What is Hash and How to Make It at Home?

Walk in the mountains of the Himalayas and you'll come across acres of cannabis farms — all illegal — but it's a cultural thing there and largely an accepted form of recreation and medicine. In this region, you'll find a few types of cannabis products, including the good ol' buds and a funky black ball called charas. 

Charas is a type of cannabis concentrate that dates back centuries and has been used in Central Asia for centuries, and it has now become a popular cannabis product worldwide. But you may know it as something else: hash. 

Hash or hashish is quickly becoming the go-to choice for cannabis connoisseurs for the experience it offers. Generally, the flavors are purer and the high is cleaner, which is why everyone gets attracted to hash. So what exactly is hash and how is it made?

In this article, we dive into what hash is and its various types, along with how to identify high-quality hash and even make your hash at home using some nifty methods. Here is everything you need to know about hash.

What is Hash and Where Does It Come From?

Hash or hashish is a type of cannabis concentrate that's made from dried resins or trichomes from the buds of female plants. Depending on the type of hash being produced, it can be made by rubbing the hands on the buds, by machines, or by submerging buds in icy water to remove the trichomes from the buds. 

Once the resin is collected, it is then pressed together to create a ball or a cube, which can then be smoked or vaped, depending on your preferences. And this hash is quite potent compared to regular cannabis buds or some other concentrates since it is only packed with trichomes, not other plant compounds or materials. 

But where does hash come from? Well, hash has a long history and is probably the oldest form of cannabis concentrate. While experts aren't really sure where it comes from, hash is believed to have originated in Afghanistan, although some experts claim it originated in India or Nepal. 

In fact, India and Nepal have the largest hash consumption base, which is known as charas. And this charas is not only used for recreational purposes but also medicinal purposes and religious rituals. Charas has a long history of use in the Himalayas, so only a time machine can tell us for sure whether it came from Afghanistan, India, or Nepal. 

But that wasn't the only region hash was produced in the past. Ancient texts from the Middle East also include several mentions of hashish, especially The Arabian Nights, a folk tale collection. Etymologically speaking, the word hashish originates from Arabic and translates to dry herb or powdered hemp leaves. 

When the trade routes were established between Asia and Europe, the Western world was introduced to cannabis, and along with it, hash. France even became a major hash-consuming market in the 19th century, and one of the prominent spots was the Club des Hashischins, which was host to various guests like Charles Baudelaire, Victor Hugo, and Alexandre Dumas. 

The US was first introduced to cannabis and hash in the early 20th century, and according to experts, it was brought to the shores via fleeing Mexican Revolution immigrants in the early 20th century. 

What are the Types of Hash Available Today?

Hash has a long history but was largely localized and produced in more-or-less the same manner, but in recent decades, expert growers have figured out how to produce hash more effectively. This has given rise to various types of hash you can buy today, which are as follows. 

1. Hand Rubbed Hash or Charas

Hand-rubbed hash, or as it is called in India and Nepal, charas is the oldest method of hash production. Here, the growers collect the trichomes from the buds by rubbing the flowers between their hands. The friction and heat dislodge the trichomes and make them stick to the hands. 

Once their hands are covered in black resin, the growers then scrape it and shape it into tiny resin balls. Thanks to this method, charas has a very smooth and somewhat sticky structure. And charas is often black on the outside and brown on the inside with some green traces here and there. 

2. Dry Sift Hash 

The next most popular type of hash is dry sift hash, which is also known as dry-sieve hash. This product is produced by shaking or rubbing dried cannabis buds over a fine-mesh screen, to collect the trichomes. This powdery resin is then collected into a container and pressed together to produce dry sift hash — this is essentially kief. 

Nowadays, this process is made even easier with the help of hash shakers or grinders, which extract dry sift hash in a tray. Outside of Central Asia, dry sift hash is the most popular cannabis concentrate on the market. 

3. Bubble Hash 

Bubble hash has many names, including water hash and ice-o-later, and this method uses water and ice to separate the resin from the cannabis buds. This product is called bubble hash as it tends to bubble a bit when dabbed. 

