Hash is an interesting topic, but it’s probably not the first thing you think about when getting to know CBD. It hasn’t got that distinctive fan of serrated leaves we can all recognise in a heartbeat. It doesn’t have the same mystery about it as those dried hemp flowers with those flecks of purple, yellow, pink, and green. It doesn’t even have the mouth-watering appeal of CBD gummies, or the ‘ease of use’ offered by a CBD vape cart.
Putting it bluntly, CBD hash is a non-descript block of greenish, yellowish stuff.
And yet? Ask any seasoned hemp-advocate, and they’ll tell you that CBD hash is one of the most useful, versatile, and exciting things you can experiment with.
Still can’t decide whether to buy CBD flower or hash? Keep reading.
What is Hash Made of?
Hash, or hashish, is made of many different parts of the hemp plant, although higher quality hash mainly features elements taken from the flower (bud). Hash that is rich in pollen and fascinating trichomes (those little hairs found around the bud, which are a rich source of resin and cannabinoids) will be particularly potent. The high concentration of resin is what gives it that distinctive texture and appearance.
CBD hash is very similar to regular hash made from cannabis. The key difference, of course, is that CBD hash features a concentration of less than 0.01% THC. As a result, CBD hash won’t get you high, per se, but it will let you take advantage of the other benefits the plant has to offer.
Aside from the effects themselves, however, any familiarity you may have with traditional hash made from cannabis will give you a good leg-up into the world of CBD hash.
What Does CBD Hash Look Like?
In the line-up of ‘all things CBD’, hash isn’t about to win any beauty contests. It is purchased in a compressed block, often green or brown in appearance, with the exact colouration dependant on the strain used.
The block itself is relatively soft and easy to break apart. Some hash may be ‘crumblier’ than others, while some hash is denser and capable of ‘holding its own’ a little better. But, in any case, you can easily pull off a smaller piece with your fingers.
CBD hash tends to be sold by weight, and you don’t need a lot of hash to feel the effects – particularly if you’re a beginner. Most people tend to buy a couple of grams’ worth of hash at a time, so don’t expect a literal brick of hash to be crammed through your letterbox. You don’t need a lot to get your #dailydoze – although the exact amount you need depends on what you’re planning to do with it…
What is CBD Hash Used For?
CBD hash is, ultimately, used for the same purposes that hemp flower is used for: exploring CBD’s potential health benefits. It can be smoked, vaped, or used in cooking – although, obviously, the method is a little different.
We wouldn’t put this at the top of our shortlist, but you can eat CBD hash as it comes. Because it’s so concentrated, only a tiny bite would be a good idea – and that’s if you could get on board with the very, very (read: very) strong taste hash has. Those resins are pungent, and most of us would rather enjoy them less…how should we put this…? Less vividly.
Smoking
Hash can be crumbled up and smoked, either with hemp flower or on its own. Smoking hash can be quite an intense experience, since it tends to produce a lot of smoke, which can catch in the throat more than a traditional blunt. It’s not the ideal first-time experience, and even some seasoned smokers would prefer to use hash in other ways.
But, being a highly concentrated source of CBD, smoking hash can produce pretty tangible effects. Remember, the extremely low level of THC (<0.01%) in hemp-derived CBD products means it won’t get you high, but smokers do report a fairly intense feeling of calm and relaxation from hash.
Hash with a firmer texture (more like putty than a soft cookie) can be rolled between your palm and a flat surface to make it the right shape for smoking, while crumblier hash can be ‘sprinkled’.
Hash can be vaped, but it’s got to be a vaporiser equipped to deal with dry herbs, which are a little less common in the UK. The easier alternative is to buy vape carts online, without having to put it all together yourself. You can read more about that here.
Eating
We’ve already stated our position on eating hash as it comes, but we’re certainly not about to rule out the sheer culinary potential hash has to offer. In fact, some people find hash to be the easier ingredient to work with than hemp flower, since it’s got a much more uniform texture that blends with other ingredients better.
When cooking with the flower itself, most people will infuse it in butter first – then use that butter to create edibles. You don’t need to do this with hash, and can often add a little into any recipe. You don’t want to start off using a big chunk of hash; just add a little, and increase each time you cook until you think you’ve found the sweet spot.
Remember that hash has a pungent taste, so pair it with recipes that you think will overpower those earthy tones it brings. Brownies are the evergreen choice, but there are plenty of sweet and savoury options open to the brave and bold.
Hash is a pretty unique product. True, it may not be the most obvious choice if you’re just starting to dabble in the world of CBD, but it is a great way to explore the full potential of hemp – particularly if you’re looking to get creative in the kitchen. Just as there are when it comes to hemp flower, there are plenty of flavour profiles to explore, so consider this a great new avenue to turn down if you’re new to hash.
