible liquid. It doesn't contain the small bits of plant matter found in dry sift kief and caviar, and it doesn't further isolate certain cannabinoids like CBD oil and distillate do.

Why people love hash oil

Here are some of the many reasons people say they love hash oil:

• Using a hash oil pen is easier than using dried flower that you have to grind.
• When you consider the amount of THC you get, the price of hash oil is very budget-friendly.
• High levels of THC in hash oil let you get an intense experience no matter your tolerance level.
• The variety of ways to use hash oil makes it very versatile.

Types of hash oil

Hash oil is divided into different categories based on its texture and potency:

• Butane hash oil (BHO)/Honey oil: This gooey liquid has around 70% to 85% THC.
• Shatter: This solid, glassy substance has around 70% to 90% THC.
• Wax: This soft, waxy material has 60% to 90% THC.
• Crumble/Honeycomb: This oily, crumbly solid has 60% to 90% THC.
• Crystal/Diamonds: These firm crystals have around 99% THC.

Frequently asked questions about hashish oil

Still have questions about hash oil? Here are some other details to know.

How should hash oil be stored?

Store your hashish oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark location like the fridge or freezer. If the hash oil has a sticky, semi-solid texture, you might want to wrap it in wax paper beforehand or use a silicone storage container. As with all cannabinoid products, keep out of reach of children and pets.

Is hash oil the same as CBD oil?

No, there are a lot of differences between hashish oil vs. CBD oil. CBD oil is an extract that usually only contains non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD), while hashish oil contains THC and other cannabinoids not found in CBD.

Can I use hash oil for cooking?

If you eat hash oil plain and unheated, your body cannot metabolize the cannabinoids, but certain cooking methods like frying will burn the oil and create a bitter taste. The best option is to carefully warm it to around 360 degrees and then incorporate it into sauces and toppings.

What is the recommended dosage for hash oil?

This greatly depends on your tolerance level and intended use for the oil. Since it's so strong, it's best to start slow. Try a small puff at a low temperature and gradually use more if necessary.

Ultimately, the intensity and variety of hash oil make it one of the most exciting cannabis products. Not only can you enjoy a stronger-than-average experience, but you can also try out a lot of interesting flavors and textures. It's easy to experiment with different styles and find the perfect hash oil for your needs.