Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Hash oil

Hash oil, also known as butane hash oil (BHO) or , is a viscous resinous extract derived from the through processes that isolate cannabinoids, particularly delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), from material. These extracts typically contain THC concentrations ranging from 40% to 90% by weight, far exceeding the 5-25% found in dried flower. Production methods primarily involve passing hydrocarbon solvents like or through to dissolve trichomes, followed by evaporation to yield forms such as shatter, , or budder. Alternative techniques include (CO2) , which avoids flammable solvents but requires specialized equipment. Amateur , often conducted in residential settings, carries significant risks of explosions and residual contamination due to improper purging. Consumption occurs mainly through dabbing—vaporizing the oil on a heated surface—or incorporation into edibles and vape cartridges, delivering rapid and intense psychoactive effects attributable to the elevated THC potency. While hash oil's high content enables efficient delivery for recreational or purported medicinal use, its potency amplifies risks including acute , , and potential for , with peer-reviewed studies linking frequent use to elevated cannabis-related problems. of poorly produced BHO has been associated with severe from residues or contaminants. Legality varies globally, with production and use regulated or prohibited in many jurisdictions due to concerns and psychoactive properties, though trends in regions like parts of the have increased commercial availability.

Composition

Cannabinoid and Terpene Profiles

Hash oil concentrates and from Cannabis sativa resin glands, resulting in profiles that reflect the source plant material but amplified in potency due to . Primary include Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) and its precursor Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), with total content often exceeding 50% by weight; butane hash oil variants frequently achieve 80–90% Δ⁹-THC equivalents post-decarboxylation. (CBD) levels remain low, typically under 1–5%, in THC-dominant , though higher in hemp-derived extracts. Minor such as (CBG), (CBN), and (CBC) constitute less than 5% collectively, varying by genetics and processing. Terpene profiles emphasize volatile monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which impart aroma and may modulate cannabinoid effects via entourage interactions. Myrcene predominates in many samples, followed by limonene, β-caryophyllene, β-pinene, and linalool; these compounds typically comprise 1–5% of the extract mass, though solvent-based methods can reduce lighter volatiles during purging. Profiles differ markedly across cultivars—e.g., high-myrcene types from indica-dominant plants versus limonene-rich sativas—and extraction efficiency influences retention, with solventless rosin preserving more intact terpenoids than butane processes. Over 120 terpenes have been identified in cannabis broadly, but hash oil emphasizes the 10–20 most abundant from trichomes.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Hash oil consists primarily of cannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and , with concentrations typically ranging from 50% to 90% in butane hash oil (BHO). Terpene content varies from 0.1% to 34%, dominated by as the most abundant, alongside , , , β-caryophyllene, and β-humulene, with up to 68 trace terpenoids present. These profiles depend on the , extraction efficiency, and post-processing, such as terpene reintroduction or de-waxing. Physically, hash oil manifests as a resinous, sticky oleo-resin-like substance at , with consistency varying from viscous to creamy , crumbly, or brittle glass-like shatter based on purging methods, agitation, and residual . Color ranges from transparent golden-amber to dark brown or black, reflecting impurities, oxidation, or content from the source material. Viscosity decreases with higher temperatures and purer cannabinoid-terpene ratios, exhibiting lower values in extracts with minimal waxes and . Chemically, Δ9-THC, the principal psychoactive , is a volatile viscous oil ( approximately 157°C under ) with high , low aqueous , and a of 10.6, facilitating adipose tissue accumulation but limiting water-based interactions. It degrades via exposure to air, light, or heat, and hash oil often retains tetrahydrocannabinolic acid () unless decarboxylated, preserving acidic forms that require vaporization for activation. Residual solvents like may persist if purging is incomplete, potentially altering stability and safety.

Historical Development

Early Extraction Techniques

Early extraction techniques for hash oil relied on basic solvent maceration to dissolve cannabinoids and from plant material or , predating advanced closed-loop systems and yielding a viscous, potent concentrate. These methods, which emerged prominently in the and 1970s, typically involved immersing dried flowers, leaves, or pre-made hash in organic s such as , , or to extract the lipophilic glands. The process exploited the of cannabinoids in non-polar or moderately polar solvents, allowing selective dissolution while leaving behind much of the fibrous plant matter. A standard procedure began with chopping or grinding the biomass and soaking it in the solvent at room temperature or slightly chilled conditions for several hours to days, facilitating diffusion of active compounds into the liquid phase. The mixture was then filtered through cloth or paper to remove solids, and the solvent evaporated—often via simple air drying, heat application, or rudimentary vacuum assistance—to concentrate the extract into an oil with THC potencies ranging from 20% to over 50%, depending on the source material quality and extraction efficiency. Ethanol was favored for its accessibility and lower toxicity compared to ether, though it often co-extracted chlorophyll and waxes, imparting a green hue and bitter taste to the unrefined oil. Ether, more selective for non-polar cannabinoids, posed greater flammability and health risks but produced clearer results in controlled settings. These techniques drew from earlier scientific isolations, such as Raphael Mechoulam's 1964 chromatographic purification of THC from Lebanese using , which demonstrated extraction's potential for concentrating delta-9-THC to near-purity levels. Amateur adaptations proliferated in the era, as documented in publications like D. Gold's 1971 Cannabis Alchemy, which detailed home-scale refinements including of to THC via post-extraction to enhance psychoactivity. Yields varied widely—typically 5-15% by weight from dry flower—but inefficiencies like incomplete and residual impurities limited purity and , with risks of solvent retention causing issues upon . Prior to widespread solvent use, cannabis concentrates took solid forms via mechanical means, serving as conceptual precursors: hand-rubbing fresh plants for resin in ancient (documented by the 12th century) or dry-sieving trichomes for Moroccan (evidenced from the 9th century), both isolating glandular heads without chemical aids but failing to produce fluid oils. The solvent shift enabled oil production by disrupting plant matrices more thoroughly, though early yields suffered from non-optimized parameters like extraction time and temperature, often leading to degraded and lower terpene-to-cannabinoid ratios than contemporary methods.

20th-Century Advancements

The development of solvent-based techniques marked a significant advancement in hash oil production during the mid-to-late , enabling the isolation of cannabinoids and from resin more efficiently than traditional mechanical methods like dry-sieving. Early experiments with organic solvents such as alcohol and were documented in underground literature, but hydrocarbon solvents like emerged as a key innovation for producing highly concentrated oils. In 1971, D. Gold's book Cannabis Alchemy: The Art of Modern Hashmaking detailed practical methods for solvent extraction, including the use of and other hydrocarbons to create potent hash oils by dissolving trichomes and evaporating the solvent to yield viscous residues with THC concentrations often exceeding 50%. This publication disseminated techniques among enthusiasts, facilitating amateur production and refinement of processes like , where was converted to THC to enhance potency. During the 1970s, groups such as in popularized hash oil (BHO), experimenting with closed-system extractions to minimize impurities and improve yield, though early methods often involved open blasting with inherent safety risks from flammable solvents. By the late 1970s, "butane honey oil" produced in regions like entered illicit markets, characterized by its hue and high purity due to 's selectivity for non-polar compounds. These advancements laid the groundwork for modern concentrates, shifting focus from bulk to refined oils suitable for precise dosing and novel consumption methods.

Post-Legalization Innovations (2000s–Present)

of for medical and recreational use in various jurisdictions beginning in the early spurred significant advancements in hash oil , shifting from methods to regulated, scalable processes emphasizing safety, purity, and flavor preservation. In states like and following recreational legalization in 2012, extractors adopted closed-loop hydrocarbon systems to minimize solvent exposure risks, reducing explosion hazards associated with open-blasting extractions that had plagued illicit operations. These systems recirculate solvents like or , enabling higher yields of butane hash oil (BHO) forms such as shatter and while complying with emerging safety standards. Solventless techniques gained prominence as consumers sought chemical-free alternatives, with pressing emerging around 2015 when extractor Phil Salazar applied heat and pressure to and flower, yielding a -rich without solvents. This method, refined through pneumatic presses capable of 1,000–2,000 psi at temperatures of 180–220°F, preserves the plant's full and profile, addressing concerns over residual solvents in BHO. , produced from fresh-frozen , further enhanced flavor fidelity, becoming a premium product in legal markets by the late . Specialty extracts like high full spectrum extract (HTFSE), developed by Dr. Daniel Hayden of Extractioneering in the mid-2010s, utilized low-temperature with co-solvents to separate and recombine and cannabinoids, achieving contents up to 20–30% alongside high THC levels. Similarly, THCA diamonds and , crystallized through controlled in supersaturated solutions derived from live , emerged around 2015–2016, offering nearly pure (99%) THCA crystals suspended in -rich "sauce" for potent, flavorful dabs. These innovations, validated by third-party lab testing for contaminants like pesticides and —mandatory in regulated markets—elevated hash oil quality, with potency routinely exceeding 80–90% total cannabinoids. Automation and supercritical CO2 extraction scaled production post-2010, with CO2 systems operating at 1,000–5,000 and 31–60°C to yield solvent-free oils suitable for edibles and topicals, though less effective for retention compared to hydrocarbons. By 2020, legal frameworks facilitated R&D into isolation and recombination, fostering hybrid products like full-spectrum distillates, while empirical data from state-regulated testing confirmed reduced residual solvents (below 5 ) in compliant extracts. These developments reflect a market-driven toward consumer-preferred, evidence-based refinements over prohibition-era improvisations.

