Hashish – A Complete Overview

One of the oldest forms of cannabis consumption is through something called hashish. While this substance gained popularity in America in the 80s, little is still known about how it’s made, where it comes from, and how it impacts the body.

Hashish, also known as hash, is a substance made from the resin of the cannabis plant. It’s typically consumed by smoking, though it can also be eaten. Hash has a range of effects, depending on its potency and how it’s consumed. While its use is illegal in many countries, hashish has been used for centuries for medicinal and recreational purposes.

What is Hashish?

Hashish, or hash, is an extract taken from cannabis and made into a ball or brick form. Making hash involves extracting the trichomes from the resinous glands on the plant’s surface.

The extraction is then processed until it is in a solid form. Hash is typically seen in a brown, red, or green color. One of the most fascinating facts about hashish is that it is an extraction that is carried out without solvents. This is why it is a concentrated form of the cannabis plant with a typically higher THC level.

Hash has been around for centuries, and the word originates from Arabic. The history of this product traces back to the Middle East and Asia, where hash was typically sieved and consumed. Its arrival in America in the 1980s resulted in a boom in interest in the item.

How Is Hashish Made?

As mentioned above, hashish is a concentrate derived from the cannabis plant. However, hash is not removed using a solvent. Instead, mechanical processes and temperature changes are used to extract the hash from the glands in the cannabis plant.

Hand-Rolling

When looking at how hash is made, hand rolling is the oldest method. This technique involves rolling the cannabis flowers in between the palms of the hand with force. 

This method is not exact, but it is the oldest way to extract the resin from cannabis plants. The hash left on the hands is then collected and compressed into shape. An example of the product made by hand-rolling cannabis flowers can be seen through nepalese hashish balls, also known as temple balls.

Dry Sieving

One of the first ways to make hash is to use a sieve or sifting method. The resin glands are removed mechanically from the cannabis flower using a screen. A fine screen is used, and the cannabis is either sifted, rubbed, rolled, or tumbled over the screen. 

This is usually done by periodically using finer and finer screens to refine the hash. In some cases, a mechanical drum is needed to carry out this process smoothly.

Rolling Into Shape

The process of dry sieving results in loose powder. While some people prefer to use powdered hash, Afghan hash is one kind of hashish that is rolled into shape. 

This process involves adding warm water to the resin powder and then kneading the hash. It is pulled, folded, and pushed into shape, causing it to change its color and form bricks or a ball. This is then packaged.

Bubble Ice

One other way to make hashish is to use the bubble ice method. The process uses a similar mechanical process: the iced water is stirred, and cannabis is added to it. 

Because of the cooler temperatures, the resinous glands will fall off and go into the water. The water is then passed through a mesh filter. This collects the resin glands. They are then air-dried and can be used. This process results in hashish in the form of a fine powder.

What Is the Difference Between Weed And Hash?

The biggest differences between weed and hash lie within the methods used to make each. As mentioned above, hashish is a concentration of the trichomes on the cannabis plant. However, weed is typically made using dried buds from the cannabis flower.

Because hashish is a concentration of the resin created from the plant, it contains a higher level of THC. While weed is often used as edibles, the hash is generally used via smoking. The hashish can be mixed and used in a pipe or a joint or smoked on its own.

What Are the Effects of Hash?

Hash has a similar effect on the body and mind as weed, as the two contain THC. However, because hashish is a more concentrated product, it can have a more intense impact. 

In general, using hash will result in a mellow high and is correlated to feelings such as euphoria, relaxation, and comfort. Depending on the strain used, there can also be other varying effects.

Hashish is also effective against pain, according to some studies, and may be used medicinally. Studies have found that the higher THC levels in hashish make it more effective against chronic pain, such as neuropathy.

While there are concerns about the consumption of hashish on the body, studies show that casual use has no link to adverse psychiatric reactions.

How Is Hash Consumed?

In most historical contexts, the hash is consumed through the oral method. This can either be done by infusing it into solid food or into a beverage. The best example of such consumption is bhang, a drink in India that infuses hashish into milk. 

However, that is not the only way that hashish is taken. Hash can also be smoked on its own or with a mixture of tobacco or other items. 

In some cases, it can be smoked through a pipe or bong, whereas in others, it is mixed into a joint. High-quality hash can also be dabbed, provided it can melt completely.

Final Thoughts

Hash is a cannabis concentrate that has been used for centuries and continues to be popular among cannabis enthusiasts. It can be made using various methods, including dry sieving and bubble ice, resulting in different forms, such as bricks or powder. 

When consumed, hashish can result in a more intense high due to its higher concentration of THC. It has also been found to be effective against chronic pain and is consumed orally or through smoking. Overall, hash offers an alternative way to consume cannabis and experience its effects.