CBD Hash

There are many terms in the cannabis world that can cause confusion. Surely you have heard of cannabis, hashish, hash, you may have even heard about hemp as well. Although cannabis and hashish come from the same plant, their characteristics, formats and ways of obtaining them reveal substantial and important differences. Understanding what distinguishes them not only allows us to recognize that these forms of cannabis have particular formats and experiences and respond to different traditions, but also helps to understand their legal classification. Let’s see, then, what makes each of these expressions of the same plant unique. What exactly is cannabis? Cannabis is the floral part of cannabis, and it is probably the most recognized and widespread form of this plant. Its appearance, fragrance and texture have made it the most common derivative in the cannabis universe, especially due to its ease of cultivation and processing. What defines cannabis is not only its origin, but also the botanical richness that each flower contains: a complex structure where trichomes, pistils and other visible elements that give it its identity are concentrated. The part of cannabis that is known as marijuana When talking about marijuana, we are usually referring to the dried flowers of the cannabis plant, particularly female plants. These flowers, also called buds, develop in the flowering stage and are harvested once they reach their optimum point of maturity. What sets them apart from the rest of the plant is their high density of trichomes, tiny glandular structures that produce and store a variety of natural compounds. On a botanical level, this part of the plant represents the highest value in terms of concentration of active and aromatic components. It’s also important to recognize that the term “marijuana” often refers to the variant of cannabis that has the highest amounts of THC, while “hemp” is often used to refer to the variant with the most CBD. Although both are cannabis, and even have the same scientific name (cannabis sativa), this difference is important because in countries like Spain these plants are only legal if they have a THC of less than 0.2%, that is, plants called “marijuana” are not usually within the current legislation. What is cannabis like at a glance? Cannabis can be easily recognized by its floral and fibrous appearance. The buds are irregularly shaped, compact and fluffy, and are usually covered by a visible layer of trichomes that, under light, can look like tiny crystals. The predominant colors range from light green to dark green, although some varieties have purple, orange or even bluish tones. This variety of colors is due to the genetics of the plant and growing conditions, such as temperature or light exposure. In addition to its colour, cannabis is characterised by its texture: to the touch, the buds are sticky, slightly resinous and can give off a strong and complex aroma. This aroma is the result of terpenes, compounds that provide natural fragrances that vary between citrus, earthy, floral or fruity notes. All this set of elements makes cannabis visually and sensorially distinct from other cannabis-derived products. How Marijuana Is Obtained From The Plant The process of obtaining marijuana flowers begins with the harvest of the flowers, once they have reached the ideal maturity. This harvesting is usually done manually to preserve the structure of the buds. The flowers are then subjected to a drying process that reduces the internal humidity without deteriorating the most volatile compounds. Drying is carried out in dark, ventilated and temperature-controlled spaces, which prevents the appearance of mould and promotes gradual dehydration. The buds then go through a curing process. This consists of storing them in airtight containers for several weeks, opening them periodically to renew the oxygen. Curing stabilizes the aroma, softens the texture, and reduces certain compounds that can be irritating. Thus, the result is a dried flower, with good conservation and ready for use or further processing. What is hash? Hashish, also known as hash, is another of the oldest and most traditional derivatives of cannabis. Unlike marijuana, which preserves the flower in its natural form, hashish is obtained by processing the concentrated resin of the plant. This resin is a sticky substance that coats trichomes, and can be extracted using different techniques, some of which are centuries old. The result is a compact, moldable product with a visual identity that is very different from marijuana. Hashish has been part of multiple cultures, especially in regions such as Morocco, India, Pakistan or Afghanistan, where its production is passed down from generation to generation. Thanks to these artisanal practices, today there are different types of hash, with different colors, textures and degrees of purity. How much cannabis is made into hash Hash is made exclusively from the natural resin produced by trichomes. Trichomes are small glands visible as bright or crystalline dots on the surface of the flower. Many of the characteristic compounds of cannabis are concentrated there. To make hash, the whole flower and leaves are not used, but this resinous layer is separated mechanically, thermally or manually. This separation allows the most valuable elements of the plant to be concentrated in a single product, without the plant elements that characterize marijuana. That’s why, although the origin is the same, the content and form of hashish differ profoundly. What hash looks like Unlike marijuana, hash does not retain any visible part of the flower. It comes as a compact dough, which can vary in shape and color. Its coloration ranges from light gold to dark brown or black, depending on the method of preparation and the type of plant used. The texture is also variable: some types of hash are soft and malleable, similar to plasticine, while others are harder and more brittle, similar to a porous stone. Common Methods of Making Hash Over time, different cultures have developed varied ways of collecting cannabis resin to make hashish. These techniques are distinguished both by the resources used and by the result they produce