Cannabis 101: The Different Types of Hash

There are so many different types of hash – and with so many options thrown at you, deciding which type of hash is best for you might be a bit difficult. Fear not, as we’re here to break it all down for you. 

Hash is one of the hidden treasures of the cannabis world, it allows us to enjoy a more refined and comprehensive experience with our favorite bud, so it would be a shame if you don’t at least get your feet wet. From the ancient finger hash to the more modern bubble hash, a multitude of different hash creations have risen from the dirt thanks to modern technology.

Unfamiliar with the different kinds of hash? Not to worry, that’s what we’re here for. Stick around and we’ll go over all of the basics that you’ll need to know to get you started.

Where Does Hash Come From?

First things first, all hash has to come from something right? That something is called kief. Kief is known as the bulbous resin glands that are found on the surface of cannabis flowers. They’re golden in colour with a crystalline structure and a cannabinoid composition that can get you incredibly elevated.

So how do you even get kief? 

It’s simple, all you need to do is grind your weed using a three-chamber grinder or something similar. It might take a little while to get enough to make some hash, but it’s effortless and doesn’t take up any additional time. 

When you grind your kief, bits of the trichomes will fall off of your bud due to the constant friction. Using a grinder with a kief net (used to catch kief), you can easily accumulate kief over time by just using your grinder. 

Once kief is extracted, you apply heat and pressure to form it into a soft, dough-like texture mass. There are many ways to go about doing this, and some are more effective than others. Here are some of the most tried-and-true methods of making the different types of hash! 

The Different Types of Hash

Thus said, hash comes in a variety of different shapes and forms and there are two main categories of hash. Here is a list to help you figure out which one is best for you!

Solventless Hash Methods

Finger hash

One of the oldest ways to refine cannabis, finger hash requires no equipment or technology at all. For this ancient method originating in India, all that’s required are two hands and a good amount of kief.

To start, finger hash is made by using friction to release the trichomes and resin from dried cannabis. Using the palms of the hands and the thumbs, hash makers would be able to accumulate the rich and sticky resin from the bud and collect it in moderate quantities. This method has proven to take a while to complete as a few hours of rubbing may yield anywhere between 1-3 grams of hash depending on skill level.

Finger hash usually takes on a dark appearance with a spongy texture. Many people describe this type of hash to be especially fragrant or aromatic.

Bubble hash

An incredibly popular and high yielding method to create the hash, bubble hash is considered a step up from finger hash. Relatively easy to make, the only things required to make bubble hash are water, ice, and bubble bags.

Hash makers simply fill the bubble bags up with dried cannabis and agitate it in an ice water bath. The cold temperatures make the dried resin and trichomes to become a bit more brittle, allowing them to separate and fall right off of the bud. After, the plant material slurry is filtered and separated from the trichomes through the use of multiple fine sieves or micron bags.

If filtered correctly, the result is a nice clean solvent-free hash with a crisp and clean taste.

Marijuana rosin

Another solventless method to make hash. To create rosin, hash makers utilize heat to separate specific compounds from the rest of the plant. Mainly the resinous trichomes.

Making rosin is simple and can be done at home with relative ease. The dried bud is simply wrapped in some parchment paper and then heated with a tool such as a hair straightener. 

The hot plates making contact with the parchment paper won’t cause combustion and will heat the wrapped bud, causing the oil to separate and absorb by the parchment paper. Once cooled, the oil will resemble a golden wax-like substance and will be removed from the paper.

Rosins are known to be terpene-rich vessels bursting with intense flavor. Perfect for those who enjoy the full range of cannabis flavors.

Solvent Based Hash Methods

Hash oil

Here we move into the solvent-based territory. To make hash oil, aka honey oil, producers use a solvent such as isopropyl alcohol or acetone to extract and separate the THC compounds from the flower. And then move on to evaporate the remaining solvent, leaving a potent waxy mixture with a golden honey-like hue. 

It’s important to note that hash oils containing an alcoholic or chemical smell should be avoided as that is a solid indicator that the solvents were not properly removed from the mixture.

Hash oil is quite versatile of a product and can be used to cook edibles, vaporized in a dab rig, or even smoked with cannabis. Hash oils are an easy reach for those who like a little bit of an extra kick to their high.

CO2 Extracted Cannabis Distillates

Popularized as the sportscar of cannabis distillates, CO2 extracted hash products take cannabis refinement to new heights, with some products achieving a groundbreaking 99% cannabinoid concentration. 

This extraction method is known to be quite complicated but also extremely efficient and precise as it accounts for the different boiling points of the key cannabinoids in the bud at hand.

CO2 extracted cannabis distillates share a similar appearance to Hash oils, also sporting a golden honey-like hue with a similar texture. Distillate can be used in the same manner as hash oil, so edibles, vaporization, and smoking are all an option. 

This type of distillate is by far the most potent of them all and it is made for the most experienced cannabis users.

Types of Hash – In Conclusion

With all these different types of hash from around the world, it can be hard to make the right choice. If you can’t decide what you’re interested in, don’t be shy to try them all out! 

For those fascinated by the history of ancient cannabis producers, Indian Charas (also known as finger hash) is a great option. For a cleaner and crisper taste at a better price point, you can’t go wrong with bubble hash! And Marijuana rosin would be a perfect choice for those who are looking to enjoy a full range of cannabis flavors. 

If you find yourself a fan of solvent-based products with whopping cannabinoid concentrations, hash oil (also known as honey oil) and CO2 extracted cannabis distillates might be great options for you. 

Hash has been a delicacy in many cannabis communities for generations, you owe it to yourself to experience its greatness as well! As always, happy trails.