Hash vs Bubble Hash: Traditional and Modern Concentrates

Hash vs Bubble Hash Traditional and Modern Concentrates

If you're starting your journey with cannabis concentrates, you’ve probably come across hash and bubble hash. 

While both are made from the resinous trichomes of the cannabis plant, they have key differences, which affect how they can be consumed and enjoyed. 

But there's a lot to learn about these two concentrates, with hash being the more traditional concentrate and bubble hash being a more modern take. 

 

What is Hash? 

hash

Hash, or hashish, is one of the oldest and most widely used cannabis concentrates in the world. Extracted by collecting the trichomes of cannabis plants, it's been enjoyed for quite a while now due to its potency, versatility, and smoking experience. 

This concentrate originated from countries in the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa where the tradition of hash extraction has been passed on. Notable variants of hash found in these regions include charas, derived from hand-rubbing plant material. 

Hash has a brown, gold, or black hue, and varying textures, from soft to hard, and pliable to brittle. It also burns slowly and smoothly, providing a potent high with earthy tones. 

 

How is Hash Made?

Hash is extracted by separating trichomes from the rest of the plant. This can be done using several techniques: 

hand-rubbing making hash

Hand-rubbing 

Trichomes are collected by rubbing fresh cannabis buds between your hands, then using the resin to roll into balls or slabs, similar to clay. 

Dry sifting hash

Dry sifting 

Dried cannabis is sifted through fine mesh screens to separate the trichomes, then pressed into solid blocks or bricks. 

While these forms of separation are solventless, they are not necessarily pure, because of the presence of plant material in the final product. 

 

What is Bubble Hash? 

bubble hash

Bubble hash is another solventless concentrate, extracted using an ice water bath. Unlike the traditional hash, bubble hash is known for its purity due to the lack of plant material, which results in better potency and flavor. 

The secret to bubble hash is the filtration system employed to extract the concentrate. A series of bubble micron bags is used here to get that sweet spot of trichomes that deliver flavor and high. 

Bubble hash has a more pronounced terpene profile, characterized by its soft, crumbly, or sandy texture. When heated, bubble hash melts into an oil-like consistency. 

 

How is Bubble Hash Made?

Bubble hash is created using a careful process that separates trichomes from the cannabis plant material. Here’s how it works:

how bubble hash is made

Step 1: Bubble Bags Setup

A series of micron mesh bags are stacked, starting with the highest micron rating on the inside and working outward to the lowest micron rating. Freshly frozen cannabis is placed inside the innermost bubble bag.

Step 2: Ice-Water Bath

The bags with cannabis are placed in a container, such as a drum, and submerged in an ice water bath.

Step 3: Gentle Agitation

The mixture is gently stirred or shaken to break the trichomes away from the plant material. The bubble bags act as filters, separating the trichomes from the plant matter.

Step 4: Filtration & Drying

Trichomes collect in bags with micron ratings between 70 and 90 microns. The collected material is then dried, forming bubble hash.

 

The Differences between Hash and Bubble Hash 

The difference between hash and bubble hash is quite distinct, considering the process and the end product. Even the potency makes a clear difference, although this will vary according to strain. Here's a breakdown of how they differ: 

FACTOR 

HASH

BUBBLE HASH 

Starting Material 

Fresh or Dry Cannabis 

Fresh Frozen Cannabis 

Extraction Method

Dry sift, hand-rubbed, pressed

Ice water, filtration

Purity

Contains plant material

Mostly trichomes, cleaner

Potency

Moderate to high

Higher potency (full melt)

Texture

Harder, resinous

Soft, granular, melts easily

Consumption Methods

Smoked, mixed with flowers, vaped

Dabbed, vape, or smoked

Shelf Life 

Last longer since plant material is dried before extracting 

Degrades faster when not dried properly 

Cost and Availability

More common, cheaper

Pricier due to labor-intensive process


Which One is Right for You? 

All things considered, hash and bubble hash are made for different concentrate users. Hash is best for anyone who wants the traditional consumption method and wants something that can be used after extracting. 

Bubble hash is best for anyone who wants a purer experience and doesn't mind the long waiting time to dry and cure bubble hash. 

 

Conclusion 

It's hard to say one concentrate is superior to the other due to the different preferences of concentrate fans. Each concentrate offers a unique and enjoyable experience, especially when properly extracted. All things considered, go for what suits your lifestyle and taste. 

Planning to extract hash or bubble hash at home? We have a selection of dry sifters and bubble hash machines that may help you get high-quality yields. Feel free to reach out to us so that we can guide you through the decision-making process. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Hash and Bubble Hash

What is the main difference between hash and bubble hash?
Hash is made using traditional dry sifting or hand-rubbing methods, while bubble hash is extracted using an ice water and filtration process, resulting in higher purity and potency.
Which one is more potent, hash or bubble hash?
Bubble hash is typically more potent because it contains fewer plant materials and is composed mostly of trichomes, whereas traditional hash may have some plant contaminants.
How is hash traditionally made?
Traditional hash is made by hand-rubbing fresh cannabis to collect resin or by dry sifting dried cannabis through fine mesh screens to separate trichomes, which are then pressed into bricks or balls.
What is the process of making bubble hash?
Bubble hash is made by agitating fresh frozen cannabis in an ice water bath, filtering it through micron bags to isolate trichomes, and then drying it properly to maintain potency.
Does bubble hash taste better than traditional hash?
Yes, bubble hash generally has a more pronounced terpene profile, offering a richer flavor and aroma compared to traditional hash, which may have more plant material affecting the taste.
Which is easier to make at home, hash or bubble hash?
Traditional hash is easier to make at home because it requires simple tools like mesh screens or hand-rolling techniques, whereas bubble hash requires specialized filtration bags and ice water.
What are the best ways to consume hash and bubble hash?
Hash is commonly smoked, mixed with flower, or vaped, while bubble hash is best consumed by dabbing, vaping, or mixing with flower in a joint or bowl.
Which one has a longer shelf life, hash or bubble hash?
Traditional hash has a longer shelf life since it is dried before pressing, whereas bubble hash can degrade faster if not properly dried and stored.
Why is bubble hash more expensive than traditional hash?
Bubble hash is pricier because of the labor-intensive extraction process, which involves ice water filtration and drying, resulting in a purer, high-quality concentrate.
Which concentrate should I choose, hash or bubble hash?
If you prefer a traditional, more affordable option with a longer shelf life, go for hash. If you want higher potency, better flavor, and don’t mind the drying process, bubble hash is the way to go.

 

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