You know how potent bubble hash can be, whether you're using it for medicinal or recreational purposes. And unlike other cannabis extracts, bubble hash holds a special place among many cannabis users, due to the potency it carries, without added solvents. Bubble hash is hard to mess with, unlike other extraction methods, which puts it in the higher echelons of cannabis extracts. Lastly, the terpenes are preserved because bubble hash is extracted under cold temperatures, giving it a strong flavor and aroma.
Bubble hash is derived by separating the trichomes from the plant material using an ice water bath and filtering using layers of micron bags. Once sifted, the extract is dried for a few days before consumption.
Table of Contents
Bubble Hash Grades and Potency
Bubble hash isn't created equal. This solvent-free concentrate has a range of qualities, categorized by a star-rating system that reflects its potency, purity, and visual appeal. Understanding these grades allows you to select the perfect bubble hash for your desired experience.
A Guide to Bubble Hash Grades
Choosing Your Bubble Hash
The ideal grade for you depends on your needs and preferences. Here's a quick guide:
- Begginers - Start with a lower grade (2-3 star) for a more manageable introduction to bubble hash.
- For Dabbing - Opt for 4-star or higher for a clean and potent experience.
- For Experienced Users - Seek out 5-star or, for the ultimate connoisseur experience, 6-star hash.
Regardless of the grade, proper storage and consumption methods are key to maximizing the flavor and potency of your bubble hash.
10 Best Ways to Smoke and Enjoy Bubble Hash
While your mileage may vary with bubble hash experience, many will agree that the five or six-star rated hash works best for smoking. Smoking bubble hash gives you direct flavor and potency compared to other methods of consuming hash. But that doesn't mean lower-grade bubble hash won't be good; you can use them for different applications, such as edibles or infusions.
If you're looking at how to smoke bubble hash, here are the best ways to smoke them.
1. Buds in a Joint
An easy way to smoke hash is mixing it with cannabis flower as part of a joint. This method is called “twaxing" and is often used by people who are just starting to smoke cannabis concentrates.
Mixing your bubble hash with buds in a joint is relatively straightforward. The nice thing about this method is that the bud allows the bubble hash to burn evenly, unlike having a joint with only bubble hash. The hash adds more potency to the buds, allowing you to get the best effects possible.
2. Bowl or Bong
You can also smoke your bubble hash with a bowl or bong. You need to sprinkle the bubble hash on top of a bud inside the bowl or bong and light it.
Note that butane can affect the flavor of your bubble hash, so it's best to add a hemp wick which will burn the hash. You can also use a glass wand if you want to smoke the bubble hash on its own.
3. Metal Screen
If you have a bong or bowl but don't have buds, add a metal screen at the bottom of the basin to prevent the bubble hash from dropping into the bowl or bong. The screen will provide a place for your bubble hash to sit while allowing you to inhale without particles of the bubble hash from passing through. You can get these screens from your smoke shop.
4. Chillum
Another good way to smoke bubble hash is using a chillum or a cone-shaped clay pipe that works similarly to a bowl. These pipes work with buds or bubble hash or may be mixed like a bowl or bong.
5. Dab Rigs
The high-quality bubble hash may be used on dab rigs, just as you do rosin. You can opt for a dab rig, quartz banger, or an electric dab rig for portability. There are no special instructions here, but you can use this guide to dabbing with rosin as a takeoff point.
This method is only recommended for five-star or six-start hash. Using food grade or half-melt hash produces weak hits and can cause throat burn.
6. Hash Pipe and Heating Wand
Using a hash pipe and heating wand with bubble hash entails putting the hash in the bowl's basin, filled just below the holes on the side. Heat the heating wand using a dabbing torch, then put it below the hash pipe, vaporizing the bubble hash.
7. Vaporizer for Concentrates
For a health-conscious approach, vaporizers offer an alternative to smoking. A vaporizer melts hash like a dab rig. Heating the hash to a point of vaporization without combustion preserves the terpenes and cannabinoids while minimizing harsh smoke inhalation.
Ensure your vaporizer is compatible with concentrates or use a cannabis concentrate adapter. The temperature should be set between 350 and 450 Fahrenheit.
8. Traditional Pipe
A simple and portable option, the traditional pipe allows you to directly vaporize the bubble hash. However, this method can be harsh on the throat due to the high temperatures involved. Consider using a hemp wick for a cleaner burn that preserves the terpenes.
