What is Hash? Origin And Types

What Is Hash Origin And Types

Hash and marijuana come from the Cannabis Sativa plant. The primary difference between them is that hash applies to the resinous concentrate made from the plant’s sap, while marijuana refers to the dried flowers and leaves of the plant. Since the hash is a concentrated product of cannabis, it has a much higher potency. 

What is Hash?

Hashish or hash is a marijuana product made from the resin of cannabis flowers. Hash oil is highly concentrated with cannabinoids and terpenes. Hence, only a small amount can deliver a powerful effect on the mind and body. 

Hash is extracted from the cannabis plant through physical manipulation and temperature changes. There are no solvents or other chemicals involved in the process. Hence, there are different types of hash depending on the method used to extract it from the plant.

The Origins of Hash

Hash is short for the Arabic word ‘hashish,’ which roughly translates to ‘grass.’ It is generally believed that the hash became widespread around 900 AD. However, earlier versions of the concentrate may have already been around years before. 

When Napoleon Bonaparte reached Egypt in 1798, some French soldiers brought hash back to France. Hence, it became popular in Europe in the 19th century. Hash was imported for research purposes, which eventually led to the development of extraction methods that would lead to the creation of cannabis tinctures. 

In the 20th century, cannabis extracts became widespread in US and European drug stores. However, marijuana and all other products derived from it were outlawed shortly after. Nevertheless, hash production continued in secret and spread through the illicit market.  

Hash made a comeback into the limelight in the 1960s. Afghanistan, Nepal, and Morocco began exporting their hash to the Western countries. Hash products came in the form of bricks processed through heat and pressure.  

An improvement in the extraction process of cannabis came in the 1980s. A machine called the master sifter was introduced. It used vibration to separate the trichomes from the plant. At the same time, the water extraction method was also developed.

Hashish remains in demand in the Western world, especially since marijuana has become legal in Canada and the United States. The improvement in the extraction methods has tremendously impacted the quality of the product today. 

Difference Between Hash and Weed

As mentioned earlier, marijuana and hash both come from Cannabis Sativa. People often refer to cannabis flowers when talking about weed or marijuana. They are referring to the dried and cured buds used primarily for smoking.

Hash is a marijuana extract that comes from the plant’s resinous trichomes. These trichomes are highly concentrated on the flower, while some are on the leaves and stems. The extraction can be done in various ways. Since the hash is a concentrated extract, it contains more THC than a flower. 

A flower is often smoked as a joint, in bongs, or pipes. Hash is often dabbed using a dab rig or sprinkled on the flower to enhance its potency. 

Difference Between Hash and Other Cannabis Concentrates

Hash is probably the oldest form of cannabis concentrate. It has been around for over a thousand years and continues to grow in popularity with the legalization of marijuana. Most other concentrates have recently been produced with the advances in extraction technology. 

Hash production does not require a fancy laboratory. Anyone with the right tools and materials can make hash at home. Most other concentrates are hard to produce because they require expensive equipment and sophisticated processes. You also need a license to produce them.

Never attempt to make concentrates at home using solvent extraction. If you need concentrates for personal consumption, buying them from a licensed store is safer than dangerously making them yourself. Without proper training and equipment, you may end up causing an accident and producing harmful products. 

Different Types of Hash

Dry Sift Hash

Dry sift hash (also known as a dry sieve hash) is a type of cannabis concentrate extracted from cannabis. It is obtained by separating the resin glands from dried cannabis flowers using a series of fine metal mesh screens. In essence, it is a more refined version of kief. 

The extraction process does not require a solvent. The extractors must roll, rub, and tumble the dried cannabis flower over fine metal mesh screens. The manual manipulation of the dried flower breaks off the resin glands and separates them from the rest of the plant matter. 

The extractors must screen the dry sift through multiple finer meshes until the product is refined. The resulting powdery resin can be sprinkled on a joint or added on top of a bowl to increase potency. It can also be pressed into hash or rosin for dabbing. 

Bubble Hash

Bubble hash (also known as ice water hash) is a type produced using ice water. The cannabis buds are run through ice water to freeze the trichomes. As soon as the buds are stirred and agitated, the trichomes separate from the rest of the plant matter. 

The resulting liquid filled with trichomes goes through a series of fine screen bags. As soon as the resin dries, it produces a bubble hash. It is so named because when it is smoked, it produces a bubble.

The quality of the hash depends on how refined it is. High-grade bubble hash, also known as ice wax or full melt, can be dabbed. Lower quality hash can be smoked, infused, or pressed into rosin.

Bubble hash production is often called ‘washing’ because it can be produced using a washing machine specially designed to stir and agitate the cannabis buds. 

