Are you going to buy marijuana online, or hash? It’s a tough decision between a sticky nug of Purple Kush or a piece of premium Maserati Hash. Flower and hash are all a part of the big cannabis-universe, but hash and weed are not the same things. Yes, they might both get you high and provide medicinal benefits, but do you know the difference between hash vs. weed?
Here we guide you through the 101 of cannabis education. We will explain the basics: what is hash and what is weed. We also cover cannabis history class because both these products have a history of use spanning thousands of years. Then, finally, we get into the good stuff, what does hash feel like compared with bud?
What is Weed?
Sure, you may buy marijuana online, but let’s break it down. Cannabis sativa L. is a plant grown around the world that contains intoxicating and medicinal properties. People have cultivated this magical plant for millennia, for therapeutic, spiritual, and probably recreational purposes.
Marijuana, cannabis, weed, grass, bud, or green all describe the female cannabis plant’s flower. The flowers contain an intense concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, which are produced by glands called trichomes. If you look closely at a dank nug, you’ll see it’s covered in bright crystals. These are the potent trichomes you are looking for.
Cannabinoids and terpenes are the compounds responsible for the therapeutic potential of the plant. If you have heard of THC and CBD, these are two of the most prominent examples of cannabinoids. THC is the only known compound to create an intoxicating experience.
Growers cultivate cannabis both indoors and outdoors, depending on the desired outcome and climate. They harvest the flowers, trim the buds, then send the product for curing and drying. The curing and drying process traps the volatile compounds inside the flower so that you can smoke it, vape it, or bake with it. But, you can also extract these compounds into cannabis concentrates — like hash.
What is Hash?
Hash is a concentrated cannabis product. It still comes from growers’ gardens, but the trim and flowers go through an extraction process to pull out the most valuable compounds. Hash is concentrated cannabinoids and terpenes. If weed has a cannabinoid content between 10 to 30 percent (depending on strain), hash can hit upwards of 60 or 70 percent. Hash can pack a powerful punch, hence why it’s so beloved by the cannabis community.
Several different types of hash have developed over the millennia in the many hash producing cultures worldwide. Modern technology has also led to new production methods.
A few common examples of different types of hash you may encounter:
- Bubble hash (water hash)
- Solvent hash (butane hash oil)
- Hand rubbed hash (finger hash)
- Sifted hash (kief)
It’s all About Production: How is Hash Made?
Technically, you can make hash at home if you have enough flower and time. Finger hash (or hand-rubbed hash) rubs fingers and hands over fresh or cured buds to collect the sticky trichomes. Eventually, your hand heat melts the cannabis oils, and it’s easy to form a ball. This is the most primitive way to make cannabis concentrate but is still used around the world today. If you have ever trimmed weed before, you have probably already made some yourself.
Dry kief collection is another technique used for hash. Automatic trimming machines or other technologies agitate the trim and flower, shaking trichomes loose. The crystals, known as kief, are then collected and pressed into various hash forms, like hash bricks, pucks, or balls.
Other techniques use solvents or water to extract the cannabinoids from the plant material. Bubble hash requires ice-cold water, which freezes the trichomes. Once frozen and brittle, they fall off the flower and sink to the bottom of a filter for collection. Solvents like butane or other petrochemicals chemically flush the flower to remove the cannabinoids.
Once extracted, the butane is heated to the point of evaporation. Solvent-based extraction is dangerous, but under laboratory conditions, it can deliver some of the most potent returns.
A Brief History of Weed and Hash
Humans have cultivated weed for thousands of years, with the first archaeological evidence found in China. From Asia to Europe and finally, into North America, cannabis spread worldwide until it became a global industry in the late 20th century.
During this period, millions of people learned about cannabis, a recreational and medicinal substance, but it was the same period where most of the world cracked down on the plant.
Although hash has been produced for thousands of years, it really took off in the 20th century. In part, this was because hash was easier to ship and smuggle across international borders during the War on Drugs. One pound of hash was much more valuable and had smaller packaging than one pound of flower. Across Europe, hash became big business and remained so to this day.
In the early 21st century, cannabis is making a big comeback from its black market days. This time it’s backed by science. The global scientific community supports the medicinal powers of cannabis, with increasing legal access around the world. This new legal access in Canada is likely why you buy marijuana online today!
Hash is also experiencing a boom. As one of the simplest and tastiest extractions, people naturally gravitate towards its flavour and potency.
Hash Vs. Weed: What Does the High Feel Like
If you already buy marijuana online, you’ll know that each strain is unique. Some make you feel creative, others mellow and sleepy. To some extent, the same holds for hash. Different varieties will make you experience any mixture of the good vibes associated with a high.
Here are a few of the positive experiences you may feel from smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis:
- Euphoria
- Uplifted
- Happy
- Giggly
- Creative
- Energetic
- Hungry
- Sleepy
- Relaxed
- Content
You may also experience one or more of these common mild side effects:
- Hungry
- Nauseous
- Sedated
- Anxious
- Distracted
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth
- Mental clouding
Is there any difference between a hash high and a weed high? Because hash is technically much more potent than cannabis, the resulting high is usually more intense. It’s all the normal sensations but concentrated. For newbies, you may want to go slow before hitting that big chunk of hash. A little bit goes a long way. Others report that hash works better for medicinal benefits.
What’s Better Hash or Weed?
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. If you buy marijuana online or hash, you will no doubt appreciate the experience and therapeutic benefits. Cannabis flower will offer a brighter flavour profile and a mellower high overall, while hash has higher potency and a more intense high.
With benefits to both types of cannabis products, why not experiment? Dabble in both to see what works best for you.
