Cannabis concentrates have come a long way, with the constant search for cleaner, more flavorful, and more potent extracts.
Given the different ways to extract concentrates, solventless reigns due to its purity, and natural processing, requiring only water, heat, or pressure. Two of the most popular concentrates on this side are bubble hash and rosin. They offer potent effects, rich terpene profiles, and a cleaner experience, making them popular for different consumption.
While they differ in appearance, a closer look at their qualities tells a lot about their differences, and why some people prefer them over the other.
Table of Contents
- What is Bubble Hash?
- How is Bubble Hash Made?
- What is Rosin?
- How is Rosin Extracted?
- Differences Between Bubble Hash and Rosin
- Extraction Process
- Purity and Terpene Retention
- Potency and Effects
- Efficiency of Extraction
- Equipment and Cost
- Storage and Shelf Life
- Consumption and Versatility
- Which should you choose?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions About Bubble Hash and Rosin
What is Bubble Hash?
Bubble hash is great for anyone looking for a pure, solventless concentrate with rich flavors and high potency.
This concentrate is made by detaching the trichomes, or the tiny, resin-filled glands that contain THC, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, from the cannabis plant.
Depending on the quality, bubble hash can range from 30% to 60% THC, offering potent effects while preserving the plant’s full aroma.
How is Bubble Hash Made?
Bubble hash is produced through an ice water bath and agitation, which allow the trichome to detach from the plant material and filtered using a series of micron bags called bubble bags. This process removes trichomes while keeping the final product free from unwanted plant material.
The sweet spot for bubble hash is often found in the middle range of the bubble bags, usually between 70–90 microns. This is what is collected for bubble hash.
Once the bubble hash is collected, it is air-dried for a few days, or 24 hours with a freeze dryer.
What is Rosin?
Rosin is another variant of a solventless concentrate extracted by applying heat and pressure to the plant material.
This extraction method is rather straightforward and produces an amber resinous oil loaded with terpenes and other cannabinoids.
Because of its extraction method that requires no additives, rosin is popular among concentrate fans since it is also flavorful, and potent.
How is Rosin Extracted?
Extracting rosin entails pressing cannabis material between a pair of heated plates with the right amount of pressure in a certain amount of time.
The quality of the starting material plays a huge role in the final product. You extract rosin from different plant materials, such as buds, kief, hash (including bubble hash), and even trims. For the best dabbing experience, use premium buds or high-grade hash. While trim or excess kief can still produce rosin, the results will vary depending on the material's quality.
Differences Between Bubble Hash and Rosin
Bubble hash and rosin are both solventless cannabis concentrates, but they differ significantly in the extraction method and final output. Bubble hash tends to have a powdery or paste-like consistency, while rosin looks viscous.
While both are potent, they differ in a lot of things.
Extraction Process
Bubble Hash uses ice water and agitation to separate trichomes from plant material. The resin glands are collected using fine mesh filter bags and then dried for consumption.
The agitation is rather straightforward, although a certain amount of care should be applied.
Rosin is made by pressing cannabis material, such as buds, hash, or kief inside a rosin bag and placed between heated plates to extract resinous oil.
If you are new to rosin extraction, it can take time the right amount of heat and pressure, as you don't want to burn or destroy the rosin bag.
Purity and Terpene Retention
Bubble Hash extraction preserves terpenes and cannabinoids. However, there is still a small chance of plant material getting through, which can affect the smoothness.
Rosin also delivers purity and may provide more terpenes and cannabinoids, since it uses the whole plant material, unlike bubble hash, which is mainly composed of trichomes.
Potency and Effects
Bubble Hash can get you as much as 60% THC, depending on the plant material used.
Rosin, meanwhile, can go as much as 80%, due to the refined nature of the extract.
Efficiency of Extraction
Bubble hash is ready in 24 hours, when dried in a freeze-dryer, and may take days when air-dried.
Rosin is ready in just a few minutes after extraction and is decarboxylated due to the heat applied during extraction.
Equipment and Cost
Bubble Hash is cheaper to extract since it only needs an ice water bath, a set of bubble bags, and an appropriate bucket to hold the bubble bags. An eight-bag kit can be purchased for as low as $80 per set.
Extracting rosin requires a rosin press, which you can make yourself, with a shop press. The cheapest rosin press kit costs around $180, with everything needed to extract rosin from various cannabis products.
Storage and Shelf Life
Bubble Hash must be stored in a cool, dry place, and away from sunlight to prevent molds. To increase its shelf life, you may freeze-dry it.
Rosin can be stored at room temperature, and best kept refrigerated to maintain terpenes and potency.
Consumption and Versatility
Bubble Hash can be dabbed, smoked in joints or bowls, or pressed into hash rosin for a stronger concentrate.
Rosin is good for dabbing and vaping but may also be used with edibles and topicals.
Which should you choose?
Bubble hash and rosin offer high-quality, solventless concentrates, but deciding which is better depends on you.
Bubble hash is ideal for versatile consumption, and for those who don't mind the long drying and processing time. Likewise, if you want an extract that doesn't cost much in terms of equipment and is harder to mess up, then consider bubble hash.
Rosin is ideal for anyone looking to maximize THC content, and want to get the most out of the plant material. If you also want your concentrates fast, rosin is the way to go.
Final Thoughts
Bubble hash and rosin stand out due to their purity. Each offers advantages, depending on your preferences. It's hard to say which is better due to their differences.
If you're new to the solventless concentrates world, it would be good to try both from the dispensary. And if you're looking to extract on your own, you should choose based on your lifestyle and even working space to do the extraction process.
Feel free to explore our selection of bubble hash and rosin extraction tools. If you find something that interests you, don't hesitate to contact us for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bubble Hash and Rosin
- ◄What is the main difference between bubble hash and rosin?
- The main difference lies in their extraction methods. Bubble hash is made using ice water and agitation to separate trichomes, while rosin is made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis material to extract resin.
- ◄Which is more potent, bubble hash or rosin?
- Rosin is generally more potent, with THC levels reaching up to 80%, while bubble hash ranges from 30% to 60% THC, depending on the quality.
- ◄Is bubble hash or rosin better for dabbing?
- Rosin is the better option for dabbing because of its higher purity and viscosity. Bubble hash can be dabbed but may not be as smooth due to the possibility of residual plant material.
- ◄How long does it take to make bubble hash and rosin?
- Bubble hash takes at least 24 hours to dry with a freeze-dryer or a few days with air drying. Rosin is ready in minutes after pressing.
- ◄Which is easier to make at home, bubble hash or rosin?
- Bubble hash is easier and cheaper to make at home, requiring only ice water, agitation, and mesh filter bags. Rosin requires a rosin press, which adds to the cost and learning curve.
- ◄How should I store bubble hash and rosin?
- Bubble hash should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably freeze-dried for longer shelf life. Rosin should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated to preserve terpenes and potency.
- ◄Which is more cost-effective, bubble hash or rosin?
- Bubble hash is more cost-effective as it only requires ice, water, and filter bags. Rosin requires a rosin press, which is a more significant upfront investment.
- ◄Can bubble hash be turned into rosin?
- Yes, bubble hash can be pressed into hash rosin using a rosin press, which increases its potency and purity.
- ◄Which provides better flavor, bubble hash or rosin?
- Rosin generally provides better flavor due to its high terpene retention, whereas bubble hash may retain some plant material that can slightly affect the taste.
- ◄Which should I choose: bubble hash or rosin?
- Bubble hash is ideal for versatile consumption and is cost-effective. Rosin is better for higher potency, flavor, and quicker extraction. The choice depends on your preferences and budget.
