For centuries, people have found countless uses for cannabis, whether it’s for medical purposes or to have a good time. This versatile plant has many sides to it, and today, we’re here to introduce you to a fascinating aspect: hash.
Hashish, or just ‘hash’ for short, is a potent cannabis concentrate that has sparked the curiosity of numerous enthusiasts.
Hashish isn’t some new kid on the block; it has a long and intriguing history as one of the earliest known cannabis extracts. The process of making it is like a blend of art and science, involving the extraction and concentration of the potent elements in the cannabis plant.
Whether you’re an experienced connoisseur or new to the world of cannabis, our guide is here to get you up to speed on all things hash.
Hash is one of the most popular weed extracts and also one of the most commonly misunderstood. So what exactly is it?
Hashish is a concentrated form of cannabis. It is made by separating the resin glands (the trichomes) from the plant material and compressing it, resulting in a potent and flavourful product.
A cannabis plant’s trichomes are where all the cannabinoids and terpenes are stored. These are responsible for the various effects and flavors associated with marijuana.
One of the main factors that sets hash apart from marijuana and its other varieties is its texture. It can take on many forms, but most commonly, it is found as a soft, pliable paste (also known as “hashish,” “hash,” or “charas”) or a hard, brittle sheet ( referred to as “hash oil,” or “rosin”).
The specific texture will depend on the method of extraction used and the quality of the original flower.
Hashish is a highly appealing cannabis variety because it is potent and versatile. It is usually smoked with a pipe, but you can also vaporize it or add it to edibles.
The effects of hashish vary depending on how you use it and the strain of cannabis, but it is, overall, more potent than marijuana.
Let’s take a trip back in time to really understand what makes hashish so fascinating. People have been using hashish for thousands of years, and its story is tied to ancient cultures in places like India, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Around 2000 BCE in ancient India, workers handling cannabis plants would accidentally get sticky resin on their hands. To clean their hands, they started forming little balls of hash called “temple balls” or “charas.”
Back then, folks didn’t use hashish to get high. Instead, they used it in religious ceremonies or as incense. It wasn’t until the 1600s, when tobacco arrived in India, that people started smoking hashish using pipes.
Hashish started its global journey when European colonizers brought it back to their empires from India, Egypt, and Morocco.
From there, the world quickly started taking notice, and, in the 18th century, hash had cemented itself in several European cultures.
Hashish was appreciated in the 19th century in the US for its medicinal qualities to help alleviate depression, nausea, diarrhea, and appetite loss.
Back in the 20th century, hashish took on a new meaning in the world of counterculture. It wasn’t just a cannabis concentrate. It became a symbol of self-expression, creativity, and a rebellious attitude against the norms of the time.
During the ’60s and ’70s sharing a hash joint was like a ritual that marked the entrance into a world where people valued individuality and artistic expression.
Many artists, musicians, and writers turned to hashish for inspiration. They saw it as a key to unlocking the creative potential of the mind.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recognizes that hashish is considerably more potent than regular cannabis flower. They estimate that just a drop or two of hash added to a cigarette is as strong as a whole joint. But how is this achieved?
Creating hashish is like a carefully crafted art, and the aim is to extract and intensify the most potent and flavorful parts of the cannabis plant. There are different methods to achieve this goal, each resulting in a distinct type of hash with unique qualities.
People make hashish in different ways, and it usually depends on local traditions, what tools they have, and what they personally like.
Whether you enjoy the handmade style of charas, where people rub cannabis plants by hand, or you like the more consistent method of using solvents for extractions, there are lots of ways to make hashish, and new ways are always popping up.
This method for producing hash stems from the first recorded discoveries of the concentrate in ancient India. It involves hand-rubbing live cannabis buds together to form soft, malleable balls to collect the sticky trichomes.
Known as “charas,” this traditional form of hash is prized for its purity and rich flavor. Cannabis enthusiasts view charas production as an elevated form of hash and dedicate themselves to perfecting it.
Dried cannabis buds are agitated and sifted, either by hand or motor, through a series of sieves and screens to separate the trichomes from the flower and stems of the plant. The resulting powder, often referred to as “kief” or “dry sift”, is then compressed into blocks or sheets mechanically or with the help of heat.
Ice water hash, also known as bubble hash, is the most common variant of hash found today. It is a mechanical, solvent-less method that produces a high quantity of pure resin. The process revolves around the principle that chilled trichomes become heavier and more brittle and, therefore, easier to separate in bulk.
When you shake cannabis buds and other plant bits in an icy mix, the plant material floats to the top, and the tiny trichomes break off and sink down. People use different types of filter bags to get the purest result they can.
As with dry sift hash, you then compress the end product to form hashish.
