DHO Extraction by Dexso

Though butane extracted cannabis wax is highly popular, the term BHO has picked up quite the stigma. Because of this, many extractors have searched for similar solvents that wouldn’t turn off the consumer quite as much. Enter Dimethyl ether, the newest solvent in the world of cannabis extractors. Wax blown using Dimethlyl ether is often called DHO and is crafted using many of the same tools used to make BHO. DHO is processed in an ecological CO2 neutral way and has been used in pharmaceutical and food grade products for years. The Swiss company Dexso has launched their gas in 2014 and their solvent is loved by many extraction artists in Europe and all over the world.

It is known in cannabis extraction as a pure and strong solvent for the job. Dimethyl ether also has a stronger extraction capacity than butane, meaning that it provides a larger yield. It also leaves very little undesirables, evaporates faster, and is less explosive than butane. These differences are made possible by the Oxygen molecule that is found in Dimethyl ether (DME) but not in butane. The process of cannabis extraction is also a bit different with DHO than BHO. Fresh, frozen materials work best for getting a large terpene content. 24-hours before extraction it is best to freeze the extractor filled with flowers, this tactic will freeze and block water which also helps reduce the amount of lipids that are picked up.

Cold is crucial in this process for a high yield with DME extraction, with the equipment, start materials, and solvent. Compression will also create a high yield, but minimal compression should be used for a higher quality extract. The extraction liquid will cool off very quickly as the DME evaporates, accelerating the condensation process which could form ice in the extract. To reduce condensation and avoid this heat the Pyrex dish we pour the extract into. If ice does form we have to be patient and wait for it to melt and purge more carefully in the post-extraction processes.