Production Methods

Solvent-Based Extraction

Solvent-based methods for hash oil primarily utilize hydrocarbons like or , or alcohols such as , to dissolve cannabinoids and from plant material. These techniques enable high-efficiency recovery of resinous compounds while minimizing extraction of unwanted water-soluble elements like when conditions are optimized. Hydrocarbon extraction, often termed butane hash oil (BHO) production, involves packing ground into an tube or vessel within a closed-loop system, through which liquefied (or a butane-propane blend) is passed at sub-zero temperatures and low pressure to selectively solubilize contents. The eluate is collected, and the solvent is recovered via , followed by thorough purging in a oven at temperatures around 30–40°C to eliminate residual hydrocarbons below detectable limits. This process yields concentrates with 80–90% total cannabinoids, with extraction efficiencies reaching 90% recovery of THC and THCA, though overall biomass-to-oil yields typically fall between 10% and 30% for flower material. Ethanol extraction employs cold-soaking (-20°C to -40°C) of in food-grade for 1–5 minutes to limit co-extraction of and pigments, followed by rapid , solvent evaporation under vacuum, and (re-cooling and filtering to precipitate waxes). Yields range from 5.8% to 28%, producing full-spectrum oils suitable for further refinement, with advantages in scalability and regulatory acceptance due to ethanol's GRAS status. Despite efficiencies, methods carry acute risks from flammability, with documented explosions in non-professional settings due to static sparks or poor ; closed-loop systems with purging and explosion-proof enclosures are essential for safe industrial operation. Ethanol processes demand energy for cryogenic cooling and additional purification steps, potentially reducing preservation compared to hydrocarbons. Both require post-extraction testing for residual solvents, typically limited to parts-per-million levels per pharmacopeial standards.

Solventless Extraction

Solventless extraction methods for concentrates, including forms akin to hash oil, rely on physical separation of glandular trichomes from plant material without chemical solvents, thereby avoiding residual contaminants and preserving native and profiles. These techniques, such as dry sifting, ice water extraction, and rosin pressing, prioritize mechanical agitation, , or compression, often yielding lower quantities than solvent-based processes but with enhanced purity when executed meticulously. Dry sifting involves rubbing or tumbling dried flower over fine mesh screens (typically 70-160 microns) to isolate heads, producing or powdered that can be further processed into denser concentrates. This ancient method, refined for modern use with automated tumblers, achieves yields of approximately 5-10% by weight from high- material, depending on genetics and handling to minimize from plant particulates. The resulting product consists primarily of intact , offering high potency—often exceeding 50% THC—but requires careful micron selection to ensure "full melt" quality, where the vaporizes cleanly upon heating. Ice water extraction, commonly known as bubble hash production, employs cold water and ice to make trichomes brittle, followed by agitation in a vessel and filtration through sequential bubble bags of varying micron sizes (e.g., 25-220 microns) to grade purity by collecting finer glandular heads in smaller screens. Using fresh-frozen yields 3-8% dry hash by wet weight, while dried material can reach 15-20%, with top-grade (90-120 micron) fractions achieving over 60% content due to minimal vegetal matter. the collected under controlled conditions (e.g., 60-70°F, low ) is critical to prevent microbial growth, as the water medium can introduce risks if not managed. Rosin pressing applies calibrated heat (typically 160-220°F) and pressure (300-1000 psi) to flower, , or prior solventless enclosed in or micron bags, squeezing out viscous that solidifies into translucent slabs or upon cooling. Optimal from bubble or dry sift as starting material enhances yield (up to 20-25% from ) and retention compared to direct flower pressing (4-10% yield), with press times of 30-180 seconds minimizing degradation of heat-sensitive compounds. This method gained prominence post-2015 expansions, offering a scalable, equipment-dependent alternative that produces solvent-free oil analogs without hazards associated with hydrocarbons.

Quality Assurance and Recent Technological Advances

Quality assurance for hash oil production primarily relies on third-party laboratory testing to verify potency, purity, and safety, as contaminants can concentrate during extraction processes. In regulated markets, certificates of analysis (COAs) are required, assessing cannabinoid and terpene profiles via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), alongside tests for residual solvents such as butane or propane, which must fall below action limits like 5000 ppm for n-butane. Pesticide screening targets over 100 compounds, with limits set at levels deemed safe for inhalation or ingestion, while heavy metal analysis detects arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, often using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), given cannabis's propensity to bioaccumulate these from soil. Microbial and mycotoxin testing ensures absence of pathogens like Aspergillus species, critical for immunocompromised users. These protocols address risks amplified in hash oil, where solvent-based methods like hash oil (BHO) extraction can retain hydrocarbons if purging is incomplete, leading to hazards upon consumption via dabbing. State-mandated retesting post-remediation for failed batches underscores rigorous enforcement, with programs like NIST's Cannabis Quality Assurance Program (CannaQAP) aiding labs in standardizing measurements for comparability. Non-compliance in unregulated production heightens exposure to adulterants, as evidenced by studies showing variable levels in untested oils exceeding edible thresholds. Recent technological advances have enhanced efficiency and , particularly through supercritical CO2 systems, which operate at high s and low temperatures to yield solvent-free residues while preserving , with yields up to 20% THC by weight reported in optimized setups as of 2025. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) integrates to disrupt cells, reducing extraction time to under 30 minutes and minimizing solvent use, thereby lowering residual levels compared to traditional soaking methods. Microwave-assisted extraction () further accelerates the process via thermal disruption, achieving higher recovery rates—up to 95% for CBD-rich strains—while enabling scalable, closed-loop operations that comply with good manufacturing practices. Innovations in hydrodynamic combine and forces for whole- extracts, reducing degradation and improving flavor profiles without chemical additives, as demonstrated in pilot systems post-2020. These methods, validated in peer-reviewed studies, prioritize contaminant minimization over illicit open-blast techniques, aligning with post-legalization shifts toward .

Consumption Practices

Dabbing and Vaporization

Dabbing entails vaporizing concentrates such as on a heated surface for , typically using a specialized water pipe known as a rig equipped with a or nail. The nail is heated to temperatures between 500°F and 700°F using a , after which a small quantity of concentrate—often termed a ""—is applied via a , producing vapor that is inhaled through the rig's mouthpiece. This method allows for rapid delivery of high-potency (THC), with concentrates reaching up to 90% THC content, far exceeding that of dried flower. A carb cap may be employed post-application to retain heat and vapor, optimizing extraction efficiency while minimizing loss. Vaporization of hash oil extends beyond traditional dabbing rigs to include devices like vape pens and systems, which heat the oil at lower temperatures—typically 350°F to 450°F—to produce inhalable without . These devices mix hash oil with carriers such as for aerosolization, enabling portable consumption of forms like hash oil (BHO). nails (e-nails) offer precise for rigs, reducing variability and risks associated with manual heating, such as burns or overheating leading to harmful byproducts. Optimal temperatures preserve cannabinoids and while avoiding of into toxicants like methacrolein, which occurs above 500°F. The practice surged following cannabis legalization in U.S. states like in 2014, with social media analyses indicating heightened discussion and use in legalized regions by 2015. Federal surveys from 2025 report dabbing and vaping as increasingly prevalent among past-year cannabis users, comprising notable shares alongside , driven by the appeal of potent, efficient delivery. However, the elevated THC concentrations amplify risks, including acute , cardiovascular strain, and , as documented in case reports from 2017 onward. Overconsumption incidents, such as loss of and accidents, are hypothesized to rise with dabbing due to rapid onset and dosing challenges, though empirical user surveys show mixed evidence on accident rates beyond potency effects. Precise dosing—starting at 10-25 mg THC—and lower temperatures mitigate hazards, emphasizing the causal link between high heat, potency, and adverse outcomes.

