Q & A: Hash

How does a hash high feel?

The high that you may feel is always subjective and based upon your tolerance level. The euphoric effects will be determined by the mixture of cannabinoids and terpenes used to make the hash; the primary ingredient being kief (a trichome resin). For example, if a hash has increased levels of limonene, the hash will generally have a citrus name such as “Lemon Hash”. These hash types generally give the user a cerebral, uplifted type high. Hash produced of Indica-dominant strains usually include more myrcene, which is why it generates more of an elevated body high.

How long does a hash high last?

Hash is generally more mellow than cannabis flowers, so its high is shorter lasting. The hash-high length varies based upon two factors; how much you smoke, and your tolerance to THC. However, it is safe to say that a hash-high will last approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Unlike the fast-acting effects from smoking hash, the euphoria from a hash-infused edible does not take effect as quickly (anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes). More importantly, the high can last up to six hours.

How potent is hash?

Hash is more potent than standard cannabis flowers, because it contains the highest level of trichomes found in any cannabinoid-based product. The precise potency levels depend upon how the hash was produced, the flowers used, and the technique used to crest the kief (resin). For example, if you use flower with 20 percent THC, the hash created will offer a high twice as potent (30-50%). Think of hash as the cannabis concentrate.

How do you smoke hash?

There are several different ways to enjoy hash, below see the simplest and most common methods.

• Add hash to your cigarette; this method is incredibly popular is Europe. Smokers will hand roll a cigarette and sprinkle a little hash on top of their tobacco before sealing the wrap/paper.
• Use a vaporizer; vaping is becoming more common and less taboo. Vaporizers operate by heating the hash to temperatures which release the active compounds without combustion. Remember, hash is denser than cannabis flower, so a vape with temperature control should be used and set at approximately 190 ° C.

How to make hash from cannabis flower.

• Method #1: Hand Roll

Hand rolling is the easiest process but requires the most research. In some areas of Nepal and India, this old method is still used, and the key is to roll the cannabis “buds” in your palm until your hands become sticky. Make sure your movements are smooth to prevent putting excessive stress on the cannabis flower. You will begin to see a dense dark layer of resin covering your palms and fingers after 10-15 minutes. The next step is to scrap the residue with a hard-surfaced object from your hands. You can use a hard plastic with a straight edge or a blade, just make sure it is not too sharp. Once the resin has been separated from your hands, form it into a ball or roll that can readily be placed in your joint or blunt.

• Method #2: Heated Press

This method is a bit more complicated, but fortunately this technique does not require tools that are out of the ordinary. Once you have collected useful amount of cannabis resin; place the kief in cellophane and make sure it is waterproof. Wrap the cellophane in moist baking sheets so that direct exposure to heat does not damage the package. Place your wrapped kief in a preheated oven (160 ° C) for 10 minutes. Use heat protectant gloves to remove the hot package from the oven; place on a heat safe surface. Press and spread your kief with a rolling pin. Re-fold and re-roll the kief several times until it produces a smooth, even hash. Place your DIY hash in the refrigerator to cool overnight. If you try either of these methods or have other techniques that you would like to share, send us a quick note. We just might give you a shout out in the next edition.

Until next time, stay irie friends!