Hashish: The Art of Cannabis

Written By Ginja Club

Through thousands of years of interaction with cannabis, humanity has developed many different ways to use and produce this unique plant. One popular method, which can be dated back to as early as 1123 CE, is the extraction of cannabis resin to form hash. Hash, as defined by the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, is “the separated resin, whether crude or purified, obtained from the cannabis plant.”. These “resin glands” are more commonly known as trichomes. It is important to note that the term trichomes is not exclusive to cannabis, many plants have different forms of trichomes that perform various functions such as protection against UV light or secreting metabolites for the plant itself. For a better understanding of what trichomes are, check out my other blog, “Trichomes: A Closer Look at Cannabis.”

However, the main point is what makes cannabis trichomes so unique; in these trichome “heads” are the many chemical compounds (essential oils, cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids) that produce marijuana’s therapeutic effects.

History of Hash

Hash, commonly referred to as Hashish (Arab) or Charas (India), is believed to have originated from Northern India and Nepal, which both have a long tradition of hash production and consumption. The term “hashish” has specific Arab roots and can roughly translate into “grass.” The first mention of the word “hashish” was published in a pamphlet in Cairo in 1123 CE. Historians believe that an emerging Muslim dynasty helped popularize the edible form of hash. Even myths that have integrated into western culture have strong Arab narratives. The best example of this is the legend of an exclusive group of Arab killers who spiritually consumed hash and were labeled “hashasheen,” which in Arabic translates to “consumers of hash.” But hash (known as Charas) was genuinely embraced as a spiritual influencer in India, where it continues to “play an important and often integral role in the culture and rituals of certain sects of the Hindu religion.”

Hash’s history in the western world, however, is more juvenile, believed to have arrived in Europe during the 18th century. As the therapeutic benefits began to emerge, hash gained popularity reaching its peak in the late 1800s. It was commonly used to treat pain, asthma, insomnia, and migraines but eventually lost support as more specific and reliable medicines were introduced. In the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, hash and many other drugs were internationally banned. Hash is a cannabis derivative and therefore continues to be listed as a Schedule 1 Drug.

How is hash made?

Dry Sift

Charas, very simply, is made by “rubbing the flowering plant between two hands and then forming the sticky resins into a small ball,” this is also referred to as finger hash. While this is one method of making ‘hash,’ there are many more efficient and refined ways.

Dry sifting is the separation of resin glands from the plant using mesh screens. Kief, the material commonly found in the bottom of grinders with “kief” catchers, is the crudest form of dry sift. Dry sifting techniques can produce a clean hash of incredible quality and exquisite taste, sometimes resembling caviar.

Ice water hash extraction

Because trichome heads become brittle and break off the trichome stalk at cooler temperatures, extractors begin by placing the plant product (usually trim or in unique cases the whole flower) in a tub of ice. This step is followed by manual or mechanical agitation; from stirring with a spatula to using washing machines and industrial mixers, this step can be performed in many ways. The agitation helps increase the surface area of the flower available to the ice, improving the overall yield. As the ice melts, the trichomes are collected in the water (a heterogeneous mixture), which can often produce caramel-colored liquid. The trichome water mixture is then run through a series of filters or “bubble bags” to remove excess plant matter. Experienced hash makers understand the art of capturing the best trichomes using different-sized bags. The remaining “concentrate” is removed and dried. Various techniques are used to dry hash, but the overall idea is the same.

An extra step can be made; by applying heat and pressure to the dried hash it can be formed into a pressed, pliable, taffy-like material. This technique produces “melt hash” or “bubble” hash, which iconically melts near a flame. With more pressure and heat, you can also produce rosin using a unique filter. The goal is to extract the oils inside the trichome heads while filtering out the cell membrane. Rosin is considered the purest form of solventless extraction; however, it is difficult to obtain in sufficient yield, and this issue is evident in its price.

How is it used?

The most popular form of hash consumption, especially in Europe and Northern Africa, is by rolling hash in joints mixed with tobacco or some cannabis. Hash can also be “sprinkled” on top of a bowl or pipe, giving that extra punch to each hit. Many different hash-specific consumption devices have also been invented, from hash pipes, chillums, and electronic pens. There is a myriad of ways to inhale hash (high-quality hash can also be dabbed). Alternatively, hash oil or butter is frequently used in cannabis cooking and tinctures.

How to determine hash quality?

A good indicator of hash quality is a combination of look and feel. While hash colors can range from “blonde” to oily black, if the hash is too green (an indicator of excess plant material) or if the hash is grey or milky white (a sign of mold), you can quickly tell if its poor quality. The second method is by feeling the hash. Whether in powder or pressed form, high THC hash is sticky to the touch and tends to melt when placed near a flame (as the trichome heads release their components and essential oils). If the hash burns instead of melts, you are probably dealing with a low-quality product. In terms of smell, good hash on its own has a more subdued aromatic scent. A stronger, more district smell is obtained after the hash is “melted,” and the oils are released.

How to store hash?

Storing hash is very similar to storing cannabis with a few caveats. It is essential to properly control temperature, light, and air exposure to retain the integrity of the hash (not much different than cannabis). However, because some hash can be extremely sticky and oily to the touch, it can be beneficial to keep it in a colder area such as a fridge. It might also be prudent to place the hash on parchment paper or rosin sheets before being stored in an airtight container. If you are dealing with extremely sticky hash, you can lose a good portion to the sides of the container.

What’s the difference between Marijuana and Hash?

As mentioned earlier hash is simply a concentrated and purified form of marijuana. It has all the therapeutic components of cannabis and, thus, similar therapeutic effects (treating pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, etc.). THC levels in hash can range from 30–80% (vs. 15–30% in the whole flower) depending on the starting material and extraction method. This also translates to higher levels of terpenes and other cannabinoids. While many users claim that hash has a “clearer” more functional head high, the overall effect will depend on the original cannabinoid and terpene profile of the flower used for extraction. The most notable difference, however (besides the added potency) is the smooth and flavorful taste associated with smoking hash.

The future of Hash and Cannabis

While hash has a long history, its future is even brighter. As more consumers become educated and regulations regarding cannabis change, more and more people will turn to hash for their medicinal or recreational needs. Since legalization, concentrates shares have seen tremendous growth, and the number of products and methods of consumption has skyrocketed. Cannabis tourism has allowed the international community to influence the demand for hash. Edibles, which are primarily made from extracts, have grown in popularity and types. Tinctures that commonly use hash oil have seen similar growth. And dozens of other forms of solventless extracts (rosins, isolates, and sauces) are all extended expressions of hash. So if you are looking to mix up your regular cannabis routine, impress your foreign friends or find relief in a different form, try hash. It is available in almost every legal dispensary and is easy to use.

Ginja Club
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