Honey Oil Explained: How to Make It and Why It’s So Popular

Honey oil is one of the most potent and widely loved cannabis concentrates available today. If you’re new to it or just curious, this guide will help you understand what honey oil is, how it’s made, and why so many people are turning to it for a stronger and cleaner cannabis experience.

Whether you’re into edibles, vapes, or dabbing, honey oil has a place in the modern cannabis world. Let’s break it all down.

 

What Is Honey Oil?

Honey oil is a cannabis concentrate that gets its name from its thick, golden, honey-like appearance. It’s made by extracting THC and other cannabinoids from cannabis plants using a solvent. The result is a sticky, highly potent oil that can be smoked, vaped, or infused into edibles.

You might also hear it called “hash oil,” “butane hash oil (BHO),” or just “cannabis oil.” These terms are often used interchangeably, although slight differences in the process can result in different textures and purity levels.

 

Why Is Honey Oil So Popular?

There are a few big reasons why honey oil has become so popular in Canada and beyond:

• High Potency: Honey oil contains concentrated amounts of THC—often 70% or more—making it much stronger than regular flower.

• Versatility: You can dab it, vape it, add it to a joint, or use it in edibles.

• Clean Flavour: When properly made, honey oil has a clean, terpene-rich flavour that many users love.

• Discreet: It’s easy to transport and doesn’t have the same strong smell as smoking weed.

Because of its potency and versatility, many people prefer honey oil for both recreational and medicinal use.

 

How Is Honey Oil Made?

Before we get into the steps, it’s important to note: making honey oil at home with solvents like butane can be extremely dangerous. Butane is highly flammable, and improper handling can cause explosions. If you’re not experienced or don’t have access to lab-grade equipment, it’s safer to buy honey oil from a licensed cannabis retailer in Canada.

That said, here’s how honey oil is generally made:

 

Step 1: Choose High-Quality Cannabis

To make good honey oil, start with quality cannabis. The better the flower or trim, the better your final product. People often use:

• Dried cannabis buds

• Trim or shake (leftover plant material)

• Kief or hash (for even stronger oil)

 

Step 2: Use a Solvent to Extract the THC

The most common method uses butane as a solvent. This process is known as BHO extraction.

• The plant material is packed into a tube.

• Liquid butane is passed through the tube.

• As it runs through, it pulls out cannabinoids and terpenes.

This step must be done in a well-ventilated area or a closed-loop extraction system to avoid dangerous fumes.

 

Step 3: Evaporate the Solvent

Once the oil is collected, it still contains butane. The next step is purging the solvent.

• This is done by heating the oil gently in a vacuum oven or water bath.

• The goal is to evaporate all the butane without burning off the THC.

What you’re left with is a thick, golden oil—honey oil.

 

Step 4: Filter and Store

Some producers run the oil through filters to remove impurities and improve clarity. Once the honey oil is clean and solvent-free, it’s stored in small glass containers or syringes.

 

Safer Methods for Making Honey Oil

Because using butane is risky, some people use safer methods, like:

• CO2 Extraction: Uses carbon dioxide under pressure—very clean but needs professional equipment.

• Ethanol Extraction: Uses food-grade alcohol and is easier to do at home, but still needs care.

• Rosin Press: Uses heat and pressure—no solvents at all.

If you’re looking for how to make honey oil in a safer way, these methods are good options to explore.

 

How to Use Honey Oil

Once you have honey oil, there are many ways to enjoy it. Here are the most common:

1. Vaping or Dabbing

Use a dab rig or a vape pen designed for concentrates. Heat the surface, apply a small amount of honey oil, and inhale the vapor. This gives you a quick and intense high.

2. Adding to Joints or Bowls

You can add a drop of honey oil to your ground flower before rolling a joint or packing a bowl. It boosts the potency and can improve the flavour.

3. Infusing Edibles

Mixing honey oil into butter or oil lets you make THC-infused edibles. You must decarb it first (heat it to activate the THC). Start low and go slow—edibles can hit hard and last for hours.

 

What Does Honey Oil Feel Like?

Honey oil delivers a much stronger effect than smoking dried cannabis. Depending on the strain it’s made from, you might feel:

• Euphoric or uplifted

• Relaxed or sleepy

• Focused or creative

Because of the high THC levels, it can also bring side effects if you use too much:

• Anxiety

• Dry mouth

• Dizziness

• Increased heart rate

If you’re new to concentrates, start with a very small amount—about the size of a grain of rice.

 

Is Honey Oil Legal in Canada?

Yes. Under Canada’s Cannabis Act, honey oil is legal to buy and use, as long as it’s purchased from a licensed retailer. You must be of legal age in your province or territory (18 or 19+, depending on location).

You can buy honey oil as:

• Vape cartridges

• Dab containers

• Infused pre-rolls

• THC oils for oral use

Reefside offers a variety of cannabis oils and concentrates that meet Canada’s quality standards. All products are lab-tested, clearly labeled, and safe for use.

 

Tips for Buying Honey Oil

If you’re ready to try honey oil, here are a few tips to help you choose the right product:

• Check THC Content: Beginners should start with lower THC levels.

• Look for Lab Testing: Only buy products tested for potency and purity.

• Consider the Format: Decide if you want dabs, vapes, or edibles.

• Know the Strain: Sativa oils tend to be energizing; indica oils are more relaxing.

Always store your honey oil in a cool, dark place. Heat and light can break down THC over time.

 

Benefits of Honey Oil vs. Other Concentrates

Honey oil is just one of many cannabis extracts. Here’s how it compares:

Concentrate	Texture	THC %	Best Use
Honey Oil	Sticky liquid	70–90%	Vaping, dabbing
Shatter	Brittle glass	70–90%	Dabbing
Wax	Soft crumble	60–80%	Dabbing
Rosin	Sticky, solventless	60–80%	Dabbing, joints
Distillate	Clear thick oil	80–95%	Edibles, vapes

Honey oil is popular because it balances potency with flavour and is relatively easy to use.

 

Common Questions About Honey Oil

Is it safe to make honey oil at home?

It can be, but only if you use the right method. Avoid open-blast butane extraction unless you’re a trained professional. Solventless or ethanol methods are safer for home use.

How much honey oil should I use?

If you’re new, start with a tiny amount—about the size of a grain of rice. Wait to see how it affects you before using more.

Can you eat honey oil directly?

Not unless it’s decarboxylated. Raw honey oil won’t get you high unless the THC is activated by heat.

How strong is honey oil?

Most honey oil products range from 70% to 90% THC. That’s two to three times stronger than typical cannabis flower.

 

Final Thoughts: Is Honey Oil Right for You?

Honey oil is a strong, flexible cannabis concentrate that works well for people looking for fast effects and high potency. If you’re experienced with cannabis and want to try something new, honey oil could be a good option. Just be careful with your dose and always choose products from trusted, licensed retailers.

At Reefside, we offer a range of quality cannabis concentrates including honey oil, THC edibles, and vapes—all lab-tested and shipped across Canada.

 

Key Takeaways

• Honey oil is a high-THC cannabis concentrate with a golden, sticky texture.

• It’s popular for its potency, flavour, and flexibility.

• Making it involves extracting cannabinoids with a solvent like butane or ethanol.

• Use it by dabbing, vaping, smoking, or infusing edibles.

• It’s legal in Canada when bought from licensed retailers.

• Always start low, go slow, and store it properly.

 

Looking for honey oil in Canada?
Explore Reefside’s collection of lab-tested cannabis oils and concentrates today.

 

REFERENCES:

Wikipedia. (2025, July 12). Hash oil. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hash_oil 

Department of Justice. (2021, July 7). Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. Available at: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/cannabis/

Dr. Leslie Lars Iversen, CBE FRS MAE