Hash extracted from a cannabis plant using a solvent (most commonly butane, propane, or alcohol) is called “honey oil” or “hash oil.” This process is based on the idea that resin, which holds the good stuff, can dissolve in fats, oils, and lipids.
The solvent is used to draw the trichomes (the tiny, potent structures on the plant) and separate them from the remaining plant material.
Afterward, the solvent is boiled away, leaving behind the valuable resins. The texture of the final product can vary depending on the starting material.
Although this method is straightforward, it’s not the safest one. Other mechanical methods are preferred for safety reasons.
There is often confusion in the cannabis community around the difference between hash, kief, and rosin. Think of it as a process of refinement that runs from kief to hash to rosin.
Kief is the loose powder that is produced when cannabis trichomes are separated from their buds. When this is compressed into a ball, block, or sheet, it becomes hash. Finally, when hash is refined by heating and compressing it to produce oil, this is called rosin, specifically hash rosin.
Cannabis extracts come in many different forms, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy them. This lets you customize your experience to fit your tastes and the buzz you’re after.
And hash is no different. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy hash:
Smoking is the oldest and most common way to consume hash. It can be crumbled on top of tobacco or dried flower in a cigarette, joint, or pipe. This is the most straightforward way to activate hash and enjoy a potent and flavorful experience.
Another popular method for consuming hash is vaporization. It is a safer way to activate hashish as it uses temperatures that are just hot enough to release the cannabinoids and terpenes but avoid combustion.
It is a more health-conscious way to consume hash that avoids the risks of smoke and also preserves more of the flavor.
Many hash enthusiasts prefer dabbing because it provides an intense and immediate experience. It is also a popular method for consuming more high-potency concentrates like rosin.
It involves using a gadget called a dab rig and a heated nail. This is a glass device that looks similar to a bong. Instead of a bowl, though, a dab rig has a nail or banger that holds a small amount of concentrate and can withstand extremely high temperatures.
You can also add hash to food. It takes longer to feel the effect of edibles, but they give a long-lasting, potent high and sidestep the unwanted health hazards that come with smoking.
Before adding hash to an edible, it needs to be decarboxylated (heated to activate the cannabinoids). Then you can add it to brownie or cookie recipes or even beverages and enjoy the high.
Lastly, you can incorporate hash into topicals, such as creams and balms, to apply directly to the skin. These products mainly address specific issues like localized pain, inflammation, and skin conditions. They’re valued for their therapeutic benefits and don’t produce any psychoactive effects.
Hash is one of the oldest cannabis extracts around, but that does not mean it is not without its dangers. At Embarc, we advocate for the safe and responsible use of cannabis – and that includes hash.
While cannabis is legal in many states in the USA, most of the world is not so lucky. It is very often the case that the production, sale, and consumption of hash is strictly illegal, and any infringement of the law could result in legal consequences.
Another consideration is the risks associated with smoking. This is not specific to hash, but inhaling any smoke comes with health considerations. Smoke irritates the lungs and could lead to respiratory problems.
However, if you choose to consume hash with an edible or with a vaporizer, this might mitigate your risk.
Having too much cannabis can cause problems like heightened anxiety, paranoia, and difficulty thinking clearly.
It might make simple tasks harder, mess with your sense of time and space, and even lead to physical discomfort like nausea or vomiting. Using too much over time could affect your memory and motivation.
We recommend starting with a low dose of hash and then waiting to assess its effects before consuming more.
Like any psychoactive substance, there is a risk of becoming addicted to hash. Heavy and frequent use of it can lead to psychological reliance and difficulty in controlling how much you use. Addiction can harm not only you but your relationship with all of those around you.
As with any kind of cannabis consumption, hash will impair your motor skills, coordination, and decision-making skills. Avoid driving while under the influence of hash as it is illegal in most places and highly dangerous to you, your passengers, and your fellow road users.
Wait until you are completely sober before attempting to operate a car or any kind of powerful machinery.
Hash production is primarily unregulated, so you risk consuming contaminated products. At worst, this can result in health risks, but it can also result in an underwhelming experience. Here at Embarc, we are proud to be a reputable and safe source for purchasing hash.
If you are on any medication, it is essential to research possible side effects when taking them in conjunction with hash. If you have any concerns, we recommend consulting a healthcare provider before partaking.
Hash comes in many forms, and there are many ways to enjoy them. This allows you to customize your experience based on what you like and how you want to feel.
But, as you begin appreciating the world of hashish, don’t forget that it is a potent cannabis concentrate that you should use responsibly, with awareness and an understanding of the potential hazards. Only then can you fully enjoy all that it has to offer.
As you explore, see hash as a wonderful reminder of an enduring and evolving relationship between humans and a remarkable plant. And remember to visit one of our dispensaries at Embarc to start your journey!