Integration into Other Products

Hash oil, due to its high concentration often exceeding 60% THC, serves as a potent base for infusing various cannabis-derived products, enabling precise dosing in non-inhalation formats. In applications, it is typically decarboxylated and emulsified into such as , , or , which facilitates even distribution in baked goods, candies, or beverages; for instance, small quantities—often 0.1 to 0.5 grams—can yield products with 10-50 mg THC per serving, as practiced in legal markets since the early . This method leverages the oil's in fats, contrasting with water-based infusions that require additional emulsifiers like to prevent separation. For tinctures, hash oil is dissolved in (e.g., high-proof ) or carrier oils like MCT, creating sublingual drops or oral solutions with rapid absorption profiles; commercial formulations may combine it with flavorings or to mask its bitter taste, achieving potencies of 5-30 mg per milliliter. This integration dates to traditional herbal extractions but gained commercial traction post-2014 in U.S. states like , where full-spectrum hash oil tinctures preserve entourage effects from retained . In topicals, hash oil is blended with emollients, waxes, or aqueous bases to form creams, balms, or salves applied for localized effects; concentrations typically range from 100-500 mg per ounce, with THC variants aimed at penetration for pain relief, though remains limited compared to oral routes. Production involves heating the oil into a stable , often with added essential oils for skin compatibility, as seen in products launched in Canadian and U.S. markets around 2018 following regulatory approvals for extracts in non-edible formats. These integrations prioritize hash oil's and purity, verified through lab testing for residual solvents, to ensure product stability and consumer safety in regulated dispensaries.

Dosage Considerations and User Patterns

Hash oil, as a typically containing 50-90% THC by weight, necessitates precise dosing due to its high potency compared to traditional flower forms, which average 10-25% THC. methods like bing deliver THC rapidly into the bloodstream, with peak effects occurring within minutes, amplifying the risk of overconsumption if portions exceed levels. General research establishes 5 mg of THC as a standard unit for studying effects, with beginners advised to start at 2.5-5 mg to assess individual response, though quantifying exact milligrams in a dab—often a rice-grain-sized amount (approximately 0.01-0.05 grams)—is challenging without verification. Overdosing manifests as acute , including elevated , anxiety, and impaired psychomotor function, particularly at doses above 25 mg THC, where empirical studies show pronounced cognitive deficits. Factors influencing dosage include user , body weight, , and co-consumption with other substances, with experienced users often escalating to higher frequencies or larger portions over time. Empirical data from THC measurements indicate that concentrate users achieve levels up to 1,016 micrograms per milliliter shortly after use, far exceeding those from flower, underscoring the need for "start low, go slow" protocols to mitigate adverse reactions. develops rapidly with repeated exposure, prompting some users to increase intake, but chronic high-dose patterns correlate with elevated cannabis-related problems, including dependence. User patterns reveal hash oil consumption predominantly among experienced cannabis users, with web-based surveys reporting that 58% of respondents had tried concentrates like butane hash oil at least once, and 36.5% engaged in regular use (monthly or more). Daily or near-daily dabbing is predicted by factors such as male gender, younger age, and prior heavy flower use, often motivated by desires for intensified euphoria, rapid onset, and perceived therapeutic efficiency. Among young adults, patterns include solitary or social sessions via vaporization rigs, with average session durations yielding multiple small dabs to sustain effects, though amateur production introduces variability in potency and purity. National data highlight a shift toward concentrates post-legalization, comprising up to 25% of cannabis market share in some U.S. states by 2018, reflecting preferences for high-THC products among frequent users.

Pharmacological Effects

Claimed Therapeutic Benefits and Empirical Evidence

Proponents claim hash oil provides therapeutic relief for , , appetite loss, , , and anxiety or , attributing these effects to its high concentrations of cannabinoids such as THC and , which interact with the to modulate signaling, , and release. These claims often stem from anecdotal patient reports and preliminary observations in cannabis-using populations, where up to 50% of medical users cite relief as a primary benefit, alongside improvements in sleep and stress reduction. Empirical evidence supporting these claims remains limited and inconclusive for hash oil specifically, as most clinical data derive from pharmaceutical formulations of isolated cannabinoids (e.g., oral or ) rather than crude extracts or concentrates like butane hash oil, which exhibit variable potency (often 50-90% THC) and potential contaminants affecting and safety. Systematic reviews indicate moderate evidence for cannabinoids in reducing chronic , with effect sizes comparable to opioids but without addiction liability, based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving smoked or vaporized equivalents; however, high-potency concentrates show no superior efficacy over lower-potency forms and may increase adverse events due to rapid onset and dosing challenges. For , RCTs of THC-based products demonstrate antiemetic effects in patients refractory to standard treatments, with synthetic THC (e.g., 5-15 mg doses) outperforming in reducing episodes by 20-30%, though evidence for hash oil's inhaled delivery is extrapolated and lacks direct head-to-head trials. In , purified (e.g., Epidiolex at 10-20 mg/kg/day) has FDA approval based on RCTs showing 40-50% median seizure reduction in Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes compared to placebo, but hash oil's typical THC dominance may exacerbate seizures via CB1 receptor , with no dedicated trials confirming benefits from THC-rich concentrates and some preclinical data suggesting risks. Claims for other conditions like spasticity or rely on small observational studies reporting symptom palliation (e.g., 30-50% reduction), but placebo-controlled evidence is weak, confounded by self-selection in surveys and inconsistent dosing in unregulated products. Overall, while cannabinoids exhibit plausible mechanisms (e.g., via PPARγ pathways), the absence of large-scale RCTs on hash oil—due to regulatory barriers and variability in composition—precludes strong causal claims, with meta-analyses highlighting high and potential favoring positive outcomes.

Acute and Chronic Health Risks

Hash oil, due to its high (THC) concentration often exceeding 50-80%, poses elevated acute risks compared to traditional flower, primarily from rapid and intense upon methods like dabbing. Users experience heightened symptoms including severe anxiety, , , and transient psychosis-like episodes, attributable to the swift delivery of large THC doses in a single . Cardiovascular effects such as , (with systolic blood pressure reaching 190 mmHg), and myocardial injury (evidenced by elevated troponins) have been documented in case reports of adolescent and young adult users. Respiratory complications, including acute and hypoxic , arise particularly from hash oil (BHO) , as illustrated by a 19-year-old male who required and treatment after developing dyspnea, , and pleuritic pain progressing to severe . Neurological acute effects include seizure-like activity and myoclonic jerks, observed in cases involving daily high-potency use, often resolving with benzodiazepines and antipsychotics but necessitating stays of 5-17 days. These risks are amplified by inconsistent dosing in unregulated products, where THC potency variability contributes to unintentional overconsumption and exacerbated . Chronic exposure to hash oil's elevated THC levels increases the likelihood of and , with higher doses correlating to greater potential than lower-potency forms. Prolonged use has been linked to persistent psychotic symptoms, such as catatonia requiring extended therapy, in individuals with heavy consumption histories. While long-term cognitive and respiratory impacts specific to concentrates remain understudied, the amplified THC exposure suggests heightened vulnerability to impairments in , , and observed in broader high-potency research, alongside potential for residual solvent-related lung irritation if contaminants persist. Evidence for irreversible chronic harms is limited, but potency-driven escalation in use patterns underscores the need for caution in frequent consumers.

Psychological and Cognitive Impacts

High-potency THC in hash oil, often exceeding 70% concentration, induces acute psychological effects including , altered sensory perception, and heightened anxiety or , with risks escalating due to rapid onset from methods like dabbing. Case reports document transient following butane hash oil use, characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, resolving after cessation but highlighting vulnerability in novice or high-dose users. Cognitively, acute exposure impairs , , and executive function, with dabs delivering THC doses 3-5 times higher than smoked flower, amplifying deficits in processing speed and during . Chronic use of concentrates correlates with modest impairments persisting beyond , particularly in heavy users, though causality remains debated and may involve premorbid factors. Long-term psychological risks include , with high-potency products like hash oil associating with greater dependence liability and withdrawal symptoms such as and . Elevated THC levels contribute to increased odds of psychotic disorders, including , especially in adolescents and those with genetic vulnerabilities, as meta-analyses link daily high-potency use to odds ratios of 3-5 for transition to . Cognitive trajectories show potential for subtle, domain-specific declines in midlife, including reduced IQ and motivational deficits, though longitudinal studies emphasize dose, frequency, and age of onset as modifiers.

Safety Concerns

Production and Extraction Hazards

The production of hash oil, particularly through solvent-based extraction methods such as hash oil (BHO), involves significant risks primarily due to the use of highly flammable hydrocarbons like or , which have low boiling points and high vapor pressures that readily form atmospheres. Even minor ignition sources, including , pilot lights, or electrical sparks, can trigger flash fires or explosions during open-blast extraction, where solvents are forced through material in unventilated spaces. Illicit home or clandestine labs exacerbate these dangers through inadequate equipment, lack of , and operator impairment from or , which can cause cardiac arrhythmias or organ failure in addition to impairing judgment. Numerous documented incidents underscore the severity of these hazards, with explosions reported to have caused structural damage, such as blown-out windows and walls, and severe injuries. In alone, hash oil production fires resulted in at least 19 deaths and 126 injuries between 2014 and 2019, often linked to makeshift labs using consumer-grade canisters. A review of medical records identified 101 cases of BHO-related injuries over seven years, with patients averaging 30.5 years old and sustaining injuries from explosions during or purging stages. The U.S. Fire Administration noted an uptick in such events by 2013, attributing it to the proliferation of activities following legalization in certain states. While closed-loop systems in regulated facilities mitigate some risks by containing vapors and recycling solvents, failures such as equipment malfunctions or improper purging of residual —requiring controlled under —still pose hazards and exposure to toxic fumes. Basements or enclosed areas amplify dangers by trapping heavier-than-air vapors, leading to rapid ignition upon leak. Solventless alternatives, like mechanical pressing for , avoid these chemical risks but introduce physical hazards such as high-pressure equipment failures, though they represent a smaller share of production. Overall, the empirical pattern of incidents highlights that extraction hazards stem causally from the inherent flammability of solvents and procedural lapses, rather than isolated errors.

