Bubble Hash vs. Kief: Understanding Their Differences

Concentrates are popular among cannabis consumers because of their potency and even efficient way to enjoy the plant's benefits. 

With different concentrate choices available, it's a matter of choosing which one suits your preference best. 

However, two concentrates stand out from the pack: Bubble Hash and Kief. These two concentrates don't require fancy extraction equipment and can be produced at home. But how do the two compare? Which is the better choice, when it comes to cannabis concentrates? 

What is Bubble Hash?

Bubble hash is a solventless cannabis concentrate extracted using an ice water hash to separate the trichomes from the plant. Fresh frozen plant material is used when extracting as the cold temperatures make it easier for the trichomes to separate from the plant, with minimal plant material mixed into the concentrate. 

This extraction results in a purer and more potent concentrate that melts cleanly when heated, making it a favorite among concentrate lovers.

 

How Bubble Hash is Made

When making bubble hash, the goal is to remove as much plant matter as possible while preserving the potency and terpene profile of the trichomes. Thus it takes preparation to ensure you get the highest quality. 

To start, you want to use fresh frozen plant material, as this allows the trichome heads to break away easily from the plant. The separation happens with a series of micron or bubble hash bags that filter the plant material and concentrate based on size using agitation. 

The sweet spot where bubble hash is found is usually within the 72 - 90 micron ratings. 

Once you've separated the trichomes, they are grouped according to micron rating and dried before consumption. 

 

What is Kief?

Kief is an extract that comes from the trichomes that naturally fall off the cannabis buds. As they detach as a result of handling, kief is one of the easiest cannabis concentrates that can be produced, which becomes a fine sticky powder when accumulated. 

This concentrate is a byproduct of dried cannabis buds. But, despite their dry nature, kief still contains a rather hefty concentration of terpenes and cannabinoids. 

How Kief is Extracted 

Since Kief is a result of trichomes breaking off from dried cannabis, the goal is to ensure that they are collected efficiently, with the least plant material possible. While it won't be as pure as bubble hash, kief can still have potency even with some small bits of plant material. 

There are several ways to collect kief efficiently:

• Using grinders with a kief catcher 

• Dry sift screens 

• Trim bins, often found in bud trimmers. 

 

Bubble Hash vs. Kief: Key Comparisons

Now that we have defined bubble hash and kief and what makes them unique, let's put them side by side and see how they pair up. 

Best Ways to Use Bubble Hash and Kief 

Kief is best consumed when sprinkled on cannabis buds to enhance flavor and potency. They also work well in edibles, tinctures, and topicals. 

Bubble hash may also be consumed the same way as kief. However, there are more applications for kief, such as vaping, dabbing, and pressing for rosin, as it reacts well when heated or vaporized. 

 

Which is better, Bubble Hash or Kief? 

To be honest about it, kief and bubble hash have their respective strengths and weaknesses. because of

Kief is a low-cost concentrate as it does not need fancy equipment or setups to extract, but it can be harsh because of the presence of plant material in the end product. Bubble hash has a better flavor and experience, because of its purity. But it takes skill, and an investment in equipment to extract, which makes it a premium product. 

That said, bubble hash and kief have an edge over each other, which puts them on equal footing overall. 

If you're looking to extract those trichomes, check out our selection of extracting equipment that you can use for bubble hash and kief. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Bubble Hash and Kief

◄What is Bubble Hash?

Bubble hash is a solventless cannabis concentrate made using ice water to separate trichomes from fresh frozen plant material, resulting in a pure and potent product.

◄What is Kief?

Kief is a cannabis concentrate made from trichomes that naturally fall off dried cannabis buds, collected as a fine sticky powder.

◄How is Bubble Hash made?

Bubble hash is made by agitating fresh frozen plant material in ice water, then filtering through bubble bags with different micron sizes to collect trichomes.

◄How is Kief extracted?

Kief is collected by sifting dried cannabis through grinders with kief catchers, dry sift screens, or trim bins.

◄Which is more potent: Bubble Hash or Kief?

Bubble hash is more potent, with up to 70% THC due to better filtration, while kief contains around 50% THC with plant material still present.

◄What are the differences in appearance?

Bubble hash is granular and sticky with beige to amber hues, while kief is powdery and golden yellow.

◄Is Bubble Hash more expensive than Kief?

Yes, bubble hash is costlier due to labor-intensive processing and higher purity, while kief is cheaper and often collected for free from grinders.

◄What are the best ways to use Bubble Hash?

Bubble hash can be used for vaping, dabbing, pressing into rosin, or sprinkling on buds for enhanced potency and flavor.

◄What are the best ways to use Kief?

Kief is commonly sprinkled on cannabis buds, infused in edibles, tinctures, or topicals for an extra kick.

◄Which is better: Bubble Hash or Kief?

Both have their strengths: Kief is cost-effective and easy to collect, while Bubble Hash offers superior purity, flavor, and potency, making the choice dependent on preference.