Bubble hash is created by submerging cannabis buds in cold, icy water and swirling them, and the trichomes are then filtered out using a fine sieve. And since this method does not use any chemicals (or sweaty hands), it is healthy and free of contaminants. 

4. BHO

BHO is hash oil that's made using butane gas, which makes it the most complex and risky process of hash production. However, the product is usually of a much higher quality compared to other hash varieties. 

This method uses butane in liquid form to extract resin from the buds, which are then collected, and the gas is allowed to evaporate. Any residual gas is removed using a vacuum oven in a process called purging.

This method uses butane gas and involves a risky process. Moreover, no one likes smoking butane gas even in trace amounts, so it's not very popular. 

How to Identify High-Quality Hash?

If you're purchasing hash from a dispensary, you will come across a ton of varieties in all price ranges. But which one should you buy? One that's high quality. Fortunately, identifying high quality is easy, and here's how you can do that. 

1. Smell It

The first thing you must do to identify high-quality hash is to take a sniff of it. Remember, as Gandalf said, “When in doubt, always follow your nose.” That applies here, too. Sure, not every dispensary will let you take a sniff of their products, but it's worth a try. 

High-quality hash should smell aromatic and fragrant, but be wary if it smells musty or moldy. Additionally, avoid hash that gives off a plastic or chemical smell — it's an indication of contamination or potentially harmful cutting agents. 

2. Check the Color 

The next thing you can check is the color of the hash. But do note that the color can vary, depending on which type of hash you are looking at, ranging from blonde to amber and brown to black. 

As a general rule of thumb, the hand-rubbed hash should be dark brown or black on the outside and light brown on the inside, and small flecks of green are acceptable. As for dry-sift hash, it should be light and sandy with a crumbly texture. And hash of Lebanese origin should be darker and a bit redder in color. 

In any case, if the hash is too green, it contains a lot of plant material and chlorophyll and may not be of the best quality. 

3. Check the Texture 

Next, you need to check the texture of the hash, but this may only be possible if you have already purchased the product. In general, high-quality hash should not be runny — if it is, it has a high water content. At the same time, it shouldn't be so firm that it's hard to break apart. 

Good hash is generally pliable while being a bit sticky. And once it gets a bit warm, it should be even more easy to handle. Also, the hash should not be overly sticky — it could indicate that additional oils have been added to increase its weight and is a sign of low-quality stuff. 

4. Ask for Purity

One surefire way to identify high-quality hash is to ask for a lab test report from the supplier. Not every supplier will have this, especially small-time ones, but a few do have them. This report will tell you the concentration of various compounds in the hash, including trichomes, heavy metals, and other potential chemicals. 

5. Smoke It 

The next thing to check is how it tastes when you smoke it. This depends on the strain used for making hash, but in general, high-quality hash should be flavorful with no chlorophyll or chemical taste. Depending on the metabolite profile of the buds used, the hash should have hints of pine, citrus, skunk, fruit, berries, pepper, etc. If it tastes bitter or harsh or produces a very chemical flavor, it is likely low quality. 

6. Conduct a Bubble Test

One of the most reliable ways to test hash quality is via the bubble test. Here, you simply have to add a flame to a tiny piece of hash. If the resin noticeably boils, it is of high quality. However, if it catches fire instantly and burns with a clean flame, it is of even better quality. But if the hash turns black after it burns, it could indicate the presence of chemicals within. 

On the other hand, if the product does not bubble at all, it could be of low quality or contain a lot of plant material. Similarly, it shouldn't bubble like soap, that's a sign of oil adulteration. The latter is common in some markets where hash can be adulterated with a range of chemicals and oils. 

How to Choose Cannabis Strains To Make Hash

Selecting the right cannabis strain is important if you want to create the best top-notch hash. This is because cannabis contains various cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes that significantly influence the characteristics and strength of the hash you want to produce. Here's why strain selection matters. Keep this in mind and you'll never end up with hash that's less potent than you desire:

1. Terpene Profile

The terpenes determine the flavor and aroma of the hash. Although they don't produce a psychotropic effect on their own, they enhance the effects of the cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. Strains with strong terpene profiles will produce tasty and aromatic hash. 

