What is Butane Hash Oil & How Do You Consume It?

You walk up to the counter at your dispensary, with your choice of marijuana strain in mind, and the inevitable “How much would you like?” question comes from your budtender. If you don’t understand marijuana measurements, this could send you into a tailspin. That’s why we’re here to help. One term you'll inevitably encounter when buying cannabis flower is an "eighth." In this guide, we'll demystify what exactly constitutes an eighth of cannabis, explore what it looks like, discuss its cost, and delve into the various ways you can make the most of this quantity.

What is an Eighth?

Cannabis measurement involves a blend of ounces and grams, adding an extra layer of complexity. To simplify, an ounce equates to 28 grams. An eighth, often referred to as a "slice," is one-eighth of an ounce, amounting to 3.5 grams of marijuana.¹ For many cannabis enthusiasts, this measurement strikes a balance—offering enough for multiple sessions without overwhelming quantity. This is especially helpful when trying new strains.

What Does an Eighth of Cannabis Look Like?

The appearance of an eighth can vary significantly.¹ Let’s say you’re a fan of big, fat marijuana buds straight from the top shelf of your dispensary. If that’s the case, a couple of those buds could add up to an eighth quickly. Strains with smaller, compact buds could require a larger collection of those petite buds to hit 3.5 grams. For visual reference, if you’re a fan of blueberries, two normal-sized blueberries add up to three grams.²

How Much Does an Eighth of Flower Cost?

An eighth’s cost fluctuates based on a few things, including the strain and your state’s tax requirements. If you’re looking to purchase an eighth, you could spend anywhere from $25 to $50, in general, though depending on your market, it could be more.³

What Can You Do With an Eighth of Flower?

You might think 3.5 grams worth of flower just isn’t enough, but if you’re not a heavy consumer, or you want to try new beginner strains, an eighth can be the perfect amount. Here’s what you can do with an eighth of flower:

Roll 3 - 5 Joints

An eighth of cannabis provides enough plant material to roll approximately three-to-five standard-sized joints. That’s enough to get some cannabis enthusiasts through an average workweek. Just remember to store flower properly to ensure you don’t waste your freshly-rolled bud.

Pack 6 Bowls

Depending on how big your bowl is and how often you smoke, you could pack enough bowls for a week, or you could polish off your eighth in a couple of days. In general, you’re probably going to get about six bowls out of a slice.

Roll 2 - 3 Blunts

Most blunts are rolled with a gram of marijuana flower, so you’re only getting three, decent-sized blunts with an eighth. If you prefer skinnier blunts, you could get more.

How Long Will an Eighth Last?

Think of an eighth as the perfect amount to buy to try a strain for the first time. It could give you enough sessions to make it through the weekend, or it could last you through the whole week. In general, how long an eighth lasts is going to be entirely dependent on you as a consumer.⁴ Heavy smokers are going to get a couple of days while light smokers could get more than a week. 

How Does an Eighth Compare to Other Marijuana Measurements?

An eighth isn’t the only marijuana measurement worth knowing. It’s also good to know what a quarter and ounce are. Here’s how an eighth measures up with other common quantities:

How Many Grams Are in an Eighth?

An eighth of marijuana equals approximately 3.5 grams, roughly the weight of a quarter of a teaspoon of sugar. 

How Many Ounces Are in an Eighth?

An eighth is one-eighth of an ounce, and there are eight eighths in an ounce. An ounce is equivalent to 28 grams.⁵

How Many Eighths Are in a Quarter?

A quarter of marijuana comprises two eighths with each eighth weighing around 3.5 grams.⁵

Answering FAQs About an Eighth of Cannabis

Navigating through cannabis measurements can be confusing, but asking questions is a great way to become more knowledgeable. Here are answers to a few common questions:

Is an eighth the same as 3.5 grams?
Yes, an eighth is precisely 3.5 grams.

What is a five-gram eighth?
If you see a five-gram eighth sale at your local dispensary, head on over. A five-gram is a sale where you get 1.5 additional grams of marijuana for free with your eighth.

Is an eighth the same as a slice?
Yes, an eighth is colloquially referred to as a "slice," emphasizing its one-eighth portion of an ounce. 

Buying an Eighth of Flower

Whether you're exploring beginner strains or more potent options, purchasing an eighth of flower provides a decent amount of flower to try for the first time or enjoy over a weekend. With an eighth, you can roll joints and blunts, and pack bowls, ensuring you can indulge the way you prefer. Of course, if you’re a smart dispensary shopper, keep your eye out for any five-gram deals to get a little extra for your dollar.

Find a Dispensary

Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence.   Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations. 

Dab pens are simple, portable, and practical devices to consume just about any type of cannabis concentrates. Read on to learn more about dabbing, how to use a dab pen, and how they work.

