How to Make Hash: The Art of Extracts

There is no cannabis product quite as notable in history as hash.

This amazing extract has been made and consumed for centuries, and it only continues to evolve, re-claiming its space in both cannabis and hemp-based CBD products around the world. If you’ve ever been interested in making cannabis extracts, hash is an incredible place to start. 

In this article, we will walk back through the origins of this extract, define what is hashish, and how to make hash yourself!

What is Hash?

Hash is a cannabis concentrate produced using friction to separate the resin glands, known as cannabis trichomes, off of the cannabis plant. This cannabis resin can be formed into bricks, slabs, or thin rolled pieces.

Unlike kief, which is a powder-like accumulation of trichomes separated through sieves or mesh screens, hash is more sticky and solid in its final form. 

Its chocolatey or sandstone color varies depending on factors like plant genetics, growing techniques, curing, air exposure and proper handling.

Hash potency is produced without solvents or multi-step processing techniques, making it an ideal product for purests and cannabis connoisseurs. It can be smoked, vaporized or even eaten for a variety of different effects. 

Comparing hash to other extracts

When it comes to quality and experience, hash can be looked at like a preservation of everything that was naturally occurring in the plant. Some extracts are exposed to solvents, heat, and pressure. These variables manipulate the resin, causing various chemical reactions or separations that modify the effects of the final concentrate. 

Hash on the other hand, contains all terpenoids, cannabinoids, and other crude compounds found in the plant, making it a true full-spectrum and solventless alternative to other cannabis extracts. This distinct and flavorful extract offers a full-bodied experience for cannabis and CBD lovers. 

It is one of the oldest forms of cannabis sativa concentrate, and has a long history of bringing people together to grow, make, and enjoy this iconic extract.

The origins of hashish

This age-old technique dates back thousands of years ago, around 900 AD, with the first records of hash consumption originating in Arabia. Its original namesake “hashish” is understood as 16th century arabic for “dry herb, powdered hemp leaves”. 

Over centuries, hash and other cannabis consumables spread across the world. Eventually, hash began making its way to Europe by the 1800s via Egyptian trade, some believe this was partly attributed to Napoleon’s troops campaign through the Ottoman empire territories.

Soon after, hashish was studied in India for its medical promise as an effective anti-convulsant, paving the way for a long and rich history of therapeutic use of hemp and cannabis. 

Since the reform of cannabis laws in recent history, many scientists and artisans have become fascinated with producing high-quality hash. Artisan and teacher, Frenchy Cannoli played a monumental role in shaping our current understanding of hash making. 

He studied the cultivation and production of cannabis plants for hash in the late 60’s, learning techniques from experts in Morocco, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, and India. Frenchy dedicated his life to educating concentrate manufacturers about the Lost Art of the Hashishin and was a major advocate for open-source knowledge-sharing.

He continued to utilize traditional processes of making hash and taught many experts in the space how to sift, collect, and adequately roll hash into signature cannoli or ball shapes. Frenchy passed away in July 2021; however, his legendary folk teaching remains a fundamental part of hash-making history. 

Though some prefer traditional techniques, many hash makers have adapted these methods and are now combining technology and introductory chemistry to develop new methods of hash production. But before diving into the groundbreaking innovations of modern hash, let’s explore the roots of this fantastic craft.

Traditional techniques of hash making

The most popular form of hash you may come across today is brick hash, more commonly known as dry sift hash. As the name implies, dry sift hash is produced using friction over large screen trays. 

Each screen comes in slightly different filtration meshes, ranging from coarse to fine. These help to break off the trichomes and create a gritty pale dust that can be processed into hash. It is a labor-intensive process, but it yields a robust extract that can have an amber or dark chocolate hue. 

Alternatively, charas, or finger hash, is the oldest and most common way of producing hashish. This is a common practice when trimming cured cannabis, as your hands will become sticky with the sappy resin, rich with active botanical compounds. You can remove the resin layer from your hands by rolling it into a ball.

However, this is a more crude version of hash and will typically burn differently, as chlorophyll and other plant compounds tend to make hash smoke more bitter or hot.

It should also be noted that finger hash is typically more of an old-school or hobbyist option, as most licensed cannabis cultivators require strict health codes when handling the plant. 

How technology has reinvented hash and cannabis extracts

As we enter a new era for cannabis manufacturing, hash makers are getting creative by fusing chemistry techniques to develop the most delicate and top-shelf varieties of cannabis concentrates. 

Ice hash, or ice water hash, has become a coveted method of producing high-end hash that is both flavorful and smooth. Bringing the plant material down to freezing temperatures allows the trichome heads to become brittle and fall off of the plant, gently separating the hash oil and limiting the amount of chlorophyll or debris in the hash down to the micro-scale. 

