Butane hash oil (BHO) is a popular choice among cannabis users for its strong effects and rich depth of flavor. Made by extracting cannabinoids using butane, BHO comes in various forms, each with different textures and characteristics.

From the glass-like snap of shatter to the creamy texture of budder, there’s a style of BHO for everyone. We’ll break down the most common types of BHO and unpack what makes each one special.

What are BHO Concentrates?

BHO concentrates are types of cannabis extracts that use butane as a solvent to isolate cannabinoids like THC and CBD from the cannabis plant. The process is known as hydrocarbon extraction due to using hydrocarbons such as butane and propane. This highly efficient method allows for greater extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes than other extraction techniques.

Shatter

Shatter is a feast for the eyes with its clear, glass-like finish and is one of the purest forms of BHO concentrates. This concentrate is hard and brittle at room temperature, making it easy to break apart for dosing.

During the purging phase, the concentrate is spread thinly and subjected to low heat and a high vacuum environment. This meticulous approach ensures minimal disturbance to the structure of the compounds, allowing the shatter to solidify into a smooth, clear sheet.

One of the biggest draws of shatter is its exceptional strength. Typically, it boasts a THC content ranging from 70% to 90%, making it one of the most potent cannabis concentrates you can find. This extraction method strips away fats, waxes, and other impurities, producing a clean product that delivers a powerful, fast-acting effect.

Wax

BHO wax has an opaque look and pliable texture, making it a breeze. During the purging process, the extract is vigorously agitated. This action whips air into the oil, causing it to cool down into a waxy, cloudy substance that’s easy to handle.

Wax is soft and easy to manipulate, making it a preferred choice for many users. However, unlike shatter, wax doesn't have a glass-like transparency. Instead, it presents a more frosted appearance due to the presence of tiny air bubbles created during its production.

Pull and Snap

Pull and snap strikes a balance between viscosity and pliability, offering a unique texture that is neither too brittle like shatter nor as malleable as wax.

The distinctive texture of pull and snap comes from its precise purging process, where the oil is purged at a specific temperature and vacuum level. This allows the concentrate to retain a tacky, stretchable consistency like taffy, yet firm enough to snap when bent or pulled too quickly like brittle candy.

Distillate

Distillate stands out for its near-transparent appearance and consistency, ranging from a thick oil to a more viscous syrup.

After initial extraction using butane, the cannabis oil undergoes a distillation process where it is heated under a vacuum. This allows for the selective boiling off and condensation of cannabinoids (typically THC or CBD), resulting in a highly concentrated and impurities-free product.

Distillate is almost purely made up of cannabinoids, often reaching up to 99% purity. It lacks terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds, which means it doesn't have the full-spectrum effects associated with other concentrates but provides a potent dose of THC or CBD.

Due to its potency and neutral flavor, distillate is extremely versatile. It can be dabbed, vaporized, used as an additive in edibles, or even applied topically. Its lack of taste and smell makes it a favorite for infusing into foods or beverages without altering the flavor profile.

Live Resin

Live resin is celebrated for its exceptional aroma and flavor profile, which more closely captures the essence of the fresh cannabis plant.

Live resin is produced using freshly harvested cannabis that is flash-frozen to preserve all its terpenes and cannabinoids before it ever dries or cures. The fresh plant material is then processed with butane, capturing a broader spectrum of volatile compounds often lost during the drying process.

The defining feature of live resin is its rich terpene content, which contributes to its vibrant, fresh plant aromas and flavors. Due to its high terpene levels, this concentrate tends to have a more gooey, sap-like consistency than other forms of BHO. The appearance can range from bright yellow to deeper amber.

Crumble

Crumble has a dry, friable texture that, as the name suggests, crumbles easily. This unique consistency makes it a favorite among those who prefer a less sticky, more manageable form of concentrate.

After the initial extraction, the material is purged at a higher temperature and with a lower pressure. This method allows more moisture to evaporate from the concentrate, creating a crumbly texture. The process also often involves agitating the extract during purging to encourage the formation of its distinctive texture.

Crumble is lighter and more porous than other concentrates, making it easy to handle. It typically has a yellow to light tan color and a matte finish. Its dry nature means it doesn’t stick to containers and tools, which makes storage and use easier.

Budder

Budder is creamy and butter-like with a smooth consistency and potent flavor profile.

What sets budder apart is its post-extraction handling. The extracted cannabinoids are vigorously whipped during the purging process. By whipping in the air and agitating at precise temperatures, the extract transforms into a fluffy, malleable consistency that resembles butter.

Budder has a bright, often golden color and a smooth texture that's easy to scoop and spread. It's less sticky than oils but more pliable than crumble, striking a balance that makes it easy to handle without being messy.

Terp Sauce

Terp sauce, often called "sauce," is a high-terpene full-spectrum extract (HTFSE) valued for its intense aroma and rich flavor profile from its high terpene content. This creates a better sensory experience and improves the effects of other compounds.

Terp sauce is made from fresh frozen cannabis to retain the plant’s natural flavors and aromas. After extraction, the mixture undergoes a gentle, low-temp purge to remove solvents and is then left to mature in cool, dark conditions. This allows THCA crystals to form and separate from the terpene-rich sauce, a process known as diamond mining.

Depending on the specific strain and how it’s made, terp sauce can be nearly clear to deep golden amber.

Finding the Right BHO Concentrate

Each type of BHO concentrate has its own benefits. Whether you’re drawn to the pure, glassy finish of shatter or the soft and smooth budder, there’s a BHO option to match every preference and situation. Getting to know each variety allows you to craft your cannabis experience to suit your needs perfectly.