There isn't a single best micron for bubble hash. Many beginners assume that smaller micron sizes automatically produce better hash. In reality, the highest quality bubble hash is often found within the mid-range of microns, with quality decreasing on either side of that sweet spot.
A micron (µm) is a unit of measurement equal to one-millionth of a meter. Microns are used to describe the size of the mesh openings in bubble hash bags (a.k.a. hash washing bags).
A hash washing bag is a filtration bag that separates cannabis trichomes from plant material during ice water extraction based on particle size. The ideal bag setup for your lab depends on your starting material, production goals, washing method, and the final product you're trying to make.
How Bubble Hash Bag Micron Sizes Are Used
Bubble hash bags use progressively finer mesh screens to separate trichome heads from contaminants like plant matter. This method sorts the collected material into different sizes.
Commercial hash producers use specially designed hash washing equipment to separate the trichomes from cannabis flower or trim using very cold water, agitation, and sometimes ice. The trichome-and-cold-water slurry that results from the agitation cycle is poured into a second vessel lined with a graduated series of mesh bags with different micron (hole) sizes.
Larger material is captured first. Increasingly smaller particles continue through the filtration stack to the mesh bags with smaller holes at the bottom.
Common bubble hash bag sizes include:
- 220 µm
- 190 µm
- 160 µm
- 120 µm
- 90 µm
- 73 µm
- 45 µm
- 25 µm
The aim of these bags isn't to collect the smallest possible particles. Rather, it's to isolate trichome heads with the highest cannabinoid concentration and minimize contamination from other plant material.
Cannabis flower contains 18-20 times more cannabinoids than the leaves. An effective washing process that uses high-quality bubble bags is key to producing pure and cannabinoid-rich hash.
Does the Smallest Micron Size Make the Best Bubble Hash?
The smallest micron size doesn't necessarily make the best bubble hash. In fact, many producers favor a mid-range, between 73 µm and 120 µm. This mid-range tends to contain mature trichome heads that are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.
As a rule of thumb:
- 120 µm collects high-quality resin from strains with large trichome heads.
- 90 µm is a sweet spot for collecting high-quality hash.
- 73 µm is the best micron size for collecting clean, full-melt hash.
However, this rule isn't universal. The best micron for bubble hash is often strain-specific. Some strains produce significantly larger trichome heads than others. These strains are likely to perform well in the 120-159 µm range. Others with smaller heads may peak in quality at 73 µm.
High-Caliber Bubble Bags Improve Yield Quality
Poor-quality mesh bags will negatively impact your final product. High-quality filter bags provide more consistent micron sizing as they're less likely to allow contaminants into the final product.
Investing in quality bags is key to premium hash production. Durable nylon bags are less likely to stretch, warp, or lose accuracy over time. They also improve production efficiency as they drain more easily, reduce clogging, and facilitate straightforward resin collection.
Use Cases for Each Micron Range
The micron size you choose will influence the characteristics of your final product. Choosing the right bag for your strain is critical.
160-220 Microns
Many producers use a 220 µm bag during the washing process. The larger micron size contains ice, water, and plant material, but lets trichome heads pass through. The yield is often of variable quality.
A 160 µm bag separates larger contaminants. It may contain:
- Large mature trichome heads
- Broken resin
- Plant debris, like stalks or leaves
Some producers will discard the collected material. Others will process it further. This is especially true when working with strains with larger glands.
90-120 Micron
This is the optimal range for many strains. 90 µm and 120 µm bags often contain:
- Mature trichome heads
- High terpene content
- High melt quality
- Strong flavor and aroma profile
- Excellent rosin yields
For many producers, this is the sweet spot for making the best quality bubble hash.
73 Micron
The 73 µm bag is often associated with premium solventless hash production. This is because it captures:
- Fully-developed resin heads
- Minimal contamination
- Exceptional melt quality
- Strong terpene preservation
That said, the 73 µm size isn't automatically better than 90 µm or 120 µm. The best choice always depends on the strain you use.
45 Micron
The 45 µm range is valuable in labs that use strains with naturally smaller trichome heads. This bag tends to catch:
- Small mature heads
- Small and immature trichomes
- Broken trichome heads
- Some contaminants
This micron size will capture both desirable and undesirable material. Many producers will evaluate the yield on a case-by-case basis.
25 Micron
The 25 µm bag is the final collection point. It captures:
- Very small trichome heads
- Resin fragments
- Fine particles
Some strains produce usable resin in this range. However, it typically yields more contaminants than higher micron sizes. 25 µm is therefore often used to bulk out yield in lower-grade hash production.
Micron Size and Hash Grades
The micron range you choose plays a significant role in determining the final hash grade:
Full-Melt Hash
Premium hash producers use extremely high-quality material to make hash with full-melt characteristics. This top grade is dominated by the 73-120 µm range. The final product boasts minimal contaminants and leaves little to no residue when vaporized.
Half-Melt Hash
Half-melt offers moderately melted resin. Production may therefore include wider micron ranges. Half-melt contains more plant material than full-melt bubble hash but is considered a very good quality result. This makes it well-suited for pressing into rosin.
Food-Grade Hash
Food-grade hash is commonly used for edibles. This makes cannabinoid recovery more important than melt quality.
Is It Better to Sell Bubble Hash by Micron Size or as Full-Spectrum Hash?
Selling bubble hash by micron size or as a full-spectrum mixture are both valid approaches. Processors who prioritize product differentiation often choose to separate different micron fractions and market them by quality. However, others focus on producing full-spectrum blends that appeal to customers looking for a broader cannabinoid and terpene profile.
Selling hash by micron size allows producers to highlight the unique characteristics of each grade. For example, premium 73 µm bubble hash is likely to command top-shelf pricing because of its excellent melt quality. It also allows the customer to understand exactly what to expect from the product.
However, this approach is more labor-intensive. It requires a lot more quality control and inventory management. Each grade must be collected, dried, graded, labeled, and packaged separately. This isn’t generally feasible for smaller producers. For this reason, many hash makers choose to create full-spectrum bubble hash.
How Many Bubble Hash Bags to Use
The ideal number of bubble hash bags to use depends on your production goals. For example, a setup of 220, 160, 73, and 25 µm bags is a great start for a hobbyist. This range offers a simple yet effective collection that still separates major quality differences.
Using fewer bags also means faster setup and a simplified workflow. Take into account that cleaning bubble hash bags is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Using fewer bags significantly reduces the time spent on this task.
However, larger commercial facilities tend to run full bag sets. This is because additional bags offer more precise grading, more accurate inventory control, consistent product segmentation, and optimal quality assessment.
Hand Washing vs Commercial Washing Equipment
The washing process is also a key factor when choosing hash bags:
Hand Washing
Hand washing is generally gentler, releasing fewer contaminants. This means a simple bag stack is enough for small-scale operators to maintain some quality separation.
Commercial Wash Systems
Commercial wash systems are a must for serious operations. Specialized hash washing equipment provides much greater consistency and product differentiation. Using more bags during washing helps processors isolate premium output while maximizing yield from secondary grades.
Align Your Equipment With Your Production Goals
There is no universally "best" micron when producing bubble hash. The ideal range depends on many factors, including your washing method and whether your priority is maximum quality, maximum yield, or a balance of both.
Success in hash production depends on optimizing the process for consistent results. Pairing the right bag configuration with purpose-built hash washing equipment is the best way to ensure cleaner separations, optimized resin recovery, and more consistent outcomes.