Contamination and Adulteration Risks

Residual solvents, particularly and in butane hash oil (BHO), represent a primary risk due to incomplete purging during or processes. Inhalation of these volatile hydrocarbons via dabbing can cause acute respiratory distress, including hypoxic failure and injury mimicking , as evidenced by a 2019 case where a patient required after frequent BHO use. Testing of unregulated concentrates has revealed widespread exceedance of safe limits, with one analysis of Japanese market samples showing residual solvents in over 80% of products, alongside elevated levels. Regulatory thresholds vary by jurisdiction—such as 5 in for —but production often lacks such controls, amplifying exposure to neurotoxic and irritant effects. Pesticides absorbed during concentrate in hash oil extracts, heightening risks of endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, and neurological harm upon consumption. Common residues include insecticides like and fungicides, which persist through solvent extraction and evade detection in untested products. such as , , lead, and mercury, hyperaccumulated by plants from contaminated or introduced via processing equipment, further bioaccumulate in oils, with some legal vape cartridges exceeding 0.5 lead limits in state testing. These contaminants' toxicity is exacerbated by , potentially leading to , though direct causation in users remains understudied due to variable dosing and co-exposures. Microbial contamination, including molds like Aspergillus species and bacteria such as Salmonella, arises from poor handling, humid storage, or water-based extractions, surviving into final hash oil products and posing infection risks, especially fungal pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. Mycotoxins from molds add carcinogenic potential, while bacterial pathogens contribute to gastrointestinal or systemic illnesses. Adulteration in illicit hash oil often involves cutting agents like pine rosin (colophony) to enhance viscosity or yield, which decomposes upon heating to release toxic aldehydes and particulates, implicated in respiratory toxicity. Vitamin E acetate, used to dilute viscous extracts for vaping or dabbing, has been detected in contaminated cannabis oils and linked to severe lung injuries in outbreaks, producing lipid mediators that impair surfactant function. Such practices, prevalent in black-market products, introduce unpredictable potency and elevate overdose risks without altering perceived quality.

Respiratory and Overdose Incidents

Inhalation of hash oil, particularly via dabbing or vaping, has been associated with acute respiratory injuries, including cases mimicking and . A 2019 case report described a patient developing acute injury after inhaling hash oil (BHO), presenting with fever, , and bilateral infiltrates on chest imaging, resolved with supportive care but highlighting the risk of from residual solvents or thermal degradation products. Similar severe was reported in another instance following BHO dabbing, with the patient requiring due to attributed to the high-temperature vaporization process. The 2019 EVALI outbreak, involving over 2,800 hospitalizations and 68 deaths across the U.S., was predominantly linked to acetate-contaminated THC vaping products, many derived from illicit concentrates like hash oil. hash oil specifically has been implicated in and organizing , with early cases in and showing THC oil exposure in 84% of patients. More recent reports include a 2024 case of "hot dab" causing acute , necessitating high-flow oxygen, underscoring ongoing risks from improper residues or overheating. These incidents often involve black-market products, where contaminants exacerbate beyond pure THC effects. Overdose from hash oil, defined as acute THC intoxication exceeding typical tolerance, primarily manifests as non-fatal symptoms due to its high potency (often 70-90% THC). Common effects include severe anxiety, , hallucinations, , and vomiting, with emergency visits rising alongside concentrate use; however, no direct statistical link exists to fatal overdose from cannabis alone. A rare 2019 case suggested possible THC-related fatality in a chronic user, but with a global usage rate exceeding 250 million, the mortality remains negligible at approximately 1 in 250 million exposures. Pediatric exposures to THC concentrates have led to severe outcomes, including respiratory and in under 3.5% of cases, though fatalities are exceptional and often involve co-ingestants or underlying conditions. Supportive care suffices for most adult overdoses, as THC's wide prevents lethal respiratory or .

United States Federal and State Variations

At the federal level, is classified as a under the , prohibiting its manufacture, distribution, possession, and use except under limited -registered research protocols, due to its derivation from marijuana, which lacks accepted medical use and has high potential for abuse. This status persists as of October 2025, despite a proposal to reschedule marijuana to following HHS recommendations, which has not been finalized and would not immediately alter enforcement against concentrates like hash oil without further rulemaking. Federal prohibitions create conflicts with state laws, leading to non-interference policies like the (rescinded in 2018 but informally guiding enforcement priorities), though raids on state-licensed operations occur sporadically, particularly for interstate transport or large-scale illicit production. State laws on hash oil vary widely, aligning with broader frameworks: as of June 2025, it is fully prohibited in 10 states and fully legal for recreational adult use (, , and under ) in 24 states plus the District of Columbia, while medical access is permitted in 40 states and territories for qualified patients, often including concentrates dispensed via licensed facilities. In recreational states like and , hash oil requires state-licensed facilities using approved extraction methods, with limits typically capping concentrates at 8 grams of THC-equivalent product for adults 21 and older, alongside taxes and testing for contaminants; home extraction using flammable solvents like is banned to mitigate risks. Medical-only states such as restrict hash oil to low-THC variants (e.g., 0.8% THC limit historically, though expanded) for conditions like , requiring physician certification and prohibiting recreational , with violations treated as felonies. In prohibition states like and , possession of any amount of hash oil incurs penalties, with even sub-gram quantities punishable by up to five years and fines exceeding $10,000, reflecting as a concentrated form of marijuana equivalent to harder drugs in sentencing guidelines. in places like reduces minor possession to civil fines but maintains status for concentrates over trace amounts, while emerging hemp-derived THC-A hash loopholes—exploiting the 2018 Farm Bill's 0.3% delta-9 THC threshold—face crackdowns, as upheld by federal courts in 2025, rendering intoxicating extracts illegal if processed to convert THC-A. These variations stem from voter initiatives, legislative reforms, and ballot measures, with 2025 seeing potency cap proposals (e.g., failed bans on high-THC concentrates in some states) highlighting tensions between consumer demand and concerns over risks. Interstate remains federally preempted, exposing state-legal operators to banking restrictions and tax burdens under IRC Section 280E.

International Regulations and Recent Changes

Under the 1961 United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, as amended, cannabis extracts such as hash oil are classified in Schedule I alongside cannabis resin, imposing stringent international controls that prohibit non-medical production, trade, and possession except for scientific or limited therapeutic purposes. This framework, ratified by over 180 countries, treats hash oil—a concentrated form typically exceeding 50% THC—as a narcotic requiring licensing for any handling, with penalties for violations varying by jurisdiction but often including imprisonment. In December 2020, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs endorsed WHO recommendations to remove cannabis flower and resin from the more prohibitive Schedule IV, recognizing potential medical uses akin to opioids like morphine, but retained extracts and tinctures in Schedule I due to concerns over abuse liability and lack of established safety data. This decision, supported by 27 votes to 1 with 12 abstentions, has not altered the core prohibitions on hash oil but has facilitated national reforms for lower-potency cannabis products. Despite the UN treaty's constraints, national regulations diverge significantly, with hash oil often facing stricter scrutiny than raw due to its high potency and solvent-extraction risks. In countries like , hash oil was legalized for recreational and medical commerce under the October 17, 2018, , permitting licensed production and sale of extracts up to 90% THC concentration, subject to packaging limits of 30g per container and child-resistant standards. Conversely, in jurisdictions such as , , , and , hash oil remains completely prohibited, classified alongside all THC-containing cannabis products as illegal narcotics with severe penalties including long-term imprisonment. maintains federal prohibitions on recreational hash oil, allowing only TGA-approved medicinal imports under strict of Drug Control permits, with domestic manufacturing requiring compliance since July 2023. In the , regulations vary: medical hash oil is accessible via prescription in nations like and the under controlled schedules, but recreational possession is illegal across most member states, with extracts often capped at low THC thresholds (e.g., 0.2-0.3%) to align with EU hemp definitions. Recent developments reflect a patchwork of liberalization and retrenchment. Germany's , effective April 1, 2024, decriminalized possession of up to 25g of flower and home of three plants for adults, but explicitly excludes high-potency concentrates like hash oil from partial , maintaining their status as prohibited under narcotics law to mitigate youth access and potency risks. , after decriminalizing in June 2022—which briefly enabled hash oil production—reversed course in June 2025, restricting all non-medical use including extracts to prescription-only for five specified conditions, effectively banning recreational hash oil sales and imposing fines up to 60,000 baht for violations amid concerns over unregulated potency. Morocco's 2021 constitutional authorized regulated medical and industrial , with initial frameworks excluding recreational extracts but permitting low-THC oils by 2024, positioning the country to export compliant hash oil derivatives under UN-aligned licensing. These shifts underscore ongoing tensions between treaty obligations and domestic policy, with 2025 projections indicating potential further medical expansions in (e.g., via harmonization) but resistance to full recreational approval for concentrates due to safety data gaps.

