What is Bubble Hash & How Do You Smoke it? | Concentrates

The cannabis world is constantly in a state of growth and technological advances continue apace. Extraction techniques previously thought to be impractical are now considered common. Before waxes and shatter barged into the marketplace, a classic "Old School" technique that was developed in the late 70s and early 80s, most likely by notables like Sadhu Samwas or Neville Schoenmakers, remains an easy and clean way to make a pure cannabis extract. Bubble Hash is still commonly used in the homes of weed smokers who want a different type of smoke without engaging in an onerous process or spending a lot of cash at dispensaries on pricey concentrates.

How is Bubble Hash Made?

Bubble hash is cannabis resin that is easily made using ice water to initiate the process. The buds are first dunked in the water until they are frozen. They are then filtered using a screen, some type of mesh, or a bubble bag that has a mesh filter. The resulting crumbled material is bubble hash. It is basically millions of trichome glands that were knocked off, separated, and filtered from the buds when they were submerged and stirred. In order to ensure that only trichome heads are the end product, a very fine final mesh screen should be used. The trichomes should then be placed on a screen for up to a week to dry. Those trichomes are rich with the tasty and therapeutic terpenes that attract so many to the joy of bubble hash. It can contain anywhere from 35% to 80% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Store it in a glass jar in a cool, dry place.
When comparing bubble hash vs. hash, the bubble hash will usually be more refined, of a higher grade, and more potent. Pressing bubble hash is also an option if another step is desired. While it will rupture the trichomes and immediately lower the quality of the bubble hash, it is also the a great way to begin the process of making rosin.

Bubble Hash Potency

Bubble hash potency and quality are normally rated using a six-star system that begins with cooking grade and rises to full melt. The one to six-star rating system sets a standard that helps cannabis industry workers keep track of the quality of all the different types of extracts now on the market.

5 to 6 Stars: Full Melt Bubble Hash

This top-shelf hash only contains trichome heads and the highest-quality bubble hash that can be made. Can you dab bubble hash that is full melt? Yes. Dab it using an electric or quartz nail.

Three to Four Stars:Half Melt Bubble Hash

Dropping down a level in quality, half melt contains more plant matter and is, therefore, harsher than full melt when consumed. How to use bubble hash that is half melt? We prefer to add it to a joint or a bowl or press it into rosin because it will not vaporize well when dabbed.

One to Two Stars: Cooking-Grade Bubble Hash

Cooking grade hash is exactly that. With the heavy amounts of plant matter and other impurities, it contains this type of bubble hash is best for making edibles. How to smoke bubble hash that is cooking grade? Don't. Like half melt, it is possible to enjoy in a joint or bowl, but it will be a rough smoke that will not feel good on the throat. Since it will not melt, any type of vaporization or dabbing will not end successfully.

The Bubble Hash High

With heavy amounts of terpenes, the effects of bubble hash tend to be uplifting and euphoric with hints of psychedelia. It is a clean experience and those who smoke it compare it to a very strong sativa with little or no hangover or fatigue.

Differences Between Bubble Hash and Other Cannabis Concentrates

With so many different types of concentrates available, it is worth taking a moment to differentiate between the options. As the concentrate world has expanded, bubble hash has taken a back seat to some of the stronger concentrates crafted using advanced technologies that prioritize high THC content. The two popular methods for making cannabis concentrates are solvent-based extraction and non-solvent extraction. Bubble hash is an example of non-solvent extraction because no chemical agents are used (butane, alcohol, propane, CO2) to separate THC from the buds. Some people prefer this method because it is more "natural," but most consumers now enjoy the increased potency and full-spectrum aspects of extractions that require solvents. With the evolution of monitored and regulated lab operations, solvent-based extracts are far more common than non-solvent concentrates.

Butane hash oil (BHO) is probably the most popular solvent-based extraction. BHO is used to produce THC-heavy concentrates like shatter, wax, live resin, and budder. These products can reach up to 90% THC. THCA Diamonds are another popular solvent-based extraction. When heated, these crystals of cannabinoids set the standard for purity and can reach 99% THC levels. Bubble hash is strong but not that strong!

Are you a fan of concentrates? Do you enjoy bubble hash? How do you use it? Smoke? Dab? Take a second to let us know in the comments section below!