November marks the arrival of our 7th annual Hashapalooza at Dockside! All month, we’re celebrating hash with unbeatable promos, exciting events, and blog posts that dive deep into the world of hash.
But first: what exactly is hash?
When you take a close look at cannabis flower, you’ll notice it’s covered in sparkling, crystal-like orbs called trichomes. These trichomes contain the compounds, like cannabinoids (CBD, THC) and terpenes, that give cannabis its effects. Hash is made by carefully separating these trichomes from the plant material—a process known as manual extraction (which differs from solvent extraction). There are a few different techniques that fit into this category all with the common idea that physical manipulation is the driver that separates the oils from the plant material. The most common methods are sifting and ice water.
Dry Sift Method: involves starting with the plant material which is then passed through a series of gradually finer screens until only the dusty looking kief remains. Most producers compress the kief into several small disk shapes making it easier to handle.
Ice Water Method: is done by taking the plant material and mixing it in a vat of ice and water. The cold temperature makes the trichomes brittle and the agitation causes them to easily separate. The water and excess plant material is then discarded, and the remaining hash is shaped into bricks or disks to dry out.
The short version: hash is simply the “good stuff” from the plant, minus the green parts.
Bubble hash, invented in the mid-90s, has a texture similar to brown sugar. To make it, cannabis flower is “washed” in ice water and then filtered through a series of fine screens. The icy water makes the trichomes brittle, allowing them to separate easily without mixing with the water (since trichomes are oil-based).
Bubble hash is often rated using a star system—the more stars, the purer and more refined the hash.
HOW TO USE BUBBLE HASH
Pipe or bong
Use the tip of a knife or a clean dab tool to scoop a bit of bubble hash from its container. Either sprinkle it between layers of flower, or warm it between your fingers and shape it into a small disk to place directly in your bowl.
Joint or blunt
Just sprinkle bubble hash over your flower before rolling. You can also warm it slightly and shape it into a “snake” that you roll into the joint with your flower (aim to keep it in the center for an even burn).
Cook it!
Bubble hash can also be used in edibles.
Make Moonrocks
Check out our blog for detailed instructions on crafting your own bubble hash Moonrocks!
DIY hash rosin
Feeling adventurous? You can make dabs from bubble hash with just a hair straightener and some parchment paper. Place a bit of bubble hash between two pieces of parchment, and press it in a hair straightener on a low heat setting for a few seconds. If you’re serious about rosin, you might consider rosin bags, micron screens, and pneumatic presses to get a higher yield and quality.
Whether you’re a hash aficionado or just curious to try something new, Hashapalooza is the perfect time to explore all that bubble hash has to offer. Join us this November and discover your new favorite way to enjoy cannabis!