What’s a Dab Pen & How Does It Work?

Dab pens, also called wax pens, are portable, easy-to-use tools for smoking cannabis concentrates. These devices have a chamber, called an atomizer, that holds the concentrate while the battery-powered heating element heats the atomizer to a high temperature, between 350°F and 400°F. This vaporizes the concentrate which can then be inhaled through the mouthpiece.¹

Dab Pen vs Dab Carts: Are They The Same?

No, dab carts and dab pens aren't the same device. Dab carts are cartridges that have been pre-filled with liquid concentrates that are designed to be used with a compatible vape pen. A dab pen is a device in which the consumer places more solid concentrate–shatter, crumble, etc.–into a chamber to be heated and smoked.

How To Use A Dab Pen [3 Steps]

Using a dab pen can be intimidating, but it’s a relatively simple tool to use. Before you begin, make sure your dab pen is completely charged and you have your concentrate of choice ready to go.

• Step 1: Unscrew the atomizer and place your concentrate in the chamber. (Pro tip: concentrates are often sticky and thick, so a metal dab tool can be helpful.) 
  
  
• Step 2: Reattach the atomizer to the heating element, and press the heating button. Different concentrates require different temperatures, so you may want to experiment with the different heat settings on your dab pen.
  
  
• Step 3: Place your mouth on the mouthpiece and inhale the vapor.
  
  

When you're finished, turn the pen off and screw the cap back on so concentrate doesn't leak out.

How To Clean A Dab Pen [3 Steps]

Dab pens are relatively simple devices, but it’s incredibly important to keep it squeaky clean. This is because heating sticky concentrates can cause residue to build up over time, potentially attracting mold and bacteria. To prevent this from occurring and to extend the life of your device, make sure to give it a regular cleaning.

To clean your dab pen, following these steps.¹

• Step 1: Gather the following cleaning supplies: a small glass bowl, cotton swabs, warm water, rubbing alcohol, and paper towels.
  
  
• Step 2: Set the pen to its highest temperature and turn it upside down over a paper towel. This step will melt concentrate residue, which should flow down onto the towel.
  
  
• Step 3: Once the atomizer has cooled down, unscrew all the parts of the dab pen so you can thoroughly clean each one. 
  
  
• Step 4: Fill a small glass bowl with rubbing alcohol, then soak a cotton swab in the alcohol and use it to wipe down the atomizer, avoiding the coils. Continue wiping all of the other parts of the pen with the alcohol-soaked swab.
  
  
• Step 5: The final step is to rinse everything in warm water and allow it to dry naturally before using the pen again.
  
  

If you find that the atomizer still has residue inside of it, you can soak it in the bowl of alcohol for about 30 minutes, which should loosen the remaining material.

Dab Pen Pros & Cons

There are several pros and cons to using dab pens.

• Pro: Dab pens are portable, discreet, and simpler to use than dab rigs.¹
  
  
• Con: You need to learn which temperatures are best for the type of concentrate you're using, and dab pens need to be cleaned regularly.
  
  

Depending on your preferences, you may choose other ways to consume concentrates, or may find that dab pens are right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about dab pens? These frequently asked questions can help – and be sure to check with your budtender if you have any other questions:

Is a dab pen the same as vaping?
No. Dab pens are specialized devices that heat cannabis concentrates into vapor that can be inhaled. The term “vaping” is generally used to describe smoking cannabis through a vape pen.  

What do you use with a dab pen?
Dab pens can be used for cannabis concentrates, including wax, live resin, sauce, or rosin.² 

Do dab pens smell?
Yes, dab pens do smell, but the smell will not be as strong as smoking marijuana flower. This is because the concentrate is heated inside the dab pen using a battery-powered heating element, as opposed to lighting a joint or an open bowl of flower with a lighter.³

More About Dab Pens

Dab pens can allow you to consume different types of cannabis concentrate, from wax and budder to live resin, rosin, and sauce. Ready to shop for concentrates? Not sure where to start? Check with your budtender to find the dab pen that works best for you.

Cannabis concentrates are flavorful, aromatic products that contain large portions of cannabinoids and terpenes that make them extremely potent. By condensing the trichomes found on the marijuana plant, cultivators can create different forms of concentrates that can be smoked or consumed in a variety of ways.

To put it simply: more of the stuff you like in a smaller (concentrated) form.

What are Cannabis Concentrates & Extracts?

Cannabis concentrates and extracts contain specific cannabinoids and terpenes in greater strength than those that are found in raw marijuana flower or other plant material. These products go by many different names, but often they’re simply referred to as “wax.” (More on that below!) 

You may hear the terms “concentrate” and “extract” used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Concentrates refer to any type of concentrated cannabis product, while extracts are concentrates that are created through solvent-based extraction.¹

How Strong Are Concentrates?

