In the context of cannabis usage, cannabis concentrates have become among the most popular ranges of products currently available on the market. These potent amalgamations of cannabinoids and terpenes offer cannabis users a unique and robust experience.
In fact, these refinements in cannabis technology have given rise to several different sub-categories of cannabis concentrates, each with its own set of distinctive qualities.
Commonly, THC-laden concentrates, such as shatter and THC distillate, take precedence due to their sheer strength, while more subtle and well-balanced cannabis concentrates, like bubble hash, have been placed on the back burner.
This oversight allows the market to be dominated purely by high THC quantities rather than a balance of cannabinoids and terpenes. That said, a select few still swear by bubble hash and would argue that it is among the superior concentrates.
So, what is so special about bubble hash? Why has it developed a legion of loyal followers? How is it made?
Without any further ado, we will answer all these questions and more.
What is Bubble Hash?
Bubble hash and all of its other derivatives are all products of the cannabis plant. Thus, to become familiar with the world of cannabis concentrates, it makes sense to become acquainted with the biology of the cannabis plant itself first.
When users consume cannabis, some may seek or achieve psychoactive effects by activating and inhaling the cannabinoids and terpenes native to the cannabis plant. The plant itself has several outgrowths of tiny bulbous crystalline structures on the surface of its leaves and buds called trichomes.
These bulbous glands are nearly transparent and home to much of the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes. So much so, they’re commonly isolated in the form of kief to produce extra potent effects.
Although trichomes themselves are one of the most reliable methods for identifying high-quality cannabis, a significant factor for determining the strength of a particular batch of cannabis is attributed to the genetics and quality of growth itself. These qualities serve as the precursors to an abundant collection of trichomes.
While simply grinding cannabis and collecting kief at the bottom of the grinder is an effective method of gathering the trichomes, producers have worked diligently to develop several innovative practices to refine these high-potency cannabinoid vessels further.
As for bubble hash, specifically, it is a solventless cannabis concentrate that gets its name from the bubble bags that are instrumental in making it. Essentially, bubble hash is less focused on THC content and more targeted at providing well-balanced effects that incorporate terpenes.
Whatever bubble hash lacks in THC, it more than makes up for it in terpene content, the subtle agents that may influence the user’s experience with a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
What is the Difference Between Hash and Bubble Hash?
Before delving into the details of bubble hash, let first answer the question “what is hashish” and what differentiates it from other cannabis concentrates.
Hash has been around for centuries, having originated chiefly in the regions encompassing Central Asia like other popular cannabis products such as bhang and charas.
Like any other type of cannabis concentrate, hash is an amalgamation of trichomes and cannabinoids that have been separated from the bulk of the cannabis plant matter.
Traditional forms of hash are typically made through agitating and rubbing the buds of the marijuana plant until the cannabinoid-rich resin is extracted and gathered together.
Although bubble hash follows the same principles regarding its creation, the devil is in the details with this one. Unlike most traditional forms of hash, which utilized crude extraction methods, bubble hash takes it a step further, using differing qualities of bubble bags to create an even more refined version of hash.
Thus, where other more traditional forms of hash may hover around 50% THC concentration, bubble hash can reach upwards of 60% if made correctly.
How to Make Bubble Hash
Creating bubble hash at home requires a fair bit of work, but, for many users, the results are well worth the labour.
A crucial factor to note while making bubble hash is that the quality of the ingredients you use will significantly impact the overall quality of the hash produced. In short, if you want to create high-quality bubble hash, the best way to ensure this is by using high-quality cannabis.
Now, let’s learn how to make hash at home.
Ingredients & Equipment Necessary:
- 10-15 lbs of ice and water
- Stirring sticks or an alternate stirring utensil
- 3-4 ounces of cannabis (ideally fresh or flash frozen)
- A 5-gallon bucket
- Some cheesecloth
- Bubble bags (the finer the weave, the more refined the hash will be)
Instructions:
Step 1
Begin layering your bucket with the bubble bags from smallest to largest. Ideally, you will want to use around 3 to 4 layers of bubble bags.
Step 2
Add the cannabis to the bubble bag-lined bucket. Pour in roughly half of the ice water until the cannabis is submerged fully.
It is crucial to keep the cannabis as cold as possible as this will aid in separating the trichomes from the plant matter.
Step 3
Mix the ice water and cannabis together with the stirring stick or utensil for about 20 minutes.
Once the time has passed, let the mixture rest for roughly 20 minutes.
Step 4
Take the first layer of bubble bag out from the bucket and scrape whatever hash off from the bottom of it onto a clean and flat surface.
Ensure you keep each batch of hash from each bubble bag in their own sections, as the quality of hash will become finer as you move through the bags.
Repeat this process until all the bubble bags have been cleaned out.
Step 5
Use your cheesecloth to press each batch of hash on a flat surface and drain any excess water from it.
This process will expedite the drying process and keep each batch of hash intact after drying.
Wait for the bubble hash to dry and then store it in a secure container.
Bubble Hash – A Solvent-Free Solution
Though many users tend to value pure THC potency rather than a balanced profile of cannabinoids and terpenes these days, bubble hash offers the best of both worlds.
On top of potency, bubble hash also provides a broader and more robust terpene profile, supplying a more comprehensive experience.
Since bubble hash is a concentrated form of cannabis, it is advised to start at a low dose and take it slow before hitting the big leagues.
If you are looking for ways of how to vape hash, check out our comprehensive guide.
Happy toking!
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