What Is Hashish

Hashish (or hash) is a concentrated form of cannabis; produced by separating resin from cannabis flowers. Resin glands are also known as trichomes. On top of female flowers and sugar leaves, trichomes develop and contain the largest quantities of cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids are the active chemical compounds in cannabis that modulate our endocannabinoid system and generate a range of medicinal and psychoactive effects.

Origins of Hashish

The name hashish (brief hash) is derived from the Arabic word حشيش, which means grass. India’s northern region has a long history of consuming Charas, aka hash. In the past, cannabis (indica) grew wild in this region, so it is no surprise that natives found a way to integrate hash into their religious and medicinal practices. In the 10th century, hash was brought to the Arabian Peninsula from India, and at the start of the 18th century hashish made its way to Europe. During those times in history, prominent members of the high society facilitated the widespread use of hash in Europe, most notably the Club des Hashischins. Members of the prestigious club included several literary power players, namely Alexandre Dumas, Charles Baudelaire, Victor Hugo and Honoré de Balzac.

Fast forward to the 21 century, Afghanistan is the world’s largest hash producer, but nations where medicinal and recreational cannabis is now legal have also seen a fast rise in the manufacturing of hash.

How Is Modern Hash Made?

Hashish has modest origins, in which resin is heated and pressed into long bricks. Over the past few decades, several sophisticated production patents have been introduced to the world and now hashish manufacturers are able to produce premium quality hash, consistently. Hashish innovators like John Gallardi’s utilized vibrations to extract trichomes from the cannabis plant, then multiple mesh screen filters of various dimensions (measured in microns) were used to filter the flower residue while capturing the concentrated resin. Gallardi’s production technique was known as “sifting” and he was certainly the “Master Sifter”. As technology improved, so did the purity of hash. 

Not long after the introduction of shifting, water extraction methods were developed. Rob Clarke and Neil Schumacher are the “Godfathers” of the method once known as, dabbling. Clarke and Shumacher’s prototype and methods were a precursor to the technique that we now call the Ice Water Extract (or IWE). As with any invention there will always be something new to discover; Marcus “Bubbleman” Richardson was the person responsible for recently upgrading the Ice Water Extract method. According to industry insiders, only a few hashish producers are allowed to use his patented technology that produces the world’s purist hash.

Types of Hash

Bubble Hash

Bubble hash, also known as ice water hash, is one of the most common kinds of hash in the world. Bubble hash is produced by using cold water to separate trichomes from the cannabis flowers. The mix is then sifted through multiple screens. Bubble hash is approximately 70 to 80 percent THC when produced with quality flowers and is very potent. Its color varies from dark brownish hues to light toffee tones.

Lebanese Hash

This hash production begins with growers drying cannabis flowers for several weeks and often months. The dried cannabis flowers are then rubbed with a special fabric that gathers/attracts the crops resin. The resin or kief is allowed to settle, and then pressed into standardized hash plates (bricks). It is not uncommon for Lebanese hash companies to emboss their symbols on the plates, which is intended to indicate the product’s value.

Afghani Royal (aka Royal Border) Hash

As I mentioned before, Afghanistan is one of the largest hashish manufacturers in the world, and are produced exclusively from indica strains of cannabis flower. Afghan hash is produced by adding cannabis flowers in water or tea, and then pressing the resin into plates or ball-like forms. Generally, this type of hash is dark brown on its exterior and light brown on the interior.

Super Nepalese Hash

This hash originated in Nepal, as the name suggests, and like Afghan hash is made of Indica strain cannabis flowers. It is made primarily by hand, which makes its texture very soft and sticky (similar to the Charas hash). This type of hash is hard to find, but if you have an opportunity to try it, make sure you savor the moment and flavors…it is really special.

Next month I’ll share questions and answers from a recent conference for Hash manufactures.

Until then, stay irie friends!