Bubble hash is a cannabis concentrate and the modern version of hash, or hashish, that's been enjoyed both recreationally and medicinally for centuries. Bubble hash falls under the category of solventless concentrates, as chemical solvents are not used in its production.
Traditional hash involved separating the trichomes from the plant, commonly through the use of screens and agitation. These days, ice water is used to separate the trichomes from the plant material, resulting in bubble hash’s other name, “ice water hash.” Some hashmakers also use very cold water without the ice.
The name “bubble hash” comes from the bubbles this concentrate makes when heated. Ice water extraction separates the trichomes with improved efficiency, creating a more potent product with up to 70% THC content.
Benefits of Bubble Hash
Bubble hash offers several benefits for extraction professionals and consumers.
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Extraction professionals |
Consumers |
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Doesn’t require a C1D1 room to produce |
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrate |
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Branding differentiation as an environmentally friendly and “pure” concentrate extract company |
Rich flavors and aromas |
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Wide range of possible SKUs |
Versatile uses and consumption methods |
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Lower setup costs compared to solvent extraction |
Cost-effective to purchase |
How Is Bubble Hash Made?
Bubble hash requires a few simple tools to make, making it a very accessible concentrate extraction method.
To make bubble hash, you need your starting plant material, ice water, two buckets, a mesh liner, and a graduated set of hash filtration bags.
- Set up one bucket with a mesh liner. The mesh liner allows the trichomes to fall through but keeps the larger particles and plant material contained.
- Place the dry or frozen cannabis plant material in the mesh liner, then add enough ice water to fill the bucket almost to the top.
- Next, agitate the plant material and ice water for about 15 minutes. The trichome heads will fall off the plant and through the mesh liner, leaving the stalks, lipids, and other plant matter behind. The water remaining in the bottom of the bucket is the "hash-rich water."
- Remove the mesh liner and dump the hash-rich water into another bucket with a series of hash filtration bags.
- The layers of mesh bags or mesh will collect different sizes (and qualities) of trichomes.
- Take the resulting hash from the bottom of the bucket and dry it. Using a freeze-dryer is the gold standard, though open-air drying is an option for those who can't access a freeze-dryer. To air dry, gently press the excess moisture out of the hash using a pressing screen and a tea towel or paper towels, then leave to air dry in a controlled environment with a temperature of 50 °F to 55 °F and 35 percent average relative humidity.
For those who are making larger quantities of hash and need a more practical and efficient solution, commercial hash washing equipment is the best choice. Our FORZA TSS-225 model trichome separation system is fully automated. In each batch, it can process up to 17,000 g of fresh frozen cannabis, or 3,900 g of dry material. When your product is made in large quantities and your starting material is of a very high quality, the rest of the process needs to match.
A freeze dryer is the perfect companion to your trichome separation system. Using a freeze dryer to dry your hash keeps the product clean and avoids the risk of any spoilage. It also avoids bottlenecks in your production timeline, as freeze-drying machines can dry between 3 and 14 lbs of wet hash per run, depending on the size of the machine. Equipment like this will take your business and product quality to the next level.
Tip: Hone your extraction technique further with our dedicated guide to making bubble hash.
How Is Bubble Hash Used?
Bubble hash is a versatile concentrate with multiple uses. It has a grainy texture (similar to brown sugar). It can be smoked in a joint, pipe, or bong. It can also be dabbed, vaped, or baked into edibles. It doesn't dab as easily as solvent-based concentrates. This is easily remedied by pressing it into rosin first.
Solventless Concentrates Compared
While all solventless concentrates are made without the use of chemicals, there are several important differences to know.
Bubble Hash vs Rosin
Rosin is created by squeezing flower or hash between heated metal plates. This releases the cannabinoids and terpenes from the trichomes, which are then present in the resulting melt.
As rosin is sometimes made from bubble hash, the qualities of both are comparable. Texture and application are the main differences pertaining to use. Rosin is a dense and oily mass, while bubble hash is more versatile as it is looser and grainier.
Live rosin is a highly sought-after concentrate and is considered by connoisseurs to be the gold standard of rosin. From a manufacturer's viewpoint, rosin fetches a higher sale price than bubble hash. Bubble hash has fewer processing steps, though, and requires less equipment to make.
Bubble Hash vs Dry Sift
Dry sift is made by sieving plant material through a series of screens. This separates the trichomes and sifts out as much other plant material as possible. The resulting sift is a dry, fine powder that is great for sprinkling into bowls or joints.
Dry sift is sold at a lower price point compared to bubble hash, which is advantageous for customers. When you consider that there is no commercial equipment available for making dry sift, the product becomes much less lucrative when compared to the number of man-hours used to produce it.
Dry sift tends to have higher amounts of terpenes, while bubble hash has fewer contaminants and a higher potency. Five or six-star bubble hash is also better than dry sift for melting or dabbing.
The History of Bubble Hash
Bubble hash continues the proud tradition that started with dry hash-making methods, including charas. Charas, originating in the Himalayas, is thought to be the original method of making hash. Charas holds traditional and spiritual significance, with hashish balls being smoked by holy men (sadhus) and used as a community bonding event.
To make charas, fresh cannabis flowers are rubbed between the palms of one's hands. The trichomes come out of the plant and stick to the hands, which are then scraped off and molded into balls.
Through trade routes, hashish made its way to the Middle East, where the locals adapted the method and used silk screens to sift out the trichomes, similar to how we make dry sift today.
As hash spread through the world, other methods of production were developed, which brings us to the ice water method. Originally made in a bucket with filtration bags or screens at a small scale, high-quality bubble hash can now be made in large quantities efficiently with commercial hash washing equipment.
We’ve come a long way from the traditional ways of making hashish. However, folks still pride themselves on being expert hash makers and connoisseurs. Our commercial equipment adds to the quality and experience of the products being made and shared.
FAQ
What is live bubble hash?
Live bubble hash is bubble hash made from fresh-frozen or fresh cannabis plant material, rather than dried-and-cured cannabis.
What is full-melt bubble hash?
Full-melt bubble hash refers to the highest quality or six-star bubble hash that fully dissolves or melts when heated. It is extremely pure and is ideal for vaporizing or dabbing.
What is solventless bubble hash?
All bubble hash is solventless, as the process of making bubble hash does not use solvents.
How do I consume bubble hash?
Bubble hash can be smoked, vaped, dabbed, or baked into edibles.
How do I store bubble hash?
Bubble hash is best stored in glass jars in a cool, dark place. A freezer is ideal. If frozen, always allow the jar to come to room temperature before opening. This avoids creating condensation and moisture on the inside. If stored properly, your hash will last from six months to several years, while retaining its flavor, aroma, and potency.
How potent is bubble hash?
Bubble hash has the highest potency of the solventless concentrates, coming in at around 50 to 70 percent THC. Other solventless concentrates range between 20 and 60 percent THC, flower is around 15 to 25 percent, and some solvent-based concentrates take the lead at 70 to 99 percent.
Continuing the Proud Hash Tradition With Bubble Hash
Bubble hash is a great option for customers wanting a solventless and versatile concentrate. This makes it a smart choice to produce. Improving the efficiency and scale of your operation with specially made equipment is even smarter.
Commercial hash washing and freeze drying machines include models to suit enterprises of all shapes and sizes. Find a model that suits your application for improved bubble hash quality. Your customers will notice.
