Bubble Hash has been making waves for the experience it offers.
This concentrate is known for its potency, due to the little to no traces of plant material that affect the end-product's effect.
But there's a lot to understand about its potency, especially as this is one of the deciding factors cannabis connoisseurs want to know about their concentrates in general. If you're unaware, potency is crucial for anyone using cannabis for medical relief or recreational experiences.
So how potent is bubble hash?
Table of Contents
What Determines the Potency of Bubble Hash?
When one talks about potency in cannabis in general, this refers to the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol, which provides the psychoactive experiences as a whole.
Different factors affect potency, but it all starts when the plant bubble hash is extracted. While there are strains of cannabis known for their high THC levels, the plant quality plays a key role. Thus, if you cultivate a high THC strain, but the growing techniques applied are subpar, chances are, the bubble hash won't be as potent.
While THC says a lot about potency, it's not the sum of bubble hash potency. Without other elements, like terpenes and cannabidol (CBD), pure THC won't be as pleasant.
Terpenes and CBD balance things to give you that high while making the experience pleasing.
Trichome Quality
Bubble hash is derived from high-quality trichomes that are fully mature and rich in resin. These trichomes are where the most cannabinoids and terpenes are stored. That's why it's critical to separate them from the plant to reduce plant contamination, which affects the overall quality.
Before even beginning the bubble hash extraction process, the trichomes should be ripe. To check if the trichomes are ripe, use a magnifying glass and check what the trichomes look like. They should look milky white and may have some amber shades.
If you use underdeveloped trichomes, they will have lower THC levels, while overripe trichomes may provide CBD-rich bubble hash instead.
How Potent Is Bubble Hash Compared to Other Concentrates?
Bubble hash has a potency that can yield as much as 70% THC, assuming the strain used is of the highest quality, and the extraction was done correctly. But how does THC compare to other concentrates? Here's a breakdown:
|
Concentrate Type |
Estimated THC Potential |
Extraction Method |
|
Bubble Hash |
50-70% THC |
Ice water & filtration |
|
Dry Sift Hash |
40-60% THC |
Mechanical sifting |
|
Rosin |
60-80% THC |
Heat & pressure |
|
Butane Hash Oil |
70-90% THC |
Solvent-based extraction |
As you can see, Bubble hash has a high THC potential, despite not using solvents. It's only dethroned by Rosin, another solventless concentrate that can yield as much as 80%.
Butane Hash Oil, while having the most potential for THC, is a solvent-based extract and isn't guaranteed to be as pure.
Factors That Affect Bubble Hash Potency
While the strain of choice plays a critical factor in bubble hash, there are other things to consider. Even the strain with the highest THC can lose its potential when the extraction isn't done right. So what other considerations are there?
Micron Screen Size
Bubble hash is filtered through mesh bags called bubble bags, which separate plant material and the trichomes. There's a sweet spot for full-melt quality bubble hash, which often is between 73 and 90 microns.
Anything lower or higher will yield lower-quality hash, and may not have as much cannabinoids, or too much plant material.
Extraction Process
Bubble hash is made using a solventless ice water agitation technique, making it the gentlest way to detach the trichome heads from the plant while submerged inside the bubble bags. When done right, you get more cannabinoids and terpenes, unlike other concentrates.
If the agitation is too rough, chances are, there's a high risk for plant material to get into the sweet spot where full-melt bubble hash lies.
Drying and Curing
Improper drying can lead to THC loss, oxidation, and mold growth. Since the bubble hash is loaded with moisture due to the water submersion, it's imperative that drying is given utmost attention.
You can opt to dry bubble hash with a freeze dryer, which prevents oxidations and preserves more THC, or air-dry, which is cheaper but can reduce potency because of exposure to natural conditions.
Storage Conditions
Once your bubble hash has reached a sandy texture, the next thing to consider is the storage condition. Factors that can affect potency include heat, oxygen, and humidity exposure. To maintain its potency, it should be stored in:
- A cool dark place and away from sunlight; and,
- An airtight container
Testing the Potency of Bubble Hash
For dispensary-bought bubble hash, chances are, these come with THC percentages from laboratories. When tested, laboratories can provide information, such as THC, CBD terpenes, and any contaminants present.
However, homemade bubble hash is another matter. Unless you have the facilities at home, the closest you can get is a ballpark figure. If your strain has around 25% THC, chances are, bubble hash has around 70% of that THC.
Since these are potency estimates, conducting a heat test will give a clearer picture of the bubble hash's THC content. If the bubble hash melts and vaporizes, then you likely have a highly potent concentrate.
So, why is it important to know how potent the bubble hash is?
In a nutshell, the point of knowing how potent the bubble hash is for people who prefer to use a certain dosage. Some people can't handle something too potent which may lead to discomfort when high doses are consumed.
Maximizing the Effects of Bubble Hash
Having a potent bubble hash is one thing, but knowing how to maximize it is another matter. There are different ways to use bubble hash, but the best ways to feel its potency are:
-
Dabbing, which provides a high potency and a near-instantaneous effect;
-
Vaping, which preserves terpenes and is easy on the lungs
-
Mixing with buds is simple and a good way to boost the potency of joints and bowls.
All things considered, the best way to use bubble hash is where you are most comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the potency of bubble hash and how to maximize its effects will allow you to get the most mileage out of this concentrate. Considering the tedious process or cost to acquire, the last thing you want to do is misuse your bubble hash and waste its potency.
That said, consider trying different sources of bubble hash to give you an idea of its potency. That way, you will know which source offers the best value for money.
If you plan to extract highly potent bubble hash on your own, check out our selection of bubble hash washers for extracting and
freeze dryers for drying faster. Reach out to us so we can guide you through the purchasing process.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Potent Bubble Hash
- ◄What is bubble hash and why is it considered potent?
- Bubble hash is a solventless cannabis concentrate made from trichomes using ice water and agitation. Its potency comes from minimal plant material and high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes.
- ◄How is the potency of bubble hash determined?
- Potency is mainly determined by THC concentration, trichome maturity, plant strain, and extraction quality. Terpenes and CBD also contribute to the overall experience.
- ◄How potent is bubble hash compared to other cannabis concentrates?
- Bubble hash typically contains 50-70% THC, making it highly potent among solventless concentrates, only surpassed by rosin and butane hash oil in THC potential.
- ◄What affects the THC levels in bubble hash?
- Factors include the strain’s genetics, trichome ripeness, micron screen size, extraction process, drying/curing methods, and storage conditions.
- ◄What micron screen size is best for potent bubble hash?
- The ideal micron size for full-melt bubble hash is between 73 and 90 microns, allowing for maximum trichome capture and minimal plant material.
- ◄Does the drying and curing process impact potency?
- Yes, improper drying can lead to THC loss, oxidation, or mold. Freeze drying preserves potency better than air drying.
- ◄Can homemade bubble hash be tested for potency?
- Lab testing is ideal, but at home, potency can be estimated based on the starting material’s THC level. A melt test can indicate high-quality potency.
- ◄How should bubble hash be stored to maintain potency?
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Exposure to heat, oxygen, or humidity can degrade THC and reduce potency.
- ◄What are the best ways to consume bubble hash for potency?
- Dabbing and vaping are ideal for maximum potency and flavor. Mixing with flower enhances the potency of joints or bowls.
- ◄Why is it important to know the potency of bubble hash?
- Knowing potency helps users dose properly, especially for medical relief or to avoid discomfort from overconsumption.
