Hash, or hashish, is a cannabis concentrate that has existed for centuries in all corners of the world, and with plant hybridization and evolution, strains of hash have multiplied by leaps and bounds. Today, the most difficult part of being a fan of hash isn’t in acquiring it, and it’s in choosing which type to purchase for toking pleasure.
Not all hash products are the same. There are some similar variations, but depending on the flower, the cultivation technics, and even the fertilizer used to feed the cannabis plant, the difference can be night and day. Even down to the flavours, consistencies, and the effect can be wildly contrary from one to another. That is why hash is so popular. It is predictably unpredictable.
What is Hash?
Hash comes from the cannabis plant, but hash is a concentrate made with trichomes, unlike buds. Trichomes, or kief, are crystal resin particles packed with THC. They are small but densely psychotropic. Simply put, you get hash when large amounts of kief are compressed into one solid mass. Different hash types are processed in other ways, but they all lead back to compressed kief.
Because hash is so heavily concentrated with THC, the effects are potent and almost immediate. It is often incredibly flavorful as opposed to the traditional marijuana leaves, it has a pleasant smell, and can be blended easily into things like baked goods or homemade candies. The THC has medicinal values used often to alleviate pain and improve blood flow. There are now hash gummies that work for ED.
How to Make Hash
It doesn’t take a degree in chemistry to make a solid mound of hash, but it does take a little work and the right tools. Of course, it all starts with bud. And the type of bud will be a large factor in the hash you create. You will also need a weed grinder that has the right layers for taking the bud down to almost a fine powder. And finally, and this is where you can get creative, you either need some parchment paper or a freeze dryer.
For the easiest process of doing this at home, follow these steps:
Step 1. Take your marijuana buds apart by hand and place the smaller nugs in the grinder.
Step 2. Twist the grinder until all the nugs are chewed down to their smallest morsels and the kief has been scattered to the base of the grinder. The kief will be largely separate as the larger parts of the bud will stay in the tray above.
Step 3. Carefully and completely, scrape out the remnants at the bottom of the grinder, most of which will be kief but anything else within is ok to add to your hash mound.
Step 4. (And this is where you can take some liberties) Put the kief on dry non-stick paper or in a bag for freeze drying.
Step 5. If freeze drying, let the process complete and it will compress on its own, although if you wish to help it by manually rolling the kief, no worries. For non-stick paper, roll it with your fingers, blending it together and compressing it into a single mass.
Step 6. Continue until you have a hash mass that is to your liking. Depending on the use, it can be a lengthy process or a simple one.
Hash will solidify best if formed into a square. And moisture can help the shaping of the hash brick but will need to be dried before use. Again, a freeze dryer, hair dryer, or even leaving in a warm dry place will do.
Types of Hash
With its storied history, many types of hash have popped up and more with new innovations in the cultivation, blending, and strains of weed plants.
There are truly too many to go into, but a few might sound familiar to a consummate hash connoisseur:
Dry sift Hash: Typically, the name for hash grinded and formed in homemade ways.
Bubble Hash: Mechanically formed and has a smooth flavour with a high yield.
Afghan Hash: Anyone who knows even a little about hash has heard of afghani hash, made from plants only native to Afghanistan and known for its fragrance and taste
Nepali Hash: From Nepal, this hash is cultivated by machines and crews that help sort, collect, and compress the strain. It is rolled into a ball and has a fruity flavour and earthy aroma.
Blonde Hash: This Lebanese hash is known for its balance and smooth quality high.
Strawberry Kush: Sweet, strong, and well-rounded, strawberry kush hash has an artificial strawberry taste that is very potent with a THC concentration of around 23%
Mercedes Hash: This is another Afghani hash strain which is also known as “black hash.” The colour is due to the rich amount of trichomes in the blend and has a sticky texture.
Mazar I Sharif Hash: Recommended to be stored when not in use, this hash has a smooth texture, dark colour, and a very sedative effect. It is often used as a mood booster.
Where to Buy Hash
The best mail-order marijuana stores sell both buds as well as hash, but finding certain strains might be tricky. The highest quality, most expensive options are often out of range for standard cannabis vendors because the garden-variety customer cannot afford them. But, large enterprises will hedge their inventory with special options for the more discerning clientele.
If you are looking to buy hash, many vendors now will deliver them to your door. Stores like WeedSmart have a wonderful assortment to choose from. For tasty hash edibles, WeedSmart is your one-stop shop. And no list of hash vendors is complete without mentioning WeedSmart, which covers the gamut of hash needs, strains, and tools. YOu can even save big when you buy bulk hash online in Canada.
Conclusion
Since Canada legalized marijuana in 2018, the growing, cultivation, and manufacturing of all things marijuana has exploded into an entrepreneurial powerhouse. Just like the bud stores in the states, the populace has gone wild for hash products wherever they are sold for a myriad of reasons. Just remember, start slowly. Especially with edibles. The kick will be more than you might expect.
References
Drug Free. (2022). What Is Hashish. Available at: https://drugfree.org/drugs/what-is-hashish/
Bulk Weed. (2023, March 5). Buy Bulk Hash Online in Canada. Available at: https://bulkweedcanada.com/product-category/cannabis-concentrates/hash/
Holland, K. (2020, July 20). CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference? Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc
Cannabis Ontario. (2023, March 5). Find the best online cannabis dispensaries in Ontario. Available at: https://cannabisontario.net/mail-order-marijuana/
Buchanan, M. (2023, March 6). Turn Your Kief Into Hash With This 5-Step Guide. The Green Dorphin. Available at: https://greendorphin.com/turn-your-kief-into-hash-with-this-5-step-guide/
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