2. Cannabinoid Content

The hash can be extremely fragrant, but what good will it do if you're looking for potent hash? That's why cannabinoids are important. And, this is also why you should take a good look at the cannabinoid content of the seeds you're purchasing. Many seed banks now also offer lab tests that tell you exactly what you need to know. 

Remember that various strains contain various concentrations when it comes to cannabinoids. Thus, if you choose potent strains, you will end up with hash that's super strong as you'll be left with a concentrate. You can also choose strains containing balanced proportions of CBD and THC to make a concentrate that doesn't get you too high. 

3. Resin Production

Next, you need to search for strains that produce oodles of resin, or the sticky substance present on the buds. These glands also contain terpenes and cannabinoids we need for producing hash, so they are very important, especially when you have concentrates in mind. Some cannabis strains naturally produce more resin, so you can choose them.

4. Strain Type

Cannabis has three types, namely indica, sativa, and hybrids which are combinations of indicas and sativas. While indicas are known for their relaxing effects, sativas can make you a tad energetic. Basically, choose indicas if you want some hash that allows you to rest well and relax, and go for sativas if you want to focus on getting some work done. 

5. Popular Hash Strains

Certain strains have gained a reputation for producing high-quality hash due to their profiles. Examples include Afghan Kush, which is famous for being used to make hash and provide a sedative, relaxing experience. 

The next one would be OG Kush, which is another popular hybrid strain used to make hash. You can also try experimenting with other strains like Amnesia Haze which produces an energetic high. 

Ultimately, the choice of choosing a strain to make hash depends on only you. This is because people have varying choices when it comes to the potency and the effects they desire. Whatever the case, make sure you read the description provided by seed banks carefully. If you're purchasing hash from a dispensary, you'll have a lot more information regarding the potency and origins. 

How to Make Hash at Home?

One way to ensure you have high-quality hash on your hands is to make it yourself. Yep, if the farmers in the middle of nowhere of the Himalayas can make it with their hands, you can surely make hash at home with ease! Plus, even if you mess up the process, you will have no one to blame but yourself and you won't waste a lot of money, either. 

Here are some of the most common ways of making hash at home. 

1. Dry Sift Hash

Dry sift hash is fairly easy to make at home and for this, you only need a few basic products. For starters, you need different-sized micron screens, which often come as a boxed set — the screens are stacked on top of each other and the sizes get smaller as you move downward. At the bottom, you need a tray to catch the sifted resin. 

Follow these steps to make dry sift hash at home:

1. Use a stiff card to brush your cannabis buds on the first screen on the top — do this until you no longer see resin falling from the screen 
2. Then, move to a smaller screen and follow the same process — do this until you have reached the last screen 
3. The tray at the bottom will have collected all the kief, which you can then collect and roll up into small balls

2. Bubble Hash 

The next common method of producing hash in the West is the bubble hash method, where you have to use ice, water, and silk screen filters. This type of hash gets its name from the way the hash melts instead of burning and is generally considered to be very high quality. 

Bubble hash is also the base that creates live rosin, which is one of the highest quality cannabis concentrates you can buy today — also very expensive and hard to find! 

For making bubble hash, you'll need cannabis buds, a bucket, a bubble bag to fit in it, and a large spoon. Follow these steps to make bubble hash at home:

1. Fill the bucket with the smallest micron filter you have and continue adding more screens on top, going from the smallest to the largest — the largest should be on the top 
2. Cover the bottom of the bucket with ice (above the screen) and alternate between a layer of ice and buds until you reach the brim of the bucket; ensure the top layer is ice, not buds
3. Allow the water to sit for a while so it gets chilled with ice and then start slowly stirring the mixture — it will get easier as the ice melts — stir for 15 minutes 
4. Then, start straining the liquid by lifting one micron screen after the other

As you filter smaller and smaller screens, you'll be left with a purer hash. Once you've drained everything, fold each screen and allow the hash to pile up, and then use a spoon to scoop up all the hash. You can even keep the hash separated based on the micron size filter you extract it from — it's a great way to explore the full spectrum the strain has to offer. 