Economic and Market Aspects

The legal concentrates market, encompassing hash oil and similar solvent-extracted products, has expanded rapidly in jurisdictions with recreational and medical legalization, driven by consumer preference for high-potency formats. , concentrates accounted for approximately 30-40% of in mature markets like and by 2024, reflecting shifts toward dabbing and vaping over traditional flower consumption. This segment's growth outpaced the overall market, with U.S. legal of concentrates benefiting from state-level expansions, including adult-use programs in 24 states by mid-2025. Projections indicate sustained expansion, with the global cannabis concentrate market forecasted to grow from USD 1.6 billion in 2025 to USD 6.8 billion by 2035, at a (CAGR) of 15.7%, fueled by technological advancements in and increasing in and . Similarly, the cannabis extract market, which includes hash oil, is expected to reach USD 73.28 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 18.05% from 2025 onward, supported by rising demand for THC-dominant products and regulatory clarity in . In the U.S., broader forecasts suggest total legal sales could exceed USD 45 billion in 2025, with concentrates capturing a disproportionate share due to potency preferences among frequent users. These estimates vary by source, with optimistic models attributing growth to potential rescheduling and new state markets adding billions in revenue. Key drivers include ongoing state-level , such as Ohio's adult-use rollout in 2023 and anticipated entries like , alongside innovations in safer methods to meet purity standards. However, projections remain contingent on shifts, as Schedule I status limits interstate commerce and banking, potentially capping growth at state boundaries until reforms occur. Market analysts project that full U.S. could accelerate sales by 20-30% annually in the near term, though persists in unregulated areas.

Illicit Production and Black Market Dynamics

Illicit production of hash oil primarily employs butane hash oil (BHO) extraction in clandestine setups, where butane solvent is forced through cannabis plant material to extract cannabinoids, followed by purging the solvent via evaporation, often in improvised environments lacking safety protocols. This method's accessibility drives underground operations, but butane's extreme flammability—characterized by a low boiling point and high vapor pressure—renders it prone to ignition from minor sparks or heat sources. Amateur producers frequently repurpose household items like buckets and glass jars, exacerbating hazards in confined spaces such as residences or warehouses. Explosions and fires from these labs have caused injuries, fatalities, and , underscoring the threats of unregulated . In March 2016, , , and authorities charged five individuals connected to BHO operations that inflicted significant destruction and at least one . The dismantled a sixth hash oil lab in in May 2019, part of a rapid three-week enforcement wave targeting such facilities. A March 2022 explosion in during illicit extraction left a man with life-threatening burns, highlighting ongoing risks even in partially legalized contexts. These incidents stem causally from butane's volatility and inadequate handling, with peer-reviewed analyses confirming elevated fire and probabilities in non-professional settings. Black market dynamics for hash oil revolve around high-potency demand, with products reaching up to 90% THC, supplied via processing from illicit grows often controlled by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) like and groups. These entities cultivate in legal states using prohibited pesticides, then convert harvests into concentrates for untaxed distribution nationwide through highways, commercial flights, and other networks, undercutting legal markets via lower prices—illegal averages $6.24 per gram versus $7.96 in licensed stores. Enforcement data reveals persistence: seized $534 million in illegal in 2024, including operations serving warrants and eradicating sites. TCOs launder profits through underground banking, while appeal endures from regulatory evasion, variable quality, and access in areas, despite heightened health risks from contaminants and potency.