How to Consume Hash

You can consume high-quality hash in various ways. You can smoke it on its own or add it to a joint or a bowl to enhance potency. Many cannabis smokers who wish to experience a more intense high often add hash or other concentrates to their bowls or joints. If you want to try this, be careful not to add too much hash to avoid experiencing adverse side effects. 

If you invest in a high-quality hash, also known as a full melt, you can easily turn it into vapor on a dab rig. The hash will fully melt on the nail and level very little residue. If you love dabbing, give the full melt a try. 

Traditionally, hash was consumed orally. It can be ingested on its own or infused into drinks. You can also infuse it into food. Eating or drinking hash makes it more potent, but you must wait longer for the effects to manifest. 

If you decide to smoke hash, you should invest in a high-quality bong or pipe. If you wish to dab a full melt, invest in a good-quality dab rig. 

Please remember that hash has a higher potency than regular cannabis flowers. Its THC potency can reach as high as 40-80%. The usual cannabis flower only has around 15-25% THC concentration. Be mindful of your dose. 

How to Make Hash

If you wish to make hash, you will need a few inexpensive materials from the hardware store. You need screens for dry extraction, bubble bags for ice water extraction, and hash presses to make bricks.

Hash is different from solvent-based extracts. The process does not involve dangerous solvents. It relies on temperature and mechanical means to extract the precious cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis flower.

Dry Sift Method

You will need dried and cured cannabis buds. The buds must be dried to allow the trichomes to break off from the plant easily. 

You can use a pollen box as a sift. Place the cannabis buds into the box, and give it a few shakes to separate the trichomes. You can refine the resulting powder using another pollen box or sifter with a finer mesh until you achieve the desired quality. 

The dry sift method is a purely mechanical process. Hence, you need to be patient with the manual sifting. If you proceed with the sifting carefully using finer and finer meshes, you will produce a high-quality hash. 

Dry Ice Method

In this method, you will need dry ice. The super cold temperature of the dry ice will freeze the trichomes and allow them to break off easily from the plant material. It should be about 40% of the total volume when combined with the plant material. 

As soon as the trichomes are frozen, you can use a sifter to separate the trichomes from the plant matter through consistent shaking and agitation. It takes a few experiences to learn when to stop shaking. 

Collect the powdery hash and store it for later consumption. 

You may notice a color difference between the two methods. When using the dry sift method, you will produce a golden-colored powder. If you use the dry ice method, you will come up with a green powder. The green color is the result of plant matter contamination. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hash stronger than weed?

Hash is a marijuana concentrate. It means that it contains more cannabinoids than a regular marijuana flower. Therefore, hash is stronger than marijuana. Knowing this, you should consume hash moderately and with caution to avoid having a bad cannabis experience. 

How long will hash stay in your system?

The cannabinoids in hash stay in your blood for up to four hours and in your saliva for up to 72 hours. The metabolites of the cannabinoids can remain in your urine for up to 30 days and in your hair for up to 90 days. If you plan on getting a drug test, do not consume hash at least one week before an upcoming drug test. You may have to abstain from cannabis consumption for a longer period depending on the type of test you expect to have.

How long will hash take to produce effects?

It depends on how you consume hash. If you smoke, vape, or dab hash, you will most likely feel the effects within a few minutes. The high will peak about 30 minutes after. You may feel the effects in your system for about two to three hours. 

It will take a little while longer if you add hash to your food and beverage. The cannabinoids must go through your digestive system and be metabolized in the liver. The process takes around 20 minutes to an hour. However, the effects are more potent and can last up to four to six hours. 

Although you may feel the effects subside after two hours or more, the cannabinoids may continue to affect the mind and body for as long as 24 hours. The timeframe will depend on how much hash you consume. 

What are the side effects of consuming hash?

If you consume a little hash, you may experience the effects of THC on your concentration, attention, and working memory. These effects will usually pass after four to six hours. During this, THC may also affect your motor skills. Hence, it is crucial not to drive or operate machinery. 

Some physical side effects of hash include dry mouth, red eyes, increased appetite, increased heart rate, and vasodilation. 

If you take in too much hash, you may experience altered moods, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, memory problems, and sensations. Always control your dose to avoid adverse side effects. 

How can you get hash out of your system?

There is no easy way to get hash out of your system. The best you can do is wait it out. Nevertheless, you may help your body get rid of the metabolites by drinking lots of water and getting sufficient exercise. If you are expecting a drug test, you must discontinue using hash until your test is over.

When should I see a doctor?

If you are exposed to high doses of hash, you may experience nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, psychotic episodes, and heart arrhythmia. As soon as these effects occur, you should seek medical help immediately. 

Overdose usually occurs when eating edibles. Hence, you should never take a second dose of edibles immediately after your first dose. Wait at least four to six hours if you feel you need to consume another amount.

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