How do you know that you are buying good quality hash in Canada? What separates great hash from terrible hash in the first place? Whatever kind of hash you are looking for, it can be a confusing and tricky process for the inexperienced. To help you out, read through this guide as we break down the different kinds of hash, and the crucial signs and smells to watch out for when you find yourself buying your next batch in Canada.
What is Hash?
Before we learn more about the different kinds of hash available today, it is important to first know what hash is. Otherwise known as hashish, hash is derived from dried resin glands taken from the flowering tops of female cannabis plants. These resin glands are called trichomes, which are removed to form a mass of resin by hand, by machine or by submerging the plant in icy water. Once collected, the resin is pressed into a ball, block or coin to be smoked, vaped or used in cooking.
How Does Hash Smells?
The most common and one of the clearest quality indicator of quality hash is the smell. Good quality hash will smell aromatic and fragrant, while low quality has a distinct musty or moldy aroma. Avoid hash that gives off a harsh plastic smell, as this is a clear sign that it contains contaminants or used a potentially harmful cutting agents. Aside from smell, there are other ways to determine the quality of hash. The various methods of production affects their color, shape and texture, giving them their own distinctive features.
Types of Hash Production
- Hand-rubbed hash. In this method, the trichomes are collected by rubbing the buds between the hands. The resulting resin is formed into small spheres. Hand-rubbed hash has a smooth texture and slightly sticky to the touch. High quality ones are mostly dark brown or black in color on the outside and light brown on the inside with flecks of green. If the hash is cold, it should feel solid; when warned; it becomes soft and a little more pliable.
- Dry–sift hash. This is a popular form of hash usually found in coffeeshops. In this method, the dried bulbs are placed through a sieve to remove the trichomes. The resulting power is called kief. High quality kief is brown in color, but can be darker depending on how it is pressed. When assessing dry-sift hash, look for a light sandy color and a crumbly texture. A higher quality pressed block will be darker in color, harder to the touch and have a shiny appearance.
- Bubble hash. This hash is produced by first submerging the plant in icy water before the trichomes are extracted from the plant. Because no chemicals are used in its production, bubble hash is a more appealing option for those who are conscious with their production methods. High quality pressed bubble hash are light to dark brown with a soft and sticky texture. Meanwhile, high quality non-pressed hash have a consistency similar to lumpy brown sugar.
What is the Bubble Test?
Now that you know the different kinds of hash available, along with an overview on how to determine quality, there is another method to recognize quality called the bubble test. To do this test, take a small piece of hash and light it up. If it is of good quality, the hash will bubble once lit. It will have a clean flame and burn quickly.
