Cannabis Concentrate BHO Surpasses Cocaine in Price in Spain

In an unexpected twist within Spain's underground cannabis scene, the price of high-end cannabis concentrate, BHO, has now surpassed that of cocaine. Known as butane hash oil, BHO is a potent concentrate that has gained popularity in the Iberian Peninsula, despite the legal ambiguities surrounding cannabis in Spain. While cannabis consumption and cultivation in private settings are decriminalized, the production and sale of high-THC concentrates like BHO remain in a gray area, driving prices to unexpected heights

Cannabis social clubs in cities like Barcelona have become hubs for enthusiasts, offering a variety of cannabis products within a quasi-legal framework. These clubs provide access to locally grown cannabis flower and imported hash at relatively low prices. However, BHO, with its high THC content, stands apart due to its cost, ranging from fifty to one hundred euros per gram. This is significantly higher than the street price of cocaine, which remains stable at sixty euros per gram, according to Euro Weekly News

The high cost of BHO in Spain is attributed to several factors, including its potency, production risks, and legal uncertainties. BHO can contain up to ninety percent THC, making it extremely potent and sought after by connoisseurs. The extraction process involves flammable gases, which can lead to dangerous explosions, adding to the production costs. Furthermore, the lack of clear legal guidelines for high-THC concentrates adds a risk premium, further inflating prices

In contrast to Spain's unregulated market, legal cannabis markets in the United States and Canada offer BHO at more affordable prices due to industrial-scale production and regulated processes. In the US, BHO is priced between nineteen to twenty-five dollars per gram, while in Canada, it ranges from thirty to forty dollars per gram. The regulatory environment in these countries allows for safer production methods and more consistent supply, which keeps prices lower compared to Spain

The emergence of BHO as a high-cost product challenges traditional perceptions of drug hierarchies in Spain. Once considered an elite stimulant, cocaine is now outpriced by BHO, a cannabis product. This shift reflects changes in consumer preferences and the growing demand for high-potency cannabis concentrates. As Spain's cannabis culture continues to evolve, the market dynamics for products like BHO could lead to further developments in both legal and consumer landscapes