9. Nectar Collector
This portable dabbing tool has a heated tip and a straw-like mouthpiece. The tip is dipped into the bubble hash, vaporizing a small amount for inhalation through the mouthpiece. Nectar collectors offer a more convenient alternative to traditional dab rigs, but they may require some practice for optimal use.
Regardless of the chosen method, maintaining a low temperature is crucial to preserve the terpenes and flavor profile of bubble hash.
10. Hot Knives Method
When vape pens and dab rigs weren't around, the hot knife method was a popular way to smoke bubble hash. All you need are two old butter knives, a plastic bottle, and a dollop of hash.
You can use the plastic bottle as a spottle by cutting it in half. Then, heat the knives and put the hash between them and press together. Gently rub the hash between the knives and inhale the smoke in the water bottle.
Dosage and Effects
Bubble hash packs a serious punch when it comes to potency. While flower typically contains around 20% THC, high-quality ice water hash can reach up to 60%, with some reaching even higher levels. This means a little goes a long way!
If you’re new to concentrates, start with the “low and slow” approach and gradually increase based on your experience and desired effects. This helps avoid overconsumption, which can be unpleasant for those unfamiliar with the potency of concentrates.
This makes it a good stepping stone for those curious about exploring cannabis concentrates without jumping into the deepest end of the pool. The specific effects you experience will depend on the strain used to create the hash, so keep that in mind as you explore this potent product.
Get the Most Out of Your Bubble Hash
Maximizing the full potential of your bubble hash requires more than just choosing a smoking method. Here are some key tips to further enhance the flavor, potency, and overall experience:
Temperature Control
- Regaardless of how you smoke bubble hash, maintaining a low temperature is best. High heat combusts the hash, destroying valuable terpenes and diminishing the flavor profile.
- When dabbing, allow the nail to cool slightly after heating with a torch before applying the bubble hash. This “cold start dab” technique vaporizes the concentrate without burning it, maximizing flavor and potency.
- Most vaporizers have adjustable temperature settings. Experiment to find the sweet spot for a balance of flavor and potency. Start with a low temperature and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effect.
Store Properly
- Store your bubble hash in an airtight container, ideally made of glass or silicone. These materials are non-porous and prevent the concentrate from sticking to the sides, minimizing flavor and potency loss.
- Light and heat degrade terpenes and cannabinoids over time. Choose a cool, dark location like a cabinet or drawer to store your bubble hash. Consider using a refrigerator for long-term storage, especially for lower-grade hash.
Conclusion
Smoking bubble hash is the best way to get the full potency of the plant. It offers no watering down while maintaining the full flavor of the bubble hash. While it isn't for everyone, smoking it quickly unlocks the flavors so that you get the best results.
Want to learn more about bubble hash? Here are some helpful resources:
- How to Make Bubble Hash with Bubble Hash Bags
- Why Freeze Dryers Make the Best Bubble Hash
- Unlocking Perfection: The Best Techniques to Dry Bubble Hash
- Best Settings for Bubble Hash on Harvest Right Freeze Dryers
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoking Bubble Hash
- ◄Is bubble hash stronger than flower?
- Absolutely! Bubble hash can contain up to 90% THC compared to flower's average of 20%. Start low and go slow, especially if you're new to concentrates.
- ◄What's the best way to smoke bubble hash?
- There are several options! You can dab it using a dab rig, sprinkle it on top of a bowl of flower (twaxing), or even roll it into a pre-roll with flower.
- ◄What's the difference between dabbing and twaxing?
- Dabbing involves vaporizing pure hash on a hot nail. Twaxing mixes bubble hash with flower for a smoother, more manageable smoking experience.
- ◄What temperature should I use for dabbing bubble hash?
- Low and slow is key! Aim for a temperature between 450°F (232°C) and 550°F (288°C) to vaporize the hash without burning it.
- ◄How much bubble hash should I smoke?
- Due to its potency, start with a very small amount, like a rice grain, and increase gradually based on your desired effects.
- ◄What are the effects of smoking bubble hash?
- Effects can vary depending on the strain used to make the hash, but generally expect a more intense and focused high compared to flower.
- ◄Does bubble hash smell strong?
- Yes, bubble hash can have a very pungent aroma due to the concentrated terpenes. Be mindful of your surroundings when consuming.
- ◄Will bubble hash show up on a drug test?
- THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can be detected in drug tests for weeks or even months depending on various factors. Consider your testing window before consuming any cannabis product, including bubble hash.
