Hash oil
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Hash oil is a solution of tetrahydrocannabinol, but is a misnomer in suggesting any resemblance to hashish. It is made out of cannabis and is very potent due to its high THC concentration, which generally varies between 15 and 20%, but can reach 60 to 70% in some cases.
Usage
Hash oil is most often dropped on a cigarette or a joint, or it is mixed in food (such as space cakes or bhang).
Production
Hash oil is produced by allowing a solvent to dissolve the psychoactive cannabinoids that are present in marijuana. These cannabinoids remain behind when the solvent is subsequently evaporated, leaving a relatively pure, high-potency form of marijuana.The color and odor of the resulting extract will vary, depending on the type of solvent used. Current samples of hash oil, a viscous liquid ranging from amber to dark brown in color, average about 15 percent tetrahydrocannabinol.
Various solvents are suitable for the production of hash oil. Isopropyl alcohol, petroleum ether, and acetone are three commonly used solvents, and butane delivered straight from compressed gas canisters has also become popular.
Butane is advantageous to use as it has a boiling point of −0.6 °C, meaning that it will fully evaporate when left for long enough at room temperature. This is much safer and easier than boiling volatile liquids like alcohol and acetone, and butane is also cheap and widely available in the form of 'lighter refill' cans. Butane also has the adantage of not dissolving the chlorophyll component of whole cannabis - it dissolves mainly the psychoactive resins. Drawbacks include the risk of explosion associated with large volumes of butane gas, and the possibility of contaminants in the butane or the extraction vessel.