If you’re looking for one of the purest, most flavorful ways to enjoy cannabis, then water hash is it.
Also known as bubble hash or ice water hash, water hash is known for its solvent-free purity, rich terpene profile, and full-bodied potency.
Unlike solvent-based extracts that rely on chemicals like butane or ethanol, water hash is made using just ice, water, and agitation to separate the plant’s precious trichomes, or the tiny resin glands that contain cannabinoids and terpenes. This results in a clean, terpene-rich concentrate that contains the full essence of the cannabis plant.
Consumers and producers prioritize purity, safety, and flavor over high-yield, solvent-based extractions. Water hash is popular for these reasons. After all, connoisseurs want the full potential and a smoother experience when consuming it.
Table of Contents
- What is Water Hash?
- The Origins of Water Hash
- How Water Hash Compares to Other Hash-Making Techniques
- The Science Behind Making Water Hash
- Choosing the Right Strains for Water Hash
- Setting up for Water Hash Production
- Ice Water Washing Machines vs. Hand-Washing
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Water Hash
- Step 1: Preparation
- Step 2: Washing and Agitation
- Step 3: Filtration and Collection
- Step 4: Drying & Curing
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions About Water Hash
What is Water Hash?
Water hash, also known as bubble hash or ice water hash, is a cannabis concentrate extracted with ice, water, and gentle agitation to separate trichomes from the plant material. These trichomes, or resin glands, hold the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids of a plant.
Because only ice and water are used in extracting this concentrate, this makes water hash the purest and most flavorful concentrate available, since no chemicals are involved.
The Origins of Water Hash
Water hash traces back to traditional hash-making techniques in the eastern side of the world, to collect resin glands that would be concentrated and potent.
In the 1990s, the washing technique was introduced using cold water and micron screens, hence the name water hash. Mila Jansen, who developed the washing bags system, has become an icon in this field wherein her design has been implemented by other brands for hash washing.
How Water Hash Compares to Other Hash-Making Techniques
Water hash is widely known for its purity, flavor, and versatility. It does not use chemicals for extraction, making it ideal for medicinal use, health-conscious users, and even artisanal makers. If you're after full-melt, or hash that melts easily when lit, water hash is the way to go.
Water hash gains an edge over dry sifting, as the latter still has plant material in the end product. Rosin, unlike water hash, needs to be heated, which can degrade terpenes.
Butane Hash Oil might have higher yields, but water hash has a more natural flavor and no chemical solvents.
The Science Behind Making Water Hash
The science in water hash is rather simple: trichomes are brittle when cold and can be gently separated from the plant by using water, ice, and gentle agitation.
Water hash is made by submerging cannabis in ice-cold water and gently agitating it. The cold temperature freezes and stiffens trichomes, making them easier to break off without damaging the plant material. The ice water bath is agitated to allow the trichomes to break loose, which is then filtered in a series of micron bags.
Once the water hash is collected, it is then dried to remove any moisture accumulated from washing.
Choosing the Right Strains for Water Hash
Not all cannabis strains are made equal when it comes to making water hash. Some strains produce abundant, resinous trichomes that separate easily in ice water, while others have trichomes that are too small, fragile, or greasy to yield high-quality hash.
If you want high yields and full-melt quality, choosing a "washable" strain is crucial.
Strains can be considered washable when they are extracted properly in an ice-water bath. That means:
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The resin glands should detach cleanly from the plant with minimal agitation.
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They have bigger trichomes that hold more resin and separate more efficiently.
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They have a high resin content
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They feature a terpene-rich profile that enhances the final product.
Even if a strain is potent and resinous, it might not be ideal for water hash if its trichomes are too small, or fragile, as these factors can reduce yield and quality.
Setting up for Water Hash Production
Having the right equipment is crucial to produce high-quality water hash. You want to efficiently separate trichomes while keeping minimizing contaminants.
Micron Bags and Their Role in Filtration
Micron bags (or bubble bags) are what define good quality water hash. These bags are made with mesh screens that filter trichomes based on size. Used in series, these bags ensure that they can filter the best quality material possible from your plant.
Common Micron Sizes and Their Uses
|
Micron Size |
Purpose |
Hash Quality |
|
220µm |
Work bag (catches plant material) |
Not used for smoking |
|
160µm |
Filters out contaminant trichomes |
Low-quality hash |
|
120µm |
Collects larger, mature trichomes |
Mid-grade hash |
|
90µm |
The ideal balance of purity & yield |
High-quality hash |
|
73µm |
Captures the most resin-dense trichomes |
Full-melt potential |
|
45µm |
Smallest viable trichomes |
Can be full-melt but lower yield |
|
25µm |
Catches the finest material, often lower purity |
Edibles or pressed hash |
Ice Water Washing Machines vs. Hand-Washing
There are two main methods for washing hash: Hand-washing and using Ice Water Washing Machines.