References

  1. [1]
    Butane hash oil and dabbing: insights into use, amateur production ...
    Nov 2, 2018 · Butane hash oil (BHO) is a potent marijuana concentrate made by extracting THC with butane, and dabbing is the administration of BHO.
  2. [2]
    [PDF] Marijuana Concentrates | NIDA
    Jun 17, 2020 · Using butane as a solvent produces the potent marijuana concentrate butane hash oil (BHO), also known as amber, dab, glass, honey, shatter, or ...
  3. [3]
    Butane hash oil - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
    Jun 6, 2025 · Reports suggest that butane hash oil can have a THC concentration of approximately 80% (in comparison with traditional cannabis which is about ...
  4. [4]
    BHO vs. CO2 Extraction: Which is Better? - Root Sciences
    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.
  5. [5]
    Butane hash oil and dabbing: insights into use, amateur production tec
    Nov 2, 2018 · High dosages of cannabinoids can be associated with a variety of health risks (eg, increased risk of myocardial infarction in those with ...
  6. [6]
    (PDF) Associations between butane hash oil use and cannabis ...
    Jul 19, 2017 · More frequent BHO use was associated with higher levels of physical dependence (RR = 1.8, p < .001), impaired control (RR = 1.3, p < .001), ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Severe Pneumonitis after Inhalation of Butane Hash Oil - ATS Journals
    Our case report highlights the potential life-threatening risks that may be associated with concentrating marijuana in the form of butane hash oil.
  8. [8]
    Changes in Cannabis Potency over the Last Two Decades (1995 ...
    Jan 19, 2016 · ... hash oil has the highest Δ9-THC content followed by hashish then cannabis. Table S1 on the other hand shows a breakdown of the cannabis ...Missing: peer | Show results with:peer
  9. [9]
    Butane Hash Oil Burns Associated with Marijuana Liberalization in ...
    BHO, also known as “honey oil,” “shatter,” “wax,” or “dab,” is a potent concentrate, which may contain more than 90 % tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) [4]. BHO is ...Missing: peer | Show results with:peer
  10. [10]
    Cannabinoids, Phenolics, Terpenes and Alkaloids of Cannabis - PMC
    May 8, 2021 · The present review discusses the chemistry of all identified major Cannabis constituents including cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid constituents ...
  11. [11]
    Toxicant Formation in Dabbing: The Terpene Story | ACS Omega
    Sep 22, 2017 · The study herein focuses on the chemistry of myrcene and other common terpenes found in cannabis extracts.<|control11|><|separator|>
  12. [12]
    Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively ...
    Apr 15, 2021 · Terpenes found in Cannabis sativa are analgesic, and could produce an “entourage effect” whereby they modulate cannabinoids to result in improved outcomes.
  13. [13]
    Toxicant Formation in Dabbing: The Terpene Story - PMC
    Sep 22, 2017 · BHO has active ingredient (tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol) contents ranging between 50 and 90%, with terpene content ranging from 0.1 ...
  14. [14]
    [PDF] identification and analysis of cannabis and cannabis products
    In general, whether made from cannabis or cannabis resin, cannabis extracts are dark brown or dark green in colour and have the consistency of thick oil or a ...
  15. [15]
    A Guide to the Colour of THC Oil | Releaf UK
    The colour should be from a light golden yellow to dark orange. A clearer consistency and thinner viscosity mean that fewer waxes and lipids are present, which ...Missing: density | Show results with:density
  16. [16]
    Chemistry, Metabolism, and Toxicology of Cannabis: Clinical ... - NIH
    Mixed with food items and consumed orally. 3. Hashish oil. Leaves, seeds, stem and flowers soaked in oil/solvent. Smoked as joint or consumed orally.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  17. [17]
    Hash Oil - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
    Hash oil is a cannabis product made by extracting the entire plant with a solvent, containing 10-30% THC, and is a potent liquid extract.
  18. [18]
    Processing and extraction methods of medicinal cannabis - NIH
    Jul 19, 2021 · User characteristics and effect profile of Butane Hash Oil: an extremely high-potency cannabis concentrate. ... chemical composition, morphology ...
  19. [19]
    Extraction techniques for bioactive compounds of cannabis
    Jan 10, 2023 · The main focus of the review is the discussion of work conducted in the field of extraction of valuable bioactive compounds from cannabis.
  20. [20]
    Dabs: The History of Cannabis Extracts
    The first chemist to discover the process of THC isolation was Dr Raphael Mechoulam in 1964. One fateful day in 1964, Mechoulam received 5 kilos of Lebanese ...
  21. [21]
    D Gold, Author of Cannabis Alchemy, 1971, Shares ... - Overgrow.com
    Nov 21, 2022 · A pioneer in the world of cannabis technology, in 1972 D. Gold developed methods and techniques for the extraction and purification of medicinal ...
  22. [22]
  23. [23]
    Processing and extraction methods of medicinal cannabis
    Jul 19, 2021 · This review analyses various drying and extraction processes to guide the selection of suitable methods for various types of cannabis products and applications.
  24. [24]
    BHO 101 — A Guide to Butane Hash Oil Extraction
    The origins of today's BHO concentrates can be traced back to D. Gold's 1971 book titled “Cannabis Alchemy: The Art of Modern Hashmaking,” which described a ...Bho 101 -- A Guide To Butane... · Why Bho? · Key Factors Of Bho...
  25. [25]
    Turning straw into gold: Cannabis extracts - Marijuana Venture
    Oct 28, 2014 · The history of cannabis extracts like hashish predate 100 A.D. However, more modern extraction methods like BHO, which uses a butane solvent ...<|separator|>
  26. [26]
  27. [27]
    Butane Extraction: The evolution of BHO
    Aug 30, 2022 · BHO is an abbreviation for Butane Hash Oil. The name comes from the extraction method used to produce the cannabis extract: soaking the cannabis in butane.What Is Bho · How Is Bho Extracted · Finishing The Product
  28. [28]
    [PDF] Marijuana Legalization - National Policing Institute
    “Hash oil” extraction operations involve highly flammable and potentially explosive solvents such as butane and alcohol. The result can be as dangerous to ...<|separator|>
  29. [29]
    Advancements in Extraction & the Growth of the Concentrate Category
    Jan 12, 2021 · From the use of supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent, to unique product offerings like live resin or isolates, there have been a lot of ...
  30. [30]
    The Birth of Rosin - High Times Magazine
    May 8, 2017 · Rosin tech is the process of applying heat and pressure to cannabis, rendering a solvent-less hash oil (SHO). Rosin is created by utilizing ...
  31. [31]
    The History & Evolution of Rosin | Dispensary 33
    Rosin, a resin, was accidentally discovered in 2015 by Phil Salazar, who initially pressed hash, then flower, to create it.
  32. [32]
    Hash History: Legalization and the Resurgence of Solventless
    Aug 18, 2025 · During his interview Nick talks about the creation of what we now call 'Live Rosin'. It began as an R&D experiment, but it has shaped the entire ...
  33. [33]
    A Podcast with Dr. Daniel Hayden Ph.D. - Inventor of HTFSE ...
    Mar 18, 2021 · Dr. Daniel Hayden discusses the differences between cured resins and live resins, as well as the benefits of co-solvent extraction.
  34. [34]
    What the Hell Is Diamonds & Sauce? Tommy Chims Investigates
    Feb 24, 2022 · The procedure used to create diamonds & sauce is complex, mad-scientist stuff. First, cannabis trim or flower is put through a process that uses ...
  35. [35]
    Comprehensive comparison of industrial cannabinoid extraction ...
    The conventional methods are liquid solvent extraction, including polar and non-polar solvents such as ethanol, hexane, petroleum ether, and other solvent ...Abstract · Liquid solvent extraction · Pressurized gas extraction · Hot gas extractionMissing: early | Show results with:early
  36. [36]
  37. [37]
    Live and Dry Sift Yield - Cannabis Extractor's Guide
    May 15, 2024 · Dry sift is a solventless extract produced by sieving cannabis plant material to separate and collect the trichome heads. This can be performed ...
  38. [38]
  39. [39]
    The Different Types of Solventless Extraction Methods
    Apr 29, 2024 · Dry Sifting. kief, or botanical crystals. Dry sifting focuses on separating trichomes (the resinous glands containing cannabinoids and ...
  40. [40]
  41. [41]
    Unlocking the Secrets: Maximize Your Bubble Hash Yields | Triminator
    Jun 13, 2023 · On average, a standard yield is three to five grams of bubble hash per ounce of high-quality, dry, cured flower.
  42. [42]
    What Is Bubble Hash? A Simple Guide to This Cannabis Concentrate
    Bubble hash is prized for its purity and strength, thanks to the ice-water extraction process that allows ice hash to reach over 60% potency, making it stronger ...
  43. [43]
    Rosin Pressing 101: Essential Knowledge for Beginners
    Sep 17, 2024 · Rosin pressing is a revolutionary method for extracting cannabis concentrates using a rosin press. This technique relies on heat and pressure rather than ...
  44. [44]
  45. [45]
  46. [46]
    A Clinical Framework for Evaluating Cannabis Product Quality ... - NIH
    It is best practice for products to have a certificate of analysis (COA) from a third party laboratory showing the results obtained from quality control testing ...
  47. [47]
    WAC 314-55-102: - | WA.gov
    Quality assurance and quality control. · 1. Cannabinoid concentration analysis · 2. Mycotoxin testing · 3. Residual solvent testing · 4. Pesticide testing.
  48. [48]
    Cannabinoid, Terpene, and Heavy Metal Analysis of 29 Over ... - NIH
    Apr 15, 2020 · Lastly, one aliquot from each product was tested for four major heavy metals found in cannabis including lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic.
  49. [49]
    [PDF] Standards for Sampling and Testing Cannabis Products - MN.gov
    Apr 10, 2025 · This document contains details of compliance testing requirements for cannabis and hemp products manufactured.Missing: hash | Show results with:hash
  50. [50]
    Cannabis contaminants: sources, distribution, human toxicity and ...
    The common cannabis contaminants include microbes, heavy metals and pesticides. Their direct human toxicity is poorly quantified but include infection, ...
  51. [51]
    NIST Tools for Cannabis Laboratory Quality Assurance
    CannaQAP was developed to help cannabis testing laboratories demonstrate and improve measurement comparability and/or competence. A QAP is a perpetual ...Missing: concentrates | Show results with:concentrates
  52. [52]
    5 Best Cannabis Extraction Methods: How To Extract THC In 2025
    Jul 9, 2025 · CO2 oil extraction is at the forefront of extraction technology. Using carbon dioxide at high pressure and low temperatures, this method ...
  53. [53]
    Recent advances in cannabidiol (CBD) extraction: a review of ...
    Thus, this review article examines emerging CBD extraction techniques, their benefits and drawbacks, and the most current developments in this field.
  54. [54]
    The Advancements of Techniques in Cannabis Extraction
