There are many ways to extract the trichomes from cannabis buds. In this blog, we have explained two of the most common extraction methods: filtering and dry ice. Filtering is still one of the most efficient means of obtaining high concentrations of kief (trichomes). This method is probably the most popular one, but dry ice is also a popular method for extraction. However, the hash obtained using dry ice has some plant material, and therefore, its color is a bit greenish, which means that the hash is not as pure as a filter-extracted hash. These two methods aren’t the only extraction methods. For instance, there’s another method called “bubble hash.” Many users want to know how to make bubble hash, and it’s quite simple to obtain hash with this method.
We’re going to explain how to make bubble hash in this blog post. So, let’s dive in!
What’s Bubble Hash?
Bubble hash is a way to extract cannabis trichomes without using solvents. The process is simple, and it just needs ice and water. We can classify the extraction methods into two main categories: solvent and solventless extracts.
Typical solvent methods use ethanol, butane, or propane to extract the kief from the buds. However, some people prefer purer methods without adding any solvent. The most traditional way is by filtering. This method uses a metal grid, coarse fabric, or even silk to filter the buds. The result is pure resin particles that are subsequently collected and pressed.
How to make Bubble hash?
Well, the method isn’t that different compared with other solventless methods. With this method, the kief is extracted using ice water.
It’s obtained by submerging the cannabis buds into icy water (water and ice) and filtering the plant material through various screens, then collecting the trichomes, or kief.
In case you don’t know it, it’s called “bubble hash” because of the bubble bags used in the filtering process. These bags have different microns and are placed in order on purpose. In other words, the larger the number (microns), the larger the holes are.
Bubble Hash: The Process
But let’s explain the process from the beginning. Firstly, we need a bucket and layer the bubble bags in the bucket from smallest to largest. That is to say, the bag with the largest holes is the first bag that will filter the mixture.
Secondly, the buds are added to the bucket, and then the ice is poured with some water (better-purified water than tap water).
Once the buds are mixed with the water and ice, the next step consists of stirring it for some minutes in both directions. Stirring it will create a water current that separates the trichomes from the buds. So, smooth circular motion is enough to separate them.
The hash will fall through the first bag together with some contaminants (plant material such as pistil hairs). Usually, at this stage, we let the water sit for about 10 minutes to allow the trichomes to settle in the water.
The next step is filtering the water again and again through the different filters. Some filters catch useful hash; in other words, it’s not only the last filter that contains hash. As we gradually collect the hash from each bag, the hash has some differences in color. Each bag the hash passes through acts as a filter, so the hash becomes “cleaner.”
Once the hash is collected, the next step is to dry it. There are different ways to dry it. For example, some people use cardboard and a room with a dehumidifier, and this process works very well. Finally, it’s important to remember that it should be kept out of the sunlight.
Conclusion
We know how to make bubble hash now, but is bubble hash worth it? As previously mentioned, bubble hash is a solventless extraction method. The THC content varies from 30 to 60%. In other words, bubble hash isn’t as potent as other hash varieties such as butane hash. Also, there are THC isolates that have a THC content of 99%.
Does bubble hash have any pros compared with THC isolates? The answer is yes. Bubble hash and other cannabis oils are high in terpenes. We have written on this blog about terpenes before. Terpenes have some potential health effects, such as anti-cancer properties, antibacterial, or relaxant properties.
When you use hash oil, you shouldn’t just focus on its THC content. Remember that terpenes and other cannabinoids are also important! For example, we have also written about cannabis and the entourage effect. According to this theory, cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than separately, a sort of synergy.
Finally, solvent-free extraction methods are more environmentally friendly than solvent-based ones. Some chemicals used as solvents, such as butane, are pollutants that often find their way into water sources and the soil. In conclusion, we can say that bubble hash and other solvent-free methods are eco-friendly.
This post was originally published on November 28, 2019. It was most recently updated on January 20, 2022