Further innovation has pushed to use other methods to flash freeze the trichomes, creating an extremely pristine hash in a fraction of the time. Leaders in the industry developed a liquid nitrogen hash that utilizes the super cold temperatures of liquid nitrogen to pull trichomes off fresh frozen cannabis flowers. 

How to make hash at home

Even if you do not have access to a cannabis manufacturing lab, there are ways you can utilize these same techniques to make your own hash at home using the bubble hash technique. The cold temperatures used will ensure you maintain the quality of the resin and make separating it from the plant more efficient (and slightly) less labor-intensive than other methods. 

What you’ll need: 

• 3 large 5 gallon bucket(s)

• 25-micron filter cloths

• Set of 5 19L (5 gal) ice-water mixture hash bags (i.e. Bubble Bags)

• Large wooden spoon or stirring pole

• Butter knife or stiff card 

• Absorbent towels

• Water hose

• Turkey roasting bags

• Tray or wire rack

• Heat-resistant gloves

• Parchment paper

• Heat safe bottle filled with hot water (200-250 Degree F)

Making Bubble hash (instructions):

1. Line bucket with filter bag

With your filter bag, line the first clean bucket and tighten the strap to secure the bag around the outer rim of the bucket. Be sure to start with the bag with the largest number of microns (largest filter holes). 

2. Fill and prep bucket

Fill the bag with one-third ice (1.5 gal), and up to 200 g of fresh or cured cannabis flower. Top it off with a layer of ice and fill with 1.5 gal of cold water. Let this sit for 15-30 minutes, allowing the cannabis to cool down and rehydrate. This will help the trichomes break off more easily without damaging them

3. Stirring the mixture

With a pole or large wooden spoon, agitate the mixture by stirring vigorously in 5-minute intervals. The goal is to stir the plants and knock off the resin heads, not pulverize the plant material. Tabletop washing machines are also suited for this step in the process but may be harder to handle and clean. 

4. Settle and drain

Let the bucket rest for 10 minutes, allowing time for the agitated trichomes to fall to the bottom of the bag. When ready, slowly lift your bag, allowing the water to drain into the bucket. Set the bag aside in your second clean bucket. 

5. Line the third bucket

With your remaining bucket, take the rest of your filter bags and line the inside. Start with the smallest filter size and layer in ascending order. Your filtered, wet trichomes will be the top layer. 

6. Fill third bucket

Pour water into the bags, allowing the resin glands to settle. You will want to observe a golden yellow hue,if it is green there may have been too much agitation in the first wash. 

7. Settle and drain the bag

When this wash is complete, lift the top bag so the water moves through the filter into the bucket. Wash and collect the layer of trichomes visible on the filter with some cold clean water to get rid of contaminants and plant debris. 

8. Scrape the hash

Gently squeeze the filter bag into a loose ball from the outside to remove excess water. Then, lay the filter on a towel to drain additional water. Once water has fully drained, hold the filter bag taut and remove the hash with your butter knife or card. 

9. Rest and repeat 

Set hash on a 25-micron filter square, and repeat this process (7-9) for the remaining filters. You can then go back and re-wash your plant material until you have collected a full yield (3-5 g per ounce of cured flower). 

10. Drying your hash

When the washing process is complete, spread your hash over a tray or wire rack with a towel and parchment paper. Store this in a cool, dry space with excellent air circulation until the hash is dry. Depending on your setup, this can take several days. This is a critical process in preserving the hash and prevents biological contaminants or discoloration. 

Rolling and pressing hash

When your trichome hash has fully dried, you can optionally press the hash with a low-heat tool (like a hair straightener) or with the warmth of your hands. This process is tedious yet so satisfying, as you can create easy-to-smoke hash, balls, and sheets of beautiful hash. 

This fun, yet slightly laborious process is a great way to make a delicious cannabis concentrate that will blow other extracts out of the water. Each time you make hash, you continue the legacy of hash makers, celebrating the work of hashish artists from centuries ago.

Potential Risks and Precautions

Making hash at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to take necessary precautions to ensure safety. Be sure to wear heat-resistant gloves when handling heated tools or hot water, as well as using caution when handling sharp objects such as knives or cards. It's also important to properly dry and store your homemade hash in order to prevent any potential for contamination or spoilage. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy your homemade hash without any risks or concerns. If you experience any withdrawal symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is regular hash made?

Regular hash is typically made by combining diced or ground meat with seasonings and spices, then cooking it until browned and flavorful.

Is it hard to make hash?

Hash is an extract that can be easily extracted from cannabis. It only takes a few minutes to complete. Making hash can be beneficial for those recently growing a homegrown crop because of the possibility of having dozens of buds and trimmings.

What is the main ingredient in hash?

Hash consists of fried potatoes, cut meats, and cooked onions. The name comes from French: hacher means cut. The concept began with a attempt at recycling the leftover material. In the US from 1860 onwards cheap restaurants are branded "hashery" or the "hash house" or "hashinghouses".