    Hash production originated many centuries ago by ancient cultures in India, China, and Persia for spiritual, religious, and medicinal purposes. By simply ...<|separator|>
  55. [55]
    Industrial Hemp Oil Extraction: Techniques, Optimization, Kinetics ...
    Oct 10, 2025 · To date, two methods have been primarily employed to extract oil from IHSs: the Soxhlet method, with solvent percolation, and solvent extraction ...Missing: hash | Show results with:hash
  56. [56]
    How to Dab: A Guide to Cannabis Concentrates [2024]
    Jun 27, 2024 · Dabbing is a method of inhaling concentrated cannabis extracts by vaporizing them on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor through a specialized water pipe ...<|separator|>
  57. [57]
    Safety with THC concentrates - Colorado Cannabis
    This product may contain up to 90 percent THC and is consumed by smoking, vaporizing, dabbing, or adding to food. Consuming this highly concentrated form of THC ...
  58. [58]
  59. [59]
    Cannabis concentrate vaping chemistry - Frontiers
    The authors produced butane hash oil (BHO), mixed it with the tobacco e-cigarette solvent propylene glycol (PG), and aerosolized the mixture using a tobacco e- ...
  60. [60]
    “Time for dabs”: Analyzing Twitter data on marijuana concentrates ...
    Aug 22, 2015 · Twitter data suggest greater popularity of dabs in the states that legalized recreational and/or medical use of cannabis. The study provides new ...Missing: rise | Show results with:rise
  61. [61]
    Routes of Marijuana Use — Behavioral Risk Factor... - CDC
    Apr 10, 2025 · Eating, vaping, and dabbing (inhaling heated concentrated cannabis) were also common, and approximately one half of respondents reported ...
  62. [62]
    Rising Concerns Regarding the Toxicity of Cannabis Concentrates
    Sep 11, 2017 · Recently published case reports have shown significant psychosis, neurotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity associated with dabs.
  63. [63]
    Assessing the Dangers of “Dabbing”: Mere Marijuana or Harmful ...
    Jul 1, 2015 · Loss of consciousness, accidents, and falls have been hypothesized to be more common after dabbing than after traditional cannabis use.
  64. [64]
    [PDF] Cannabis Concentration and Health Risks | UW ADAI
    Yet, in a time of legalized retail cannabis sales, one question keeps getting raised: is high potency cannabis use safe for the citizens of Washington State?
  65. [65]
    Hash Oil: A Cannabis Concentrate - Healthline
    Oct 30, 2019 · But hash oil is more potent, containing up to 90 percent THC. By contrast, in other cannabis plant products, the average THC level is ...Types of concentrates · Benefits · Side effects · Risks
  66. [66]
    What Is Hash Oil? Everything You Need To Know - RISE Dispensaries
    Dec 21, 2023 · Hash oil - commonly known as "hashish oil" is a type of marijuana concentrate produced from cannabis plant material using solvent-based extraction.
  67. [67]
    Cannabis Extraction: Methods, Products, and Tools - Distru
    Rating 4.8 (72) Dec 9, 2024 · Topicals: Extracted cannabis oil or hash can be used to create topicals, which are applied directly to the skin to relieve pain or inflammation ...
  68. [68]
    THC Oil vs Tincture | Evn
    Apr 5, 2025 · THC tinctures are traditionally made using alcohol, while THC oils use carrier fats. This impacts everything from absorption rate to taste, shelf life, and ...
  69. [69]
    Cannabis tinctures 101: How to make, consume, and dose them
    May 13, 2025 · Tinctures are whole plant extracts and even when extracted from compliant hemp plants, they may contain trace amounts of THC.What is a cannabis tincture? · How to use or take cannabis...
  70. [70]
    Understanding THC Concentration and Potency
    Concentrates, such as wax, rosin, shatter, and hash oil, generally range from 60 - 90%. Kief and hash tend to range from 50 - 80%. Because the THC in ...
  71. [71]
  72. [72]
    Pharmacodynamic dose effects of oral cannabis ingestion in healthy ...
    Mar 21, 2020 · The 25 and 50 mg THC doses elicited pronounced subjective effects and markedly impaired cognitive and psychomotor functioning compared with ...
  73. [73]
    Characterizing marijuana concentrate users: A web-based survey
    The study seeks to characterize marijuana concentrate users, describe reasons and patterns of use, perceived risk, and identify predictors of daily/near daily ...
  74. [74]
    Marijuana concentrates sharply spike THC levels but don't ...
    Jun 10, 2020 · Those who used concentrates had much higher THC levels at all three points, with levels spiking to 1,016 micrograms per milliliter in the few ...
  75. [75]
    Made from concentrate? A national web survey assessing dab use ...
    Aug 7, 2025 · Results: 58% of respondents reported they had tried dabs at least once and 36.5% endorsed regular use (once a month or more). Those who use ...
  76. [76]
    Leveraging user perspectives for insight into cannabis concentrates
    The present study aims to better understand the patterns and outcomes of concentrates use through the perspectives of young adult users.
  77. [77]
    Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids - NCBI - NIH
    Relief from chronic pain is by far the most common condition cited by patients for the medical use of cannabis. For example, Light et al. (2014) reported that ...Missing: empirical | Show results with:empirical
  78. [78]
    Therapeutic and Supportive Effects of Cannabinoids in Patients with ...
    Jan 12, 2023 · Cannabis could be useful in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, stimulating appetite, reducing pain, and managing seizures.
  79. [79]
    Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis: A Patient Survey - PMC - NIH
    Other reported therapeutic benefits included relief from stress/anxiety (50% of respondents), relief of insomnia (45%), improved appetite (12%), decreased ...Missing: empirical | Show results with:empirical
  80. [80]
    Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet ...
    May 25, 2017 · We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of cannabidiol to treat drug-resistant epilepsy in the Dravet syndrome.
  81. [81]
    Therapeutic Use of Cannabis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease - PMC
    A significant portion of IBD patients, particularly those with severe disease, use cannabis to relieve symptoms of pain, nausea, and appetite and to improve ...
  82. [82]
    Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines: A Comprehensive Update of ...
    Jul 12, 2017 · High THC content in cannabis has been identified as a risk factor for acute and chronic adverse outcomes, including mental health problems and ...Missing: hash | Show results with:hash
  83. [83]
    User characteristics and effect profile of Butane Hash Oil - PubMed
    Sep 1, 2017 · User characteristics and effect profile of Butane Hash Oil: An extremely high-potency cannabis concentrate ... depression, anxiety and psychosis.
  84. [84]
    A case of butane hash oil (marijuana wax)-induced psychosis
    This study highlights the need for future research regarding the potential medical and psychiatric effects of new, high-potency forms of marijuana.Missing: psychological | Show results with:psychological
  85. [85]
    A Little Dab Will Do: A Case of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis - NIH
    Sep 8, 2020 · In the hands of inexperienced users, there can be serious consequences including increased rates of anxiety, paranoia, addiction, and psychosis.Abstract · Case Presentation · Discussion
  86. [86]
    Cannabis effects on brain structure, function, and cognition
    One relevant study showed greater memory impairment as well as indices of depression and anxiety associated with using cannabis of higher THC content compared ...Missing: empirical | Show results with:empirical
  87. [87]
    A Systematic Review of the Neurocognitive Effects of Cannabis Use ...
    Together, these results suggest that heavy cannabis use is associated with modest deficits in verbal memory, but that this does not lead to accelerated ...
  88. [88]
    Cognitive test performance in chronic cannabis flower users ... - Nature
    May 18, 2023 · Chronic concentrate use could potentially be associated with worse cognitive test performance only when used by individuals showing elevated ...
  89. [89]
    Association of High-Potency Cannabis Use With Mental Health and ...
    May 27, 2020 · High-potency cannabis use is associated with increased cannabis use, cannabis problems, and anxiety disorder. Risks for cannabis use problems ...Cannabis Use Outcomes · Substance Use Outcomes · Discussion
  90. [90]
    High-potency cannabis and the risk of psychosis - PMC - NIH
    People who use cannabis have an increased risk of psychosis, an effect attributed to the active ingredient Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC).
  91. [91]
    Cognitive effects in midlife of long-term cannabis use - Harvard Health
    Jun 14, 2022 · Some people who consume cannabis long-term may develop brain fog, lowered motivation, difficulty with learning, or difficulty with attention.Missing: concentrates | Show results with:concentrates
  92. [92]
    Risks in the Cannabis Industry: BHO Lab Explosions - BakerRisk
    BHO labs risk explosions due to flammable butane, inadequate ventilation, and lack of safety protocols. Illicit production in homes also poses risks.Missing: yields | Show results with:yields
  93. [93]
    The Fire and Explosion Risks Associated With Cannabis/Hash Oil ...
    The potential for an uncontrolled release of flammable vapors has led to an increased number of flash fires and explosions associated with the extraction ...
  94. [94]
    Cannabis Fire and Explosion Investigations Highlight Industry's ...
    Jan 4, 2024 · Improper extraction methods or unsuitable environments can lead to fires or explosions, with common household appliances inadvertently acting as ...
  95. [95]
    [PDF] Hash Oil Extraction Hazards
    The extraction method appears to be more common on the west coast; reported fires and explosions have blown out windows, walls and caused numerous burn injuries ...
  96. [96]
    Exploding danger: U.S. marijuana oil labs pose deadly, destructive ...
    Jun 4, 2019 · By 2013, the U.S. Fire Administration was warning that explosions stemming from hash-oil production appeared to be increasing. Since then, ...
  97. [97]
    Butane Hash Oil Burns: A 7-Year Perspective on a Growing Problem
    Charts of 101 patients were identified as having BHO-related burn injury. The mean age of these patients was 30.5 ± 10.6 years (mean ± standard deviation, ...Missing: statistics | Show results with:statistics<|separator|>
  98. [98]
    Explosions and Fires at Cannabis Facilities: How They Impact Insurers
    Jun 15, 2021 · A fire in a Los Angeles building that housed a producer of hash oil led to an explosion. All told, 230 firefighters spent more than two hours ...
  99. [99]
    [PDF] Cannabis Fire Safety | Mass.gov
    Vapors can easily find ignition sources and cause explosions and fires that result in serious injuries and property damage. • Extraction in basements is ...Missing: hash production
  100. [100]
    Dangers of extracting cannabis using equipment at high pressure
    The process can require extremely high pressure (up to 10,000 pounds per square inch or psi). The amount of pressure depends on the extraction method used and ...Missing: hash | Show results with:hash
  101. [101]
    [PDF] SAFETY ALERT - NJ.gov
