What Is Hash and How Does It Relate to Cannabis?

PATRICK BENNETT

To understand what hashish is means to realize the duality that exists with the female cannabis Sativa plant. First, there is the physical structure of the plant itself, which is this rich fibrous leafy material complete with essential amino acids and a myriad of benefits. Second, you have the essence of the cannabis plant, otherwise known as trichomes, which are responsible for producing the aromatic terpenes and medicinal cannabinoids that facilitate our therapeutic experiences.

Hashish is the moment at which the essence of cannabis (the trichomes) parts ways with the plant material itself. This is achieved when the ripe and resinous gland heads that line the surface of female cannabis plants are separated and collected. Processes to achieve resin separation have been practiced for centuries; however, the rapid rise of cannabis legalization in the western world has brought new methods in hash preparation that are sweeping legal markets by storm.

Where Does Hash Originally Come From?

Origins of hash (or hashish)

The word “hashish” originates from the Arabic language, roughly translating to mean “grass.” It is believed that the popularization of hash originated around A.D. 900, although some argue methods such as “charas,” or the collection of resin from the hands of cannabis farmers, are believed to have existed prior to written documentation.

As a result of early European exploration into Africa, hashish made its appearance in the western world at the turn of the 19th century. For years, European doctors imported hashish to conduct research, which led to the introduction of various extraction methods that allowed for further refinement into medications.

By the turn of the 20th century, cannabis extractions were accounting for a large majority of western pharmacopeia. It wasn’t until U.S. prohibition in the early 20th century that hashish products were eradicated from western medicine and pushed back into the black market.

Different Types of Hash

Brick of weed hash (or hashish)

With the reemergence of cannabis enthusiasm culminating in the 1960’s, hashish found its way back into the limelight. Countries such as Nepal, Afghanistan, and Morocco saw an increase of hashish exportation into western countries as a result of cannabis interest hitting the mainstream for western tourists. At this time the varieties of hash being imported were old world varieties, mainly hard-pressed, brick-like solids made from heat and pressure.

It wasn’t until the late 1980’s when gland separation was introduced to the west through a machine called the “master sifter.” According to Ed Rosenthal and his book Beyond Buds, this breakthrough machine by John Gallardi used vibration to separate the gland heads from the plant material.

How Do You Smoke Hash?

Smoking hash (or hashish)

Hash may be used in a number of ways. Traditionally, hash has been consumed orally, either as a solid or infused into a beverage such as the traditional Indian drink bhang. Hash may also be smoked, either on its own or as a way to accompany traditional cannabis flowers.

Some varieties of hashish that have the ability to melt may also be vaporized on a hot surface, otherwise known as dabbing. When dabbing hashish, screens are often used due to the fact that some resins leave carbon residue and will not melt completely, or at all. On the other end of the spectrum are high-quality hash oils (not to be confused with solvent extracts) such as full melt dry sift and full melt ice water hash that have the ability to melt completely onto a nail, leaving zero residue.

When first learning how to use hash, consult with your budtender about the equipment you have at home to see what products are right for you. To get started with smoking or vaporizing hashish, you will need some sort of smoking contraption such as a pipe or dab rig, possibly a dabber tool and heating mechanism, depending on which route you take.

Always remember that hash effects will be much stronger than smoking cannabis as the concentration of cannabinoids is much greater. Hash oil potency can range from low 40% to over 80%, depending on factors such as extraction technique and quality of starting material.

The emergence of hashish into the canon of mainstream cannabis consumption speaks volumes about its enduring popularity. Today, hash products ranging from old world pressed varieties to full melt water hash are available in almost every market. With the rise of dabbing culture fueling a booming uptick in cannabis concentrates, hashish has secured its footing in the ever-changing climate of the cannabis industry.