Concentrates can have between 50% and 90% THC, making them extremely potent. A few concentrates can even reach 99% pure THC, which is why this product is not recommended for cannabis newbies. It’s important to note, however, that higher THC levels don’t necessarily lead to higher levels of intoxication. A study from the University of Colorado at Boulder suggested that smoking concentrates and smoking cannabis flower could provide similar levels of psychoactivity.² If you choose to purchase concentrates, pay attention to how your body reacts as that can help inform further purchases.

How Are Cannabis Extracts Made?

Manufacturers use two different methods to create cannabis extracts: solventless and solvent-based. Each method creates diverse textures and types of concentrates that can have different properties and uses.¹

Solvent-Based Concentrates

Solvent-based concentrates are made using butane (BHO), ethanol, methanol, or CO2 to extract cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from marijuana trichomes.³

Solventless Concentrates

Instead of using chemical solvents, the solventless methods of making concentrates incorporate water, ice, pressure, heat, and physical separation to create the end result of a concentrated product.³

Types of Marijuana Concentrates

Concentrates come in many forms, from soft and buttery extracts to crumbly hash and brittle shatter:

• Wax: Wax is a golden, waxy product that's typically made using a BHO or propane extraction process. Wax is an extract of THC and other cannabinoids made from dried and cured flower buds, sugar leaves, and stems.⁴
  
  
• Shatter: Similar to wax, shatter is also primarily made using a BHO or propane extraction process, but the resulting extract is heated again to produce a hard, transparent golden or yellow sheet that can be shattered and consumed.⁴
  
  
• Crumble: First frozen, then extracted using solvents, crumble looks almost like light brown sugar toffee. Crumble's unique texture comes from melting and whipping shatter, then drying and curing the final product.⁴
  
  
• Sugar: Marijuana sugar looks like wet or damp sugar and can vary in color from light yellow to deep amber. Manufacturers use solvent-based extraction followed by drying to create the sugary appearance and intensely sweet flavors.⁴
  
  
• Budder / Batter: Manufacturers create budder (or batter) by pouring extract into a heat-resistant glass vessel and whipping it as heat is applied. This concentrates the extract and creates a creamy tan or amber product.⁴
  
  
• Diamonds: THC diamonds can contain up to 99% pure THC, making them one of the most potent concentrates. The creation process begins by extracting live resin from cannabis plants, then purifying it through chromatography. After this process, manufacturers slowly heat the refined extract until it forms diamond-like crystals.⁵
  
  
• Live Resin: Live resin is a type of cannabis extract that is made from fresh-frozen cannabis. Manufacturers flash freeze the plants immediately after harvest, then use a solvent extraction process to dissolve the trichomes while leaving behind the active compounds.⁴
  
  
• Rosin: A solvent-free concentrate, rosin can be made from flash frozen or dried cannabis. Rosin usually appears waxier and thicker than resin, and it's made using a solventless ice water extraction method.⁴
  
  
• Bubble Hash: Bubble hash is another solvent-free concentrate that is made by agitating cannabis trichomes with cold water and ice in bubble bags. Frozen trichomes fall off the marijuana flower and are sifted through screens, ultimately creating a soft, crumbly end product, which can range from light blonde to golden yellow.⁴ 

How to Consume Concentrates

There are so many concentrates to choose from, but that’s half the battle–now you need to choose how to consume them. Here are some of the most popular ways.¹

• Dabbing: When people dab, they heat the concentrate of their choice to the point where it vaporizes. The vapor can then be inhaled using a dab rig, e-rig, or another dabbing device.¹
  
  
• Vaping: Many dispensaries offer vape cartridges that contain cannabis extracts like live resin. This method is convenient and mess-free as these concentrate cartridges can be used with just about any vape battery.¹
  
  
• Infused Flower: Consumers can try an infused joint, or can infuse their own marijuana flower by adding a concentrate to a bowl prior to smoking. Another way to consume infused flower is to make your own moon rocks.¹

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about concentrates? We’ve got answers!

Do concentrates get you more high than flower?
Possibly, but it’s hard to make sweeping generalizations regarding how concentrates impact the body compared to flower. A 2020 study conducted at the University of Colorado, Boulder, found that although concentrates are significantly stronger than marijuana flower, consuming them may not result in a more intense experience.²

What’s the difference between concentrates and flower?
Cannabis flower is the actual flower of the raw plant while concentrates are a concentration of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found inside the plant.⁶

What’s the difference between concentrates and extracts?
Extracts are a specific type of marijuana concentrate that’s made using solvents. Concentrates can be made using solvents or solvent-free processes.¹

More About Cannabis Concentrates

Now that you know more about concentrates and the different types, you can visit your dispensary and your budtender can help find the concentrate that’s right for you.