    Additionally, the person performing the extraction may smoke and/or be intoxicated which compounds the danger. If responders are called to an occupancy where ...
  102. [102]
    Lung injury from inhaling butane hash oil mimics pneumonia - NIH
    Jan 4, 2019 · We describe a case involving inhalation of BHO that lead to an acute lung injury in a patient presenting with symptoms of atypical pneumonia.
  103. [103]
    Understanding dabs: contamination concerns of cannabis ... - J-Stage
    Considerable residual solvent and pesticide contamination were found in these concentrates. Over 80% of the concentrate samples were contaminated in some form. ...<|separator|>
  104. [104]
    Cannabis Contaminants: Regulating Solvents, Microbes, and Metals ...
    Aug 20, 2019 · Products derived from cannabis can deliver a number of contaminants to the user, including pesticides, molds, bacteria, metals, and solvents.
  105. [105]
    Pine Rosin Identified as a Toxic Cannabis Extract Adulterant - NIH
    Pine rosin (colophony) has been identified as a potentially new adulterant in cannabis oil. Its inhalation toxicity poses a significant health concern to users.
  106. [106]
    Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI): An Explosive United States ...
    As of November 5, 2019, there have been 2051 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI), with 39 deaths reported in the United ...
  107. [107]
    Pulmonary Illness Related to E-Cigarette Use in Illinois and Wisconsin
    Butane hash oil has been associated with pneumonitis,12,36 and THC oil has been associated with organizing pneumonia.
  108. [108]
    Hot Dab Associated Pneumonitis - a case report
    Sep 13, 2024 · We present a case of acute respiratory failure caused by dabbing, leading to pneumonitis and lung injury with patient needing high amount of oxygen.
  109. [109]
    Dabbing-Induced Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis - PMC - NIH
    Jul 12, 2021 · BHO has a high concentration of THC, which increases the risk of lower respiratory tract infection through inducing bronchial ciliary loss and ...
  110. [110]
    Injury and Death - The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
    9-4(a) There is insufficient evidence to support or refute a statistical association between cannabis use and death due to cannabis overdose.OCCUPATIONAL INJURY · OVERDOSE INJURIES AND... · RESEARCH GAPS
  111. [111]
    World's First Death by THC Overdose? - Beveridge & Diamond PC
    Jul 23, 2019 · These experts estimate that 250 million people use cannabis globally, making one death in 250 million a very low mortality rate.
  112. [112]
    Acute cannabis intoxication among the paediatric population - PMC
    More serious effects, like hypotension, coma, respiratory depression, and seizure, occur in less than 3.5% of cases, with some requiring intensive care and ...
  113. [113]
    Cannabinoid Poisoning: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology ...
    Jan 17, 2024 · Large doses of THC may produce confusion, amnesia, delusions, hallucinations, anxiety, and agitation, but most episodes remit rapidly. Long-term ...Missing: incidents | Show results with:incidents
  114. [114]
    Marihuana Growers Information - DEA Diversion Control Division
    You may apply for a DEA registration as a manufacturer (grower) or a researcher by submitting the application form for the desired activity.
  115. [115]
    U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Proposes Reclassification of ...
    May 20, 2024 · The DEA proposes to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III, a lower schedule than Schedule I. Schedule III drugs, substances or chemicals are ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  116. [116]
    The Evolution of Marijuana as a Controlled Substance and the ...
    Officials in states that have legalized marijuana use have pointed to expectations that illicit marijuana trafficking would decline after legalization.
  117. [117]
    Report State Medical Cannabis Laws
    Forty states, three territories and the District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products as of June 26, 2025.
  118. [118]
    Marijuana Laws by State in 2024 [UPDATED] - O.Berk
    The law took effect in December 2023 and adults 21 and older can now legally posses up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis, up to 15 grams of concentrate, and grow up to ...<|separator|>
  119. [119]
    Marijuana Legality by State 2025 | Where Is Weed Legal? - DISA
    All "statuses" are subject to state limits. E.g., CBD Oil may only be legal to 0.5% THC, or marijuana may only be legal to one ounce. Please consult state laws.Missing: concentrates | Show results with:concentrates
  120. [120]
    Texas Laws and Penalties - NORML
    If hashish or concentrates is less than one gram, the offense is considered a state jail felony punishable by mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 180 days ...Penalty Details · Possession · Hash & ConcentratesMissing: oil | Show results with:oil
  121. [121]
    Where Is THCA Hash Legal In The U.S. (2025 Update)
    As of mid-2025, the 8th Circuit Court upheld the state's right to ban hemp-derived intoxicants, including THCA under some statutes.
  122. [122]
    2025 Cannabis Policy Reform Legislation and Voter Measures
    SB 443 would have capped THC potency to just 15% and essentially banned vapes and concentrates entirely. A committee vote failed (1-11), as did a floor vote to ...Missing: oil | Show results with:oil
  123. [123]
    Cannabis Law: An Update on Recent Developments Related to the ...
    Aug 11, 2025 · This guide to notable case law developments related to the cannabis industry in 2023 and 2024 includes cases on federal vs. state law, tax, ...Missing: hash concentrates
  124. [124]
    [PDF] Questions and answers relating to WHO's recommendations on ...
    Oct 3, 2019 · products (like butane hash oil or other cannabis extracts) covered by the Convention and the footnote does not differentiate between them.
  125. [125]
    Cannabis - World Health Organization (WHO)
    Cannabis oil (hashish oil) is a concentrate of cannabinoids obtained by solvent extraction of the crude plant material or of the resin. Epidemiology. Cannabis ...
  126. [126]
    UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs reclassifies cannabis to ...
    Dec 4, 2020 · Cannabis and cannabis resin will now be classified as having a similar degree of abuse and dependence potential as medicines such as morphine and oxycodone.Missing: extracts oil
  127. [127]
  128. [128]
    Complying with the quality requirements for medicinal cannabis
    Domestic manufacturers of medicinal cannabis products must have a TGA manufacturing licence, demonstrating compliance with Australian Good Manufacturing ...
  129. [129]
    [PDF] Cannabis in Europe (2025 update)
    Medicinal cannabis use has been legalised across many European countries, while recreational use remains illegal in many. Source: Prohibition Partners, The ...
  130. [130]
    Frequently asked questions on the Cannabis Act | BMG
    In addition to introducing a statutory THC limit of 3.5 ng/ml in blood serum, the Law that became effective on 22 August 2024, also provides for a cannabis ban ...
  131. [131]
    Haze of confusion in Thailand as government flips on cannabis law
    Jul 10, 2025 · New rules banning recreational cannabis use have put Thailand's $1bn cannabis industry in limbo, with some stores fearing they will have to ...Missing: oil | Show results with:oil
  132. [132]
    Policy reform and the international future of Moroccan Cannabis ...
    This current study details and explains how Morocco has advantageously legalised what it calls “licit uses of cannabis”, notably by not referring to hemp.Missing: concentrates | Show results with:concentrates
  133. [133]
    What to Expect for Global Cannabis Law Reform in 2025
    Jan 8, 2025 · In 2025, conservative governments may pose challenges to expanding cannabis reforms. However, the full repeal of existing cannabis laws seems unlikely.Missing: oil | Show results with:oil
  134. [134]
    2025 Marijuana Industry Statistics - Flowhub
    The US cannabis industry is expected to reach almost $45 billion in 2025. More than 1 in 3 women over 21 consume cannabis. Cannabis added approximately $115.2 ...
  135. [135]
    U.S. Cannabis Market Size & Share | Industry Report, 2030
    The U.S. cannabis market size was estimated at USD 38.50 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.51% from 2025 to 2030.
  136. [136]
    Cannabis Concentrate Market Size, Trends & Growth 2025-2035
    Mar 28, 2025 · The global cannabis concentrate market is projected to grow from USD 1.6 billion in 2025 to USD 6.8 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 15.7%.
  137. [137]
    Cannabis Extract Market Size to Hit USD 73.28 Billion by 2034
    Jan 8, 2025 · The global cannabis extract market is exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.05% during the estimate period 2025 to 2034. Which ...Missing: statistics | Show results with:statistics
  138. [138]
    US Cannabis Market Analysis, Size, and Forecast 2025-2029
    US Cannabis Market Size 2025-2029. The US cannabis market size is forecast to increase by USD 141.48 billion at a CAGR of 37.1% between 2024 and 2029.
  139. [139]
    Legal Cannabis Market Size & Share | Industry Report, 2033
    The global legal cannabis market size was estimated at USD 69.78 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 216.76 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of ...Missing: hash | Show results with:hash
  140. [140]
    New State Markets Could Boost U.S. Legal Cannabis Sales to $72B ...
    Mar 21, 2022 · New state cannabis markets could drive U.S. legal sales to $72B by 2030, with 18 new markets adding $14.5B in sales. Without new states, sales ...Missing: hash | Show results with:hash
  141. [141]
    Federal, State And Local Law Enforcement Cite Public Safety ...
    Mar 30, 2016 · Five individuals charged in federal court; significant property damage and at least one death are attributed to explosions and fires in illicit BHO labs.Missing: incidents | Show results with:incidents
  142. [142]
    Sixth hash oil lab dismantled by DEA within three week period
    May 24, 2019 · Yesterday the United States Drug Enforcement Administration executed a federal search warrant at a warehouse located at 7648 Lemon Avenue, ...Missing: seizures | Show results with:seizures
  143. [143]
    Man Badly Injured During Illicit Cannabis Extraction Process
    Mar 2, 2022 · A man suffered life-threatening injuries last week in an explosion caused during the illicit extraction of cannabis products.Missing: production | Show results with:production
  144. [144]
    [PDF] 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment - DEA.gov
    It is my privilege to present the 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment. (NDTA), a comprehensive report that provides a national-level perspective on the threats ...
  145. [145]
    Cannabis Pricing Crisis: Market Forces Shaping 2025 Trends
    Jun 30, 2025 · The Implied Forward for April 2025 reached $975 per pound, while May's forward price settled at $970 (3). However, both figures remained below ...
  146. [146]
    California seizes $534 million in illegal cannabis in 2024
    Mar 4, 2025 · California seizes $534 million in illegal cannabis in 2024 · 143 warrants served · $198,305,250 worth of unlicensed cannabis seized · 122,673 ...Missing: oil statistics 2023