Bubble Hash is made using ice water, one of many different extracts of cannabis. It is typically a dark brown, somewhat crumbly solid.
Bubble hash is made by extracting structures that contain the majority of marijuana’s active ingredients. These structures are called trichomes. Resembling tiny hairs, they are packed tightly on cannabis flower buds.
Bubble hash gets its name from the bubbles that form when “full melt” bubble hash is smoked. Full melt is an especially refined type of bubble hash.
The name also refers to the “bubble bags” used in the extraction process. Plastic bubble bags feature progressively smaller sieve-like holes. Hole sizes may range from as large as 220 microns to just 25 microns — the diameter of the finest human hair.
Bubble bags allow manufacturers to use freezing and simple ice water to filter out raw plant materials and contaminants while retaining active ingredients.
Traditional hash is a form of naturally concentrated resin collected from mature plants. It is common in Middle Eastern countries where cannabis is cultivated.
Traditional hash contains up to 50% THC, while whole cannabis typically contains 10-20% THC.
Bubble hash is thought to be more refined than traditional hash, but less refined than popular new extracts such as BHO (shatter or wax). Bubble hash may contain up to 60% THC. Other concentrates, like shatter or wax, may contain up to 90%.
Bubble hash can be consumed with cannabis in a pipe, or rolled with cannabis into a joint. Only small amounts of bubble hash are needed to achieve the desired high.
One-third of a gram is typically enough to generate a substantial high for users. For reference, an ounce consists of 28 grams.
Summary
Bubble hash is made by freezing whole plant material to loosen cannabinoid-rich trichomes. These are then separated from extraneous plant materials using simple ice water and mesh filters called bubble bags.
The end result is a concentrated, THC-rich product suitable for smoking in small amounts. Although some people prefer bubble hash because it’s made without the use of solvents, it remains relatively rare in the marketplace.
Despite this, cannabis expert Chris Boudreau notes that bubble hash has a certain appeal. “If done carefully, it’s a high-quality, high-grade product — like handmade cognac,” he says. “We may see more of it in the future.”