There are many solvent-based extraction methods that create various cannabis products. However, the PHO extraction method is one of the most popular choices when it comes to producing clean and highly potent products.

In this article, we will discuss what is propane cannabis extraction, how it differs compared to other solvent-based methods, the propane extraction equipment, and the benefits that come with the method.

What is the PHO Extraction Method?

The PHO or propane hash oil extraction method refers to a chemical extraction that uses propane to separate the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, hence the name. Propane, as a solvent, has a boiling point of -44.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Since propane boils at lower temperatures, it allows extraction techniques to separate more of cannabis’s terpenes in the extraction process.

Unlike other solvent methods, propane hash oil works at slightly lower temperatures and higher pressure. In BHO, some of the terpenes burn along with the butane, with PHO, the volatile compounds survive through this step of the extraction because of the lower temperatures. As a result, the PHO concentrates are rich in terpenes, and they offer a consistency that’s excellent for budders.

The Process of PHO Extraction

PHO extraction operates on a closed-loop system. The process of PHO extraction takes place in a controlled lab setting. First, the solvent is passed through the dried cannabis material. As the solvent passes, it dissolves the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for the aroma and the potency of the strain and separates them from the other cannabis material.

Then the separated concentrate goes through a post-processing purge in a vacuum oven to evaporate the remaining propane. The low temperatures gas the propane leaving a pure and propane-free extract. The extracted concentrate can be then infused in various pre-rolls with a weed wax-making machine.

PHO extraction process precautions

It’s important to say you shouldn’t attempt making the extraction in a home setting. Homemade PHO extraction can be extremely dangerous since there won’t be proper ventilation and gas detection systems, and you are not as skilled as the operator. The process of PHO extraction requires special, expensive propane extraction equipment and vacuum ovens to purge the residual propane solvent from the extracted product.

Propane is highly flammable and requires a background in the chemical process to conduct the extraction properly and avoid any potential dangers. In other words, only skilled people can extract the cannabinoids with propane.

Benefits of PHO Extraction

PHO THC Extraction comes with several benefits as explained below:

Preservation of terpenes and cannabinoids – the concentration of terpenes and cannabinoids decreases during extraction. PHO extraction saves the level of terpenes and cannabinoids as the propane boils at low temperatures.
Enhanced flavor profile – given that the PHO extraction retains more terpenes and cannabinoids, the final product is enhanced in flavor. Also, it is more potent.
Efficiency and cost-effectiveness – due to the low boiling temperature, the PHO extraction allows cleaner or solvent-free final products.

Benefits of PHO Extraction — Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: fukume

Comparison with Other Extraction Methods

Butane hash oil (BHO) is the typical extraction method because it is less costly than PHO. However, the PHO extraction is way more cleaner, potent, and effective due to the chemical differences.

The PHO extraction boils at lower temperatures and requires less pressure, which preserves the volatile compounds of the final product. However, while there are significant differences in the chemical process, both extraction methods operate on a closed-loop system.

The closed-loop system allows the extraction to effectively separate the THC and CBD from the cannabis plant. As we said, the concentrate undergoes a post-processing purge to separate the leftover solvent. BHO-extracted products have more leftover solvents, which mitigates the effect. On the other hand, the PHO-extracted method leaves little to no solvent in the final product.

Ultimately, the final difference between both popular methods is the consistency of the final product. BHO extraction methods produce heavier consistencies, while the PHO extraction offers creamy, buttery, and softer products. PHO products are more pliable for post-production compared to BHO solvents which allows more application methods.

Applications of PHO Extracts

PHO products are highly potent, and they have a budder-like consistency. Due to the pureness of the product, they have multiple application uses as explained below:

Medical cannabis products – PHO products are potent, and with the right dosage, they may show positive results in treating some physical or mental states. They may help with fatigue, trouble with sleeping, etc.
Recreational cannabis products – due to the budder-like consistency, PHO products are an excellent choice for some recreational purposes. They are suitable for dabbing, and the effect is heightened due to the higher level of terpenes in the product.
Culinary and industrial uses – The buddery-like consistency makes the PHO extracts pliable for culinary and industrial dosages. They can be used for baking, but it’s advisable to use them cautiously due to the high concentration levels.

Applications of PHO Extracts — Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: fukume

Conclusion

The PHO extraction method is a popular solvent-based extraction method along with the BHO. Both methods operate on the same system, but they have significant differences. So, what is PHO extraction? PHO extraction is a method used in the production of cannabis concentrates. Specifically, through PHO extraction, the cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted from the cannabis plant material and then dissolved, resulting in a concentrated cannabis concentrate.

When compared to other solvent extractions, the PHO extraction method boils at lower temperatures, while BHO is at higher temperatures. Boiling at lower temperatures preserves more terpenes compared to the BHO.

We can conclude that the PHO extraction method is more sustainable and effective, and because of that is more expensive compared to the BHO.

PHO Extraction Method