BHO vs CO2 Extraction: Unlocking the Full Range of Cannabis Benefits with BHO
Introduction
The cannabis market is booming, offering an array of products featuring various extraction methods. However, if you’re looking for a method that captures the full therapeutic benefits of the cannabis plant, BHO extraction outperforms CO2 techniques. This article dives deep into the advantages of BHO over CO2 extraction, spotlighting its capacity to produce superior, full-spectrum products.
The Intricacies of Cannabis Extraction
Cannabis contains an abundance of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, among other beneficial lipids. The secret to a high-quality cannabis product lies in the extraction process.
An article written by Lindsay Maharry, “Debunking the BHO Stigma: A Scientist’s Take on Butane Hash Oil vs. CO2 Extraction” does a good job at shining a light on how unsafe practices engaged in by kids changed the perception of this extraction method. (I highly recommend you read it!) When in fact, this method, if done correctly, is completely safe. Hydrocarbons are non-polar, meaning they bind to the more fat-soluble components of the plant (cannabinoids and terpenes only) to gently extract compounds from cannabis plant material. The result is a higher purity extract and the only product that truly resembles the plant from which it came.
The Case for BHO
Butane Hash Oil (BHO) uses butane as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant matter. When done correctly, BHO offers several advantages:
- Extracts an extensive range of cannabinoids, making it the go-to method for full-spectrum CBD oil.
- Preserves fragile terpenes vital for the plant’s aroma and extra medicinal gains.
- Maintains the natural flavonoids, enriching the product’s antioxidant properties.
- BHO produces a true pharmaceutical grade oleoresin. Instead of a crude oil that need further refining like other process.
In contrast, CO2 extraction often misses out on capturing many of these valuable compounds, focusing mainly on CBD and THC. Learn more about our from our parent company Kentucky Cannabis Company ( KCC ). Visit our parent Kentucky Cannabis Company website and learn why we Use The Best Method for EXTRACTION
Full-Spectrum Synergy: More Than the Sum of Its Parts
Full-spectrum CBD products, such as the Genesis Blend CBD Oil, contain all therapeutic compounds from the cannabis plant, leading to a synergistic effect that enhances the plant’s individual components. BHO stands head and shoulders above other methods in creating these potent, synergistic products.
Importance of Fat-Solubility
Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, meaning they are better dissolved in fat-based solvents like butane. This fat solubility makes BHO-extracted products more effective compared to those obtained through CO2 extraction, which captures fewer natural lipids. This is another reason why our extraction method is hydrocarbon-based.
List of Foods Made with Butane
- Essential Oils: Citrus oils like orange, lemon, and lime are sometimes extracted using butane to preserve the delicate aroma compounds.
- Hop Extracts: Used in beer manufacturing, butane can be used to extract the flavorful and aromatic oils from hops.
- Spice Oils: Oils of spices like cinnamon, clove, and peppermint can be extracted using butane.
- Tea Concentrates: Some high-end tea concentrates are made by butane extraction to preserve the delicate flavors and aromas.
- Coffee Extracts: Specialty coffee extracts used in flavoring foods can be made using butane.
- Vanilla Extract: The compound vanillin can be more efficiently extracted from vanilla beans using butane.
- Fish Oil: Butane extraction can be used to obtain omega-3 rich fish oils.
- Cocoa Butter: In some cases, butane can be used to separate cocoa butter from the cocoa solid.
- Nut Oils: Almond, cashew, and other nut oils can be extracted using butane.
- Herbal Extracts: Some herbal supplements and flavorings, such as ginseng or echinacea, are made using butane extraction.
- Fruit Extracts: Natural flavors from fruits like strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry can be captured using butane extraction methods.
- Coconut Oil: While less common, butane can be used to make certain specialty coconut oils.
- Vegetable Extracts: Compounds from vegetables like garlic and onion can be concentrated through butane extraction.
- Chili Extracts: Capsaicin, the spicy component in chilies, can be efficiently extracted using butane.
- Mint Extract: The cooling compound menthol can be efficiently extracted from mint leaves using butane.
Safety and Quality Control in BHO
Conducting BHO extraction safely is essential, given butane’s flammable nature. Reputable companies, like Kentucky Cannabis Company and, Bluegrass Hemp Oil, ensure their BHO processes are not just effective but also secure and compliant with industry norms. Products undergo third-party lab testing for purity and potency. Are products test for undetectable amounts of butane down to the part per billion. ( A human ingests approximately 500ppm of butane when inhaling something lit from a lighter, cigar, cigarette, joint, pipe ect.)
Conclusion
As the cannabis market continues to grow, understanding the benefits of different extraction methods becomes crucial. While CO2 extraction has its place, BHO leads in capturing a comprehensive range of beneficial compounds from the cannabis plant. By opting for BHO-extracted products, you’re choosing a superior, full-spectrum option that promises enhanced therapeutic effects. Isolated CBD that is marketed as nanotechnology or water soluable should be avoid be those looking for the benefits of natural plant lipids.
Make an informed decision and get the most value and therapeutic benefits from your purchases.