3. Shoe Hash

Bubble hash and sifted hash are excellent products, but what if you don't have that much time on hand? In that case, you can make shoe hash! This method is as ridiculous as it sounds but it works surprisingly well, and you don't have to dedicate a lot of time to it either. 

Here, all you have to do is place around 5 grams of kief in tightly wrapped parchment paper, wrap it up, and use a piece of tape to keep it from unfolding. Then, use a needle to punch a hole through it so the trapped air can escape. And in any case, do not use plastic as it makes the process a whole lot messier. 

Then, place the package within your shoe — boots work better here over soft-soled sneakers. Then, wear your shoes and take a walk for around 15 minutes. The weight of your body and body heat will help dislodge the trichomes from the buds. Then, remove the package, unwrap it, and scoop up all the hash stuck on it. 

4. Hot Water Bottle Hash 

Another easy method to produce hash at home is using the hot water bottle method, but instead of your feet and body heat, you use a bottle full of hot water. 

To make hash using the hot water bottle method, place some cannabis resin or kief on parchment paper and fold it in half. Then, add boiling water to a relatively straight wine bottle and allow the water to cool down for a few minutes. 

Then, place the bottle on the folded parchment paper and let it sit for half a minute — you'll notice the resin darkening in color. Then, roll the bottle over the paper with gentle pressure, and the resin will start melting. Don't forget to do this on the other side of the paper as well. 

Finally, open up the parchment paper. The resin should now look sticky and flattened — like a flatbread — but you can always give it another go. Then, scrape up the resin and fold it into small balls. Your hot water bottle hash is ready.

These are some excellent ways of producing hash at home, but they aren't the only ones. You can always use any one of the many ways of making hash at home, but it is recommended that you avoid BHO hash. The BHO extraction is dangerous and you're just as likely to light your finger on fire while making it as you are while lighting a joint. It's best to be avoided. 

Tips for Making Quality Hash

To create the best hash, you have to pay attention to the details and follow certain practices. Here's how you can hope to make some good hash:

1. Starting Material

The quality of the buds or trim you use is very important. You can't expect to make high-quality hash if you use low-quality buds, period. Therefore, opt for higher quality buds with generous amounts of resin since they tend to yield more and produce good quality. If you don't see too many trichomes in a bud or if it's too dry, it's probably best to choose something else to make hash. 

2. Trichome Maturity

Ensure that you harvest the plant at the right time. Of course, you can't do this if you're buying buds from a dispensary. However, if you're growing on your own, ensure that the trichomes are mature, meaning they should be milky or amber in color when you harvest them. If you harvest too early or too late, it can impact the effects of the plant and you may not enjoy your hash.

3. Environmental Conditions 

Environmental conditions like humidity and temperature play a role in making hash. Make sure you work in a cool and dry area to preserve the trichome integrity and prevent the hash from becoming overly sticky or difficult to handle.

4. Method to Make Hash

There are several methods for making hash such as hand rolling, using screens, or ice water extraction. Each method has its nuances, so it's important to understand them and choose one that suits your preferences and equipment as it can greatly influence the product. For instance, if you're using a sifting method, pay attention to the size of screens used during the process. Finer screens allow for higher quality kief collection while larger ones may let impurities through.

5. Use Clean Equipment

This seems obvious but many people are typically so excited to make hash that they don't bother to clean their equipment properly. Cleanliness is crucial when making hash. Using equipment that hasn't been properly cleaned between batches can contaminate your hash and also compromise its quality.  

How to Use Hash?

Traditionally, hash is often smoked in a pipe or a bong, but you can always add it to a joint or a vape if you want. If you're adding it to a joint, don't roll the joint with only hash — you'll see the heavenly father right before your eyes — instead, mix a bit of crushed hash with tobacco or a complementary cannabis strain. 

If you want, you can also brew hash in tea or add it to your food, but you'll have to decarb it first. If you ask us, the best way to consume hash is using a vape. This is smokeless and odor-free and tends to give out the best flavors and aromas of hash. 

Do note that hash can be considerably more potent than regular cannabis, so be cautious while consuming it for the first time. Try to figure out how much THC it contains and, as always, start with a low dose and build your way up to your comfort level. High-quality hash can contain as much as 80% THC, so that's not something you should take lightly.

How To Store Hash To Preserve Its Freshness

Storage and preservation play a role in maintaining the quality, flavor, and potency of hash over an extended period. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Container Selection

Opt for airtight containers when storing hash. Any container that minimizes air exposure and limits light is perfect for storing hash and preserving its freshness for a long time. You can go for mason jars or any glass jars with rubber seals. Silicone air-tight containers will work as well. 

In addition, store your hash in a dark place as exposure to heat can melt the hash and you may also notice changes in its consistency. Next, light can gradually degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, so make sure your containers are opaque. Or, wrap your containers with tape or parchment paper.  

2. Handling and Storage

Proper handling and storage are crucial after you produce hash. Do not handle your hash excessively with your hands (please wear gloves!) as it can melt and degrade the hash. 

3. Low Humidity

Just like you'd store your cannabis buds in dry containers, you need to treat your hash the same. Controlling humidity is essential as excessive moisture can encourage mold and degrade the hash. To maintain consistent humidity levels, add silica packets or humidity control packs to the storage container.

4. Individual Portioning

If you have lots of hash to store (what a problem to have!), don't store all of it in one container. Instead, divide it into smaller portions and store them in separate containers. This way, you won't have to open the main container every time you want to enjoy some hash. 

5. Freezing

Adding to the previous point, you will need to adopt some extra measures if you have lots of hash. In this case, you can freeze the hash so it remains fresh for long periods. However, make sure the hash is completely dry before freezing to avoid mold. 

A Note on Responsible Consumption

Be responsible when consuming hash as it's a concentrate. If you cannot smoke high-THC cannabis buds, you probably won't like hash too much. This is crucial, especially if you're a beginner. In any case, start with small doses and increase it as you go. You will know more once you understand how your body reacts to it. 

Also, remember that different batches of hash can have varying cannabinoid concentrations. So, while one batch may not affect you much, another batch can make you really high. If you've bought your hash from a dispensary, read the label thoroughly to understand the cannabinoid content. The same goes even for CBD hash. 

While most people smoke hash by mixing it with regular weed or sprinkling it on a joint, some choose to mix it into edibles. While this is a sure-fire way to get stoned beyond expectations, be cautious if you're doing it for the first time. This is because edibles hit differently and are much stronger than smoking cannabis. 

In addition, the effects of smoking or vaping cannabis last for 30 minutes to an hour, but the effects of edibles last way longer, depending on how much you've consumed. Thus, even if you eat a cookie or brownie infused with cannabis, wait for at least an hour before consuming another. 

Next, avoid mixing various substances such as hash and alcohol. The same applies even for prescription medications because we can never be sure about how they react. 

Finally, remember that your tolerance levels play a huge role. This is why cannabis in general affects everyone differently. If you take some of these precautions, you're guaranteed to have a good time. 

Summary: What is Hash and How to Make It at Home?

Whatever the debate — whether it originated in the Middle East or the Himalayan mountains — everyone can agree on one thing: hash is terrific. Once you smoke hash, you will never go back to regular cannabis buds. 

Hash is a cannabis concentrate made by extracting the trichomes and pressing them together, and is a purer form of cannabis. It lacks chlorophyll and unnecessary plant material, which can push its potency levels up to 80% — that's highly potent. 

But when you purchase hash, make sure to inspect it properly, try to get a sniff of it, and if possible, ask for a batch test result from the supplier. If it meets your standards and general quality expectations, don't hesitate to splurge on this excellent cannabis product. 

And if you've got some kief lying around at home, you can even make hash at home in a few easy steps. Follow the tips listed above to make hash at home by using ice, shoes, or a hot bottle of water.