Understanding Hash and Its Benefits
What is Hash and How is it Different from Cannabis Flower?
Hash or hashish is a concentrated form of the cannabis plant that can be made in various ways. It is made by separating the trichomes from the cannabis flower and leaves.
There is a distinct difference between the way cannabis flower and hash look. Hashish is more of a greenish brown block. The texture and consistency is also very different to the dried flower buds you are used to.
You can make hash in various ways. It can be through dry sifting, ice water extraction and rosin pressing. The way you make your hash, along with the strain of the plant it came from is generally what will define the characteristics of your hashish.
Because hash looks so different to flower, rolling it is different too. You can't just grind it up like flower, especially if you have a nice pure hash. Hash is too crumbly and sticky. To get the best smoking experience, you need to roll your hash joint correctly.
Benefits of Rolling with Hash
Hash is known for it's potency. It is generally of higher THC concentration than flower. Cannabis enthusiasts will also boast that hashish has a more flavorful smoke. Good hash will generally smell less than flower too.
Some smoke hash on it's own, some will put some hashish in a regular joint. But in general it can create a more intense high than smoking cannabis flower alone.
The different types of hash all have different properties. Some of the most popular are bubble hash, moroccan hash, or hash rosin. All are used by medicinal users to aid in symptom relief or aide relaxation and sleep.
When rolling with hash you may experience something called a hash hole. A hash hole, or donut holes are when some high quality hash is rolled in a cylindrical shape in the middle of a tightly packed joint. Due to the way the evenly ground cannabis burns around the hash, you will see a hash hole in the middle of your ash. This happens specifically if you roll a hash hole joint.
The roll of hash in the center amplifies the flavor profile of the chosen flower. It provides a little extra kick. It will also help the joint to stay lit. This is why many choose a hash hole joint when rolling, however this is not the only way to roll hash.
Essential Tools for Hash Rolling
Choosing the Right Rolling Paper for Hash Joints
Hash usually burns slower than cannabis flower. This means your choice of rolling paper is even more important. Preferably king size papers, and using the thinnest possible. Unbleached hemp papers are always my recommendation.
There are also many options with distinct flavour. But if you have high quality hash I'd say stay away from those choices for the most enjoyable smoking experience.
Experiment with different papers to see which work best for you and your personal preferences. However you want to find one with consistent burn and you want it to burn evenly.
Filter Tip (Roach): Importance and Options
The filter tip of your hash joint is the next thing to consider. There are a few routes to go.
Some will just use a piece of roach card. As we call it in the UK. Roach is a thin cylinder of rolled up card. This can be great to catch the distinct flavour of your joint, but slightly harsh, especially with hash.
So to roll a hash joint filter tip, I have a suggestion popularised in the Netherlands. Take the filter tip of a cigarette, or a roll up filter. Rip a small strip off this, and wrap a piece of roach card around it. This will give you the perfect filter tip to smoke hash with. Giving you access to that taste and flavorful smoke, but keeping your throat safe.
A good filter will prevent you from any oils leaking into your mouth.
Grinders and Other Tools for Preparing Hash
Grinders can be used for slightly tougher hash. Generally the harder the hash, the lower the quality. A really good hash will be too sticky and crumbly for your grinder. Even so I would say using hot knives to soften the hash and using your hands is superior.
For the best rolling, use your hands to break the hashish into small pieces. Use your index finger or any other knife to break up the hash as evenly as possible. Once it is fully rolled, the slight lumpiness actually helps with a gradual burn.
Preparing the Hash
Grinding the Hash: Tips and Techniques
Don't over break up your hash. If your hash is too thinly crushed, it wont have such even burning. Try to ensure that you have your hash mix as even as possible.
if your hash is super crumbly, you can break bits off directly into your joint.
Preparing the Hash for Rolling: Temperature and Moisture Control
Store your hash in an airtight container, in the refrigerator to preserve it's terpene profile. You also want to ensure that your hash is away from direct sunlight to prevent heat damage.
The key is you don't want your hash too wet or too dry for extended periods of time. To prevent mold growth and degradation. It is plant material at the end of the day.
Rolling Techniques
The Classic Roll: A Step-by-Step Guide to Rolling a Hash Joint
Start by preparing your hash rosin and your rolling papers. If you have quite hard hash, use a hot knife to gently toast it. This will make it softer and easier for you to roll.
Hash generally cannot be rolled so easily by itself. So use your tobacco, tobacco alternative or cannabis flower with even distribution to cover your rolling paper. Then lightly cover and evenly spread your hash over the top.
To roll a hash joint effectively, it needs to burn evenly. Put your filter on the side of your weaker hand. From here you need to start to roll your joint between your thumb and index finger into a cone shape. From the bottom half up. Ensure that the adhesive strip on the paper nearest to your index finger is facing you.
Roll the joint tightly, lick the adhesive strip and slowly turn and stick. This should be a good step by step guide for any first time roller who just wants a standard hash joint.
You can also use a rolling tray for assistance and to do most of the work for you.
This is the most solid way to roll a joint. Without worrying about hash holes or anything fancy.
The Cone Roll: A Variation for Experienced Rollers
Using a pre rolled cone can be a time saver for rollers. For more experienced, this can be a great way to ensure you get that hash hole experience. To get the ideal hash hole and roll a hash joint that burns perfectly, You need to fill your cone with the straw still in the centre. Once you have filled around it, you can stuff the centre with a thinly rolled worm of hash.
Then use the tool to pack out the top for the perfect hash hole burning joint. This will really make you an expert in rolling within the cannabis world.
Lighting and Smoking Hash Joints
Proper Lighting Techniques for Hash Joints
Use a lighter to light the joint. Make sure you apply even heat. Try to ensure that there is a full melt of the hash, rather than just the surrounding flower.
Take slow, gentle draws from the joint. You need to take your time to allow the heat to effect the hash. You don't want the rolling paper to burn first. You'd like a nice even burn.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common Mistakes When Rolling a Hash Joint
Generally there are a few mistakes people make. Try to avoid these:
Overpacking the joint: This will make your joint burn unevenly. Don't squash your joint down too much into the rolling paper. Instead try to make sure it is evenly distributed. And your hash evenly distributed within your other herbs.
Using too much hash. Hashish is much more dense than flower. And I know you just want to get the most of the hashish distinct flavour. However the unique characteristics of hashish, compared to flower, are that it burns slower and with more oil. Using too much hash can clog up your joint.
The key takeaways with this are, don't do anything too over the top. Keep your amounts reasonable to get the desired effects and happy rolling.
Mastering the Art of Rolling Hash
Again not to come back to this point too much. But mastering the art of rolling hash comes back to that perfect hash hole in the middle of your joint. This will mean you get all your hash rosin melting into your spliff leaving that empty hash hole in the middle of your ash.
I'm not going to go too far into this within this article. But do read more to find out how to make a hash hole.
Where to buy the best CBD Hash
There are various forms of hashish and various ways to roll them. I have outlined two of the most simple to help you on your way.
Check out our range of CBD hash at Fortune flavours. The best place to buy CBD hash online in the UK.
