A cannabis concentrate made using propane in the extraction process. PHO is similar to making butane hash oil (BHO), only propane is used instead of butane, and PHO concentrates usually have a budder-like consistency. BHO is perhaps the most common method of hydrocarbon extraction, though PHO is growing in popularity. Like all other hydrocarbons, propane is highly volatile and must be handled by licensed, trained professionals only.
“I used to rock BHO all the time, but lately I’ve been into PHO.”
What is propane hash oil (PHO)?
Propane, like butane, hexane, and pentane, can be used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants. In a closed-loop system, propane strips cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds off cannabis plant material, similar to a BHO extraction process. Propane is then purged from the resulting cannabis concentrate.
PHO extracts tend to have a budder-like consistency, while BHO can have a larger range of consistencies, including budders, shatters, oils, etc. PHO can be put into vape pens or other vape devices, used in cooking, sprinkled on top of a bowl of flower, or even applied to a joint.
Hydrocarbon extractions such as PHO tend to cost less than CO2 extracts or short path distillations. While there is a lower cost to set up, it is important to note that hydrocarbons like butane and propane are highly volatile and can explode if used incorrectly or stored in the wrong way. There have been countless cases of illegal, unregulated BHO labs exploding all over the US and around the world.
Given this great risk, it is crucial that PHO, BHO, and other hydrocarbon extractions take place in well ventilated areas with proper safety procedures, and are done by licensed, trained professionals.