10 Best Benefits of Honey Oil

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

In the past ten years, honey oil has become extremely popular in new corners of the world, although the benefits of this essential oil have been known for centuries. Honey oil is another name for hash oil, the concentrated oleoresin that is derived from the cannabis plant, the most popular species of which is Cannabis sativa. This sticky, potent-smelling oil is acquired through a solvent extraction method, and can then be processed into a number of different forms. In the past, cannabis and cannabis-derived products have been subject to different levels of legalization around the world. Therefore, some countries have far more diversity in the types of honey oil they produce.

What is Honey Oil?

The base of any honey oil is highly concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the base ingredient of most marijuana strains, in addition to CBD and various other beneficial cannabinoids. THC has had a significant amount of research done on it, and it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, sedative, relaxing, immune system-boosting, and detoxifying properties. There are certain psychoactive effects, which is why the legality of cannabis and honey (hash) oil remain hotly debated issues in many countries. With that in mind, only attempt to grow, produce, or purchase honey oil in countries where this substance is legal or decriminalized. [1]

The THC and CBD concentrations in honey oil can range from as low as 10% to as high as 90%, which means that the potency can be extreme – and effective! As mentioned, in recent years, the production of honey oil, particularly in the United States, has pushed the quality and potency of this oil to new heights, which is why it has become so popular for a number of health benefits it offers.

Extreme closeup of a spoon dripping a very viscous golden-colored liquid into a jar.

A spoonful of golden goodness. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Benefits of Honey Oil (Hash Oil)

Some of the incredible benefits of honey oil include reducing stress and depression, improving vision, healing the skin, protecting heart health and aiding sleep, eliminating pain and inflammation, stimulating the appetite, boosting brain function, among others.

Improves Heart Health

Research has shown that high levels of cannabinoids can help to reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and arteries, which can lessen the strain on the heart and lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. [2]

Anticancer Potential

There is a lack of clinical trials to ascertain the role of honey oil in cancer therapy and the opinion is divided. However, existing studies suggest that it might be developed into a palliative care option for the side effects that radiation and chemotherapy could have. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Pancreatic Cancer, while acknowledging the need for further research, suggests that the addition of cannabinoids in the course of pancreatic cancer therapy could have some positive effects. [3] [4]

Pain Relief

The analgesic properties of honey oil that are high in CBD is well documented. In fact, concentrated hash oil can even help reduce the pain induced by chemotherapy. [5]

Anti-inflammatory Agent

Lowering inflammation in the joints and muscles, as well as organ systems and blood vessels, makes honey oil a full-body tonic for a number of conditions, ranging from arthritis and gout to migraines, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and insomnia. [6]

Stimulates Brain Function

For people who are at high risk of neurodegenerative diseases, the high content of THC in honey oil can help to stimulate brain activity and keep those neural pathways clear, rather than being blocked or impaired by beta-amyloid deposition. [7]

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

The cannabinoids found in honey oil are able to block stress receptors in certain parts of the brain, making it easier to relax and clear your mind, whether it is simply a long day or work or a chronic condition of anxiety. [8]

Improves Sleep

Insomnia is something that millions of people struggle with, but many studies have found honey oil to be an effective sedative, capable of emptying the mind and promoting undisturbed nights of sleep. This will leave you refreshed in the morning and give your body the chance it needs to recover and prepare for the next day! [9]

Skin Care

If you use a highly diluted form of honey oil on the skin, it can help to clear up topical inflammation, such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea, while also treating localized pain and discomfort. Furthermore, it can help treat dry skin and speed the healing process for wounds or scars. [10]

Alleviates Depression Symptoms

Following an extended illness, injury, or traumatic life change, depression can be quite common. Honey oil can help release “feel good” neurotransmitters in the brain that can counter periods of sadness and depression. It can also help balance hormonal levels if that is the reason for your depressive symptoms. [11]

Increases Appetite

Although many people are trying to lose weight, the use of honey oil can help increase the level of hunger hormones (ghrelin) in the body. After an injury, illness or surgery, or to counter the effects of a hyperactive thyroid gland, the appetite-stimulating properties of hash oil can be very beneficial. [12]

How to Make Honey Oil?

If you want to make your own honey oil at home, it will require some effort but the long-term benefits will be worth it. To begin with, you will need to decide which type of honey oil you want to make – one that is high in CBD (commonly associated with medicinal treatment) or THC (commonly associated with psychoactive, “high” effects). A strain of cannabis that is high in THC will create honey oil that is high in THC, and the same is true of CBD.

Once you select the strain of cannabis that you desire, you will need to remove all the stems, seeds and sticks – basically, anything that isn’t pure, green, crystal-laden buds of the plant. To extract the active compounds into the oil, you can use any number of solvent, all of which have their pros and cons. For example, some solvents are inexpensive and easy to access but may be more difficult to fully remove from the oil, compromising taste or quality. Other solvents are more expensive and easier to separate, but release dangerous fumes during the production process. Whatever avenue you choose, proper safety precautions and thorough research is highly recommended. You should wear safety goggles, maintain a clean workspace, ventilate the room with open windows and fans, or perform these steps outside.

The recipe below is a rather standard, inexpensive option.

Extreme closeup of a spoon dripping a very viscous golden-colored liquid into a jar.

Honey Oil Recipe

Also known as hash oil, honey oil is quite potent, whether you choose to smoke it, eat it or rub it on your joints. Do, however, take care when making it as it can be explosive.
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Course: DIY Oil
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Honey Oil
Appliance: Rice cooker, Strainer
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Author: Paromita Datta

Ingredients

  • 1 oz cannabis high quality
  • Everclear alcohol 151 proof

Instructions

  • Pour enough alcohol over the cannabis to cover the buds.
  • Stir the cannabis and alcohol for 3-4 minutes, which will release the valuable cannabinoids.
  • Strain the plant matter out by using a cheesecloth. Squeeze the cheesecloth bundle to remove as much alcohol as possible.
  • Take the bundle of cannabis buds and return them to the glass mixing bowl. Repeat Steps 2-4 to remove even more cannabinoids from the plant matter.
  • Empty the two loads of CBD/THC-infused alcohol into a rice cooker.
  • Do not fill the rice cooker more than 3/4 full and leave the cover off (this is why proper ventilation in the room is required).
  • Turn the rice cooker on high and begin burning off the alcohol.
  • The liquid will already be green in color but once it becomes thick and dark green in color, carefully remove the rice cooker pot from the larger machine.
  • Stir the mixture slowly, and wait for the bubbles to stop rising to the top.
  • Using a flexible plastic spatula, scrape out the honey oil onto a sheet of wax paper.
  • This sticky, viscous material can now be used for medicinal purposes, whether through smoking, ingestion or vaporization.
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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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