Hand-washing is a more traditional method that uses large buckets or drums filled with ice water. Agitation is done by manual stirring with a paddle or spoon and ideal for small batches and artisanal makers who want quality over speed.
Ice Water Washing Machines use a gentle, motorized washing system to agitate the material. The agitation is consistent while reducing manual work, making it great for large-scale production. It does require regular monitoring to ensure that plant material doesn't break up and contaminate your hash.
If you're deciding which you should choose:
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Hand-washing offers more control over agitation, leading to cleaner hash.
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Ice water washing machines provide efficiency and consistency while minimizing effort.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Water Hash
Now that you understand the qualities of water hash and what it takes to make it, let's look at the process of actually making it.
Step 1: Preparation
Once you have chosen your strain, you will then pick what state your starting material will be in.
Fresh-Frozen Material (Live Hash)
Cannabis is frozen immediately after harvest without drying to preserve terpenes for a more flavorful, aromatic hash. This produces a lighter-colored, high-terpene hash. However, this needs careful freezing and cold storage to minimize degradation.
Dried & Cured Material
The traditional method, wherein cannabis is dried and cured before extraction. Trichome separation is easier when cured, and results in a darker hash with a more complex flavor. It's easier to store water hash from cured plant material, but it may also lose terpenes.
Step 2: Washing and Agitation
The washing and process separates trichomes from plant material using an ice water bath.
For a good ice-water bath ratio, consider using 1 part ice, 1 part water, and 2 parts cannabis. Too much ice can damage trichomes, while too much water isn't as efficient.
After that, you should arrange your bubble bags with the highest micron rating in the outermost, and the lowest micron rating in the innermost.
If the micron rating is 25, that means it should be in the outer part, while a micron rating of 220 should be in the inner part.
Put your cannabis inside the innermost bubble bag, add your ice water bath, and then begin agitation.
Step 3: Filtration and Collection
Separated trichomes must be filtered through micron screens to collect the different grades of hash.
Before collecting, let the bags drain and allow the hash to settle for a few minutes before scooping with a fine mesh spoon for a food-grade collecting instrument.
You will often find full-melt quality water hash settling either in the 90 or 75-micron bags. Separate each extract by micron and label accordingly.
Make sure the water is completely drained before drying.
Step 4: Drying & Curing
Proper drying is essential to preserve terpenes, prevent mold, and ensure a stable final product.
There are two ways of doing this: air-drying and freeze-drying.
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Air drying is cheaper and more accessible as it doesn't need special equipment. However, there's a higher risk of mold, oxidation, and terpene loss, and can take around a week to dry.
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Freeze-drying retains terpenes and potency, and can dry in 36 hours. However, you need specialized equipment that can cost a lot.
Regardless of which you choose, ensure that your water hash is spread out evenly to dry properly. Once you have completed drying, store in airtight containers and keep in a cool, dark place.
Conclusion
Water hash stands as one of the purest, most natural cannabis concentrates available today. Its solventless nature, rich terpene profile, and full-melt potential make it a favorite among connoisseurs and commercial extractors.
For anyone looking to explore high-quality concentrates, mastering water hash is an exciting and rewarding journey. If you're new to the process, start small, experiment with different strains, micron bags, and drying methods, and refine your techniques to maximize yield and purity.
Check out our selection of water hash extraction equipment on the site and take your skills to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Hash
- ◄What is Water Hash?
- Water hash, also known as bubble hash or ice water hash, is a solventless cannabis concentrate made using ice water and agitation to separate trichomes from the plant material.
- ◄How is Water Hash made?
- Water hash is made by agitating cannabis in ice water, causing cold trichomes to break off, which are then filtered through micron bags.
- ◄What are the best strains for making Water Hash?
- The best strains for water hash have large, resinous trichomes and high terpene content, such as Wedding Cake, GMO, and Papaya.
- ◄What is the difference between Water Hash and Dry Sift?
- Water hash uses ice water and agitation for extraction, producing purer results, while dry sift relies on screens to separate trichomes from dry material.
- ◄What are micron bags, and why are they important?
- Micron bags filter trichomes by size, separating different hash grades. Common sizes include 220µm (work bag) to 73µm (full-melt quality).
- ◄Can you make Water Hash from cured cannabis?
- Yes, cured cannabis produces darker hash with complex flavors, while fresh-frozen material retains more terpenes and creates a lighter product.
- ◄What is Full-Melt Water Hash?
- Full-melt water hash is high-quality hash that bubbles and melts fully when heated, leaving minimal residue.
- ◄What is the difference between Air-Drying and Freeze-Drying Water Hash?
- Air-drying is cost-effective but slower with terpene loss risk, while freeze-drying preserves terpenes and potency but requires specialized equipment.
- ◄How should you store Water Hash?
- Store water hash in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation and terpene loss.
- ◄Is Water Hash suitable for medical use?
- Yes, water hash is popular among medical users for its solvent-free purity, preserving cannabinoids and terpenes